Thursday, April 6, 2017

Schuylkill County High School Baseball & Softball Scores - 04/05/2017


Schuylkill County High School Baseball & Softball Scores - 04/05/2017 

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Truck Driver to Be Cited After Equipment Falls Off Trailer on Interstate

A truck driver will be cited after an incident on Interstate 81 Wednesday afternoon.

Schuylkill County Obituaries for 04/05/2017


Schuylkill County Obituaries for 04/05/2017
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Paul A. Winans, 54, of Mahanoy City, PA, passed away Monday, April 3rd, in a motor vehicle accident.

Paul was born in Syracuse, NY on February 24, 1963, a son of Elfriede (Conrad) of Wyoming and Albert Winans.

He served in the U.S. Navy.

Paul worked for HEXCEL in St. Clair.

He was a member of the American Legion in Frackville. He was also active in the Men's Ministry at his church.

Paul was a member of the Freedom in Christ Church, Pottsville.

He was the husband of Carroll (Green) Winans.

Paul is also survived by 5 children and sisters Carolyn Sears, and Ellen Winans.

Services will be at the convenience of the family.

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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Charles S. Tice, 71, of Stoney Run Rd., North Manheim Twp., passed away on Monday, April 3, 2017 in the VA Medical Center Lebanon.

Born on April 25, 1945 in Pine Grove, he was a son of the late Harry A. and Irene A. Spangler Tice.

He was a member of Bethany Christian Church in Cressona.

Charles was an Army veteran having served during Vietnam, with Co C 4th BN, 31st INF, 196th Inf BDE. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge and the Sharpshooter (Rifle M-14).

He was a construction worker for Barto's, A & R Corp, and last worked for Arthur "Pat" Aungst, in Pine Grove.

Charles was a member of the Pine Grove Masonic Lodge No. 409 F & AM; Schuylkill Haven American Legion; F.O.P and a life member of the Pine Grove VFW Post 3432. He was also a life long Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Dodgers Fan and loved gardening.

Preceding him in death were five brothers, John Tice, Eugene Tice, Martin Tice, Harry Tice, and Edward Tice; a sister, Christine Zerbe.

Surviving are his wife of 49 years on April 20, Suzanne "Sue" Thomas Tice; two brothers, Richard Tice and Robert Tice, both of Pine Grove; five sisters, Cecelia Aungst and Mary Louise Kramer, both of Pine Grove, Hazel Heffner of Lebanon, Theresa White of Bethel, and Catherine Leisey of Myerstown; nieces and nephews; brothers and sisters-in-law.

All services will be held at the convenience of the family with Pastor Chris Fisher officiating. Interment will be in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Hospice Unit, Ward 1-4B, 1700 S. Lincoln Ave., Lebanon, Pa. 17042 in his memory.

You may send condolences to the family online at our website www.hlsnyderfuneralhome.com

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Florence A. Boltz, 91, of Auburn, PA passed away Tuesday, April 4th, at Laurel Center Genesis Health Eldercare, Hamburg.

Florence was born in Auburn, PA on May 28, 1925, a daughter of the late Katie (Mellon) and Howard Long.

She was the wife of Edwin H. Boltz. They just celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary on March 19th of this year

She was an Auburn High School Graduate and a member of St. John’s Church, Auburn, Staller-Luckenbill VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Post #3975, and Auburn Ambulance & Fire companies, Ladies Auxiliary of Shoemakersville, Fire Co. and the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.

She worked as a Secretary for Boltz Brothers Construction & Heating in Shoemakersville and she was also employed by Price Battery Company, Hamburg and Hopla Shoe Factory in Auburn, She also was a hairdresser working out of her own home in Auburn.

In addition to her husband Edwin, Florence is survived by her daughter, Donna M. , wife of Michael Brown and her son Carl E. , husband of Rebecca Boltz.

She is also survived by Grandchildren Karen Reed and Brandon Brown. Great Grandchildren Kyle & Ashley Ulsh and a Great Great Granddaughter Natalie Wagner. Also numerous nieces & nephews.

She was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Charles E. , Richard W. And Howard F. Long and 3 sisters Helen Moyer, Idella Schappell and Loretta M. Klahr.

A Celebration of Florence's Life Service will be held at 11:00 on Saturday, April 8th at Hamilton-Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. in Orwigsburg, PA with Rev. Paul Schoffstall officiating. Friends are invited to call from 9:00 until time of service at the Funeral Home on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Auburn Ambulance Association 131 1/2 South Front Street Auburn, PA 17922 or Staller-Luckenbill VFW Post # 3975 , 240 Pine street, Auburn, PA .

Interment will follow at St. John's UCC Cemetery Auburn.

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Butler Township To Hold First Crime Watch Meeting

Butler Township Police has announced it's first crime watch meeting.

Major League Baseball Scores from 04/04/2017


Major League Baseball Scores from 04/04/2017

State Police Seize Millions of Dollars in Heroin, Other Prohibited Drugs in the First Quarter of 2017

(04/05/2017) The Pennsylvania State Police announced Wednesday that troopers seized $13,755,803 worth of heroin, cocaine and other illegal drugs in the first three months of 2017.

Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Schuylkill County Obituaries for 04/04/2017


Schuylkill County Obituaries for 04/04/2017
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Kevin S. Bracey, Sr., age 60, of Port Carbon, PA passed away Sunday, April 2nd, 2017 at Lehigh Valley Health Network, Schuylkill East in Pottsville.

Born in Elizabeth, NJ on October 29, 1956, he was the son of the late Robert and Patricia (Cauley) Bracey Sr.

Kevin attended William Allen High School in Allentown and Pottsville High School. He served in the U.S. Navy during peacetime. Kevin worked as a Foreman for Hahn Construction Company in Reading.

Kevin was an avid sports fan, who loved the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles and mainly loved to hang out and spend time with his family. He also loved Pottsville Basketball and Softball, his favorite being Bloomsburg Softball.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 2 brothers: Robert Bracey Jr and Michael Bracey.

Kevin is survived by the love of his life of 36 years Jane Pepper, Port Carbon; An Uncle and Long time friend, James "Jim" Bracey and his companion Carol, Port Carbon; A second mother Geraldine "Betty" Belusko, Mechanicsville; 2 sons: Kevin S. Bracey Jr, Pottsville and Clint J. Bracey, Port Carbon; a daughter Liza R. Pepper, State College; 2 granddaughters: Kalista and Cameron Bracey, both of Minersville; a brother Thomas "Tommy" Bracey, and wife Lulu of Pottsville; 2 sisters: Patricia "Trish" Bracey, New Philadelphia and Suzie Fehr and her companion Leon of Rock; nieces. nephews. and too many other loving friends and family to count

Services are interment and private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hershey Medical Center in Hershey PA,
or the SPCA in Pottsville, PA

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Amber L. McCracken, 28, Girardville, passed away peacefully Monday at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, with her loving family by her side.

Born in Darby, PA, she is the daughter of Daryl McCracken, Darby and Charlotte Dowling, Girardville. She was known for her love for her children and her devotion to her family.

She was preceded in death by a brother Alex Skinner and a sister Cara Skinner.

In addition to her parents, Amber is survived by her husband Jesse Smith, Lavelle, her son Travis Smith, Girardville, her daughter Clarity Johnstone, Girardville, her three brothers; John McCracken and Chase Skinner, both of Girardville and Tyler Skinner, Shenandoah, her two sisters Heather and Jenna Skinner both of Girardville, her maternal grandparents Michael Dowling and Joyce Rawlings and her paternal grandparents Terrence and Tina McCracken, also by her loving aunts, uncles, cousins and by numerous friends.

Funeral services will be held at Noon on Friday from the Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Girardville. A viewing will be held Friday morning from 10 a.m. until time of service. Interment will be in Sunnyside Memorial Cemetery, Lavelle.
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Schuylkill County Police Log for 04/04/17



Schuylkill County Police Log for 04/04/17

Schuylkill County High School Baseball & Softball Scores - 04/03/2017


Schuylkill County High School Baseball & Softball Scores - 04/03/2017 

Successful Practice Sets up Exciting Season at Big Diamond Speedway

Sunny skies and temperature in the middle 60s greeted race fans at Big Diamond Speedway on Sunday afternoon as the track opened its gate for a practice session.

Man Admits to Stealing Copper Wiring from Coal Company

A man admitted to police that he was stealing copper from a coal company.

Schuylkill County District Attorney Raising Awareness for National Crime Victim's Week

National Crime Victim's Week, which runs from April 2nd through April 8th, 2017 was created to raise awareness about crime victims’ issues and rights.

MLB Scores from 04/03/2017


Major League Baseball Scores from 04/03/2017

Monday, April 3, 2017

Schuylkill County Obituaries for 04/03/2017


Schuylkill County Obituaries for 04/03/2017
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Jane L (Stump) Southam, age 87, of Cat Tail Lane, New Ringgold, PA, passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2017, at home while in the care of her family.

She was the widow of Ralph F.W. Southam who died 4/27/1997.

She had worked for Slim Jim, of Folcroft PA as a packer and was formerly in sales.

Jane enjoyed doing ceramics.

 

Born in Collingdale, PA on July 11, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Albert J. Stump and the late Kathryn (Scott) Stump.

She is survived by her
Daughters,
Rose Marie Crispin wife of Samuel of Morton, PA;
Ruth Ann Rodick of New Ringgold with whom she resided;
Jane L Redner wife of Joseph of New Ringgold;

Ten Grandchildren
Many Great-Grandchildren
One Great Great Grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her sons, Ralph F.W. Jr. and Robert R. Southam; daughter, Barbara Southam; brother, Robert Haines Stump; sister, Elizabeth Lockwood.

Private Arrangements have been entrusted to the Robert S. Nester Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 2066 West Penn Pike, New Ringgold, PA.

Online Registry and Condolences may be signed at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com.
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Sarah A. Nelson, beloved mother, grandmother, and sister, 77 years of age of East Elm Street, Tamaqua, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 1, 2017, at St. Luke's Bethlehem.

Survived by; sons, Dwayne E. Nelson of Freeland, Ronald F. Nelson of South Carolina, Greg S. Nelson and his wife Melissa of Tioga, PA, Robert J. Nelson of Tamaqua; daughters, Susan E. Stine and her companion Paul Balogach of Tamaqua, Eva M. Wagner and her husband Shawn of Schuylkill Haven; brother, Edward Miller and his wife Charlene of Oregon; sisters, Mrs. Mary Benson and her husband Woodrow of Tamaqua, Mrs. Susan Harner of Tamaqua, Mrs. Joan Hecking wife of David of Hamburg, Mrs. Elizabeth Bowhan of Shoemakersville; grand children, Rebecca Watkins, Rita Nelson, Ryan Nelson, Andy Nelson, Anthony Nelson, Robert Nelson, Jr., Zakk Barr, Dustin Barr, Xavier Barr, Madison Phillips, Sarah Cuevas; great grand children, Jesse Skrobak, Addison Watkins, Hailee Sillers, Alivia Sillers, Andrew Nelson, Jr., Tyler Nelson, and Kylie Nelson. Many nieces and nephews also survive her.

Catholic by faith, Sarah enjoyed spending time with family, and watching Nascar.

Born Thursday, September 21, 1939 in Middleport, the daughter of the late Edward, and Susan Miller. She was predeceased by; sister, Mrs. Marie Major; brother, Mr. John Miller; great grandchild, baby James Skrobak.

Funeral arrangement's 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 Funeral service will be held on April 6, 2017 from the funeral home at 10 o'clock A.M.,

The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, April 5, 2017, at E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 655 E Broad Street, Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.

Private interment.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com
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Edward J. Humma, 82, of Washington Township, passed away Friday at Lebanon Veteran's Hospital, Lebanon.

Born in Reading, March 20, 1935, he was a son of the late Theodore and Margaret Botzum Humma.

He was the husband of Florence T. Korcz Humma.

He was of the Catholic faith and served in the Navy as a ETN3 in the Korean War.

He held various different jobs, including maintenance at Market Square Apartments, Pottsville; Post Precision, Strausstown; and a candy maker.

Edward is survived by a daughter, Kim Somers, wife of Roger, and two sons, Kevin Humma, husband of Cheryl, and Kenneth Humma, all of Schuylkill Haven; grandchildren, Roger, Matthew, Joshua, Cody, Latitia, Stephen, Ian, Ryan, Shawn, Travis, Jason and Nicole; great-grandchildren, Caleb, Lilly, Tanner, Abby, Paige, Jaycee and Trent; a sister, Marilyn Clisham, and a brother, David Humma, husband of Linda, all of Ephrata.

A Celebration of Life funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Ebling-Stabingas Funeral Home, Cressona. A visitation for family and friends will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home prior to the service. The family requests donations to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. Interment will be held at a later date.

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Regina F. Piccioni, 89, of Pottsville, passed away in Luther Ridge, Pottsville, on Saturday morning.

She was born on April 8, 1927, to the late Theresa (Nicastro) and Edward Thomas, of Port Carbon, where she was raised and attended school.

Regina was a member of St. Patrick R.C.C. and the former St. Joseph Parish.

She was married to Frank Piccioni on August 1, 1948 at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church and the couple resided for 65 years on North Second Street, Pottsville. She was a long time member of the church choir.

Regina was a homemaker and in her earlier years she was a milliner at Lee’s Millinary,
Pottsville.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Piccioni, on January 24, 2015, and to whom she was married 67 years; brothers: Robert and William Thomas and Daniel Strausser; and sister, Geraldine Hughes.

Regina is survived by four sons: Richard and his wife, Kathleen, of Geneva, NY; Francis, of Pottsville; Michael and partner, Edward Getty, of Princeton Junction, NJ; Robert and his wife, Melanie, of Rowlett, TX; 3 grandchildren: Dr. David Piccioni, of San Diego, CA; Christine Piccioni and partner, Matthew Ferrara, of Seneca Falls, NY; Isabella Piccioni, of Rowlett, TX; 2 great grandchildren, Matthew and Ava Piccioni-Ferrara; a brother, Charles Thomas and his wife, Sandra, of Middleport, PA; and a sister, Shirley McGuire, of Port Carbon.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, April 7th at 11:00 a.m. in St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, 319 Mahantongo St., Pottsville. A viewing will be held on Thursday evening from 6-8:00 p.m. at Lord-Bixler Funeral Home, Inc, 1818 Mahantongo St., Pottsville and on Friday morning in the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until the procession will leave for church.

Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Hillside.

The family request contributions in Regina’s memory be sent to: Alzheimers Association, 2595 Interstate Dr., Suite 100, Harrisburg, PA 17110.

Lord-Bixler Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be expressed at lordbixler.com.

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Man Identified in Fatal Crash Monday Afternoon

Police are investigating a 2 vehicle fatal crash that occurred Monday afternoon.

JOB OPENING: Pottsville Police Patrolman

The Bureau of Police of the City of Pottsville is accepting applications for the position of Police Patrolman.

Men Seen Stealing Package from Front Porch

Police are trying to identify two men, where one of them stole a package from a front porch.

Road Closed Due to Crash; Coroner Called to the Scene

A crash has closed the Burma Road Monday afternoon.

Bon-Ton Closure Date Announced

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. on Saturday officially announced when it will close its Bon-Ton store at the Schuylkill Mall in Frackville, Pennsylvania.

Saturday, April 1, 2017

Railroad Speeders Cross Schuylkill County on Saturday


On Saturday, members of the North American Railcar Operators Association (NARCOA) crossed Schuylkill County in their "Speeders"

Upcoming Schuylkill County Road Work


Upcoming Schuylkill County Road Work

Friday, March 31, 2017

Wolf Administration Announces $3.4 Million Project to Improve PA 309 in Schuylkill County

The Wolf Administration announced today work is scheduled to begin Tuesday (April 4) on a project to improve PA 309 in Tamaqua Borough and Rush Township, Schuylkill County.

Schuylkill County Obituaries for 03/31/2017


Schuylkill County Obituaries for 03/31/2017

Man Caught Stealing Thousands of Dollars in Aluminum

On Thursday, a man was caught stealing thousands of dollars in aluminum.

PPL Warns Against Using Energy Efficiency Kit Nightlights

On Thursday, PPL Electric Utilities announced asking customers not to use LED nightlights contained in energy-efficiency kits after three people reported the units started smoking and one reported it caught fire.

Thursday, March 30, 2017

Boil Advisory Issued

A boil advisory has been issued for Schuylkill Haven.

SCAM ALERT: "Deadly Crash" Facebook Scam Spreads Virus

A "Deadly Crash" Facebook post played on people's emotions Wednesday night on Facebook in order to try and spread a virus.

Police and US Marshals Searching for Missing Judge from Lackawanna County

The Pennsylvania State Police and US Marshals have issued a missing endangered person advisory for a Judge from Lackawanna County.

Schuylkill County Woman Testifies on Capitol Hill on Challenges of Alzheimer's Disease

Screenshot from C-Span
On Wednesday, a Schuylkill County woman testified on Capitol Hill on the Challenges of Alzheimer's Disease.

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

District Attorney Rewards Law Enforcement in their Effort to Drive Drugs Out of Schuylkill County

On Wednesday, Schuylkill County District Attorney rewarded law enforcement in their efforts to drive drugs out of Schuylkill County.

Meth and Synthetic Marijuana Found During Traffic Stop

A man is facing drug charges after a traffic stop this past weekend.

Family Fun Fishing at Sweet Arrow Lake

The 5th Annual Family Fun Fishing Event kick-off will be held on Sunday, April 23 from 6 am to 2 pm at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park thanks to major sponsors,  Friends of Schuylkill Parks and Recreation and Pine Grove Fish and Game.

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

TRAFFIC ALERT: Crash Causing Backups on Route 61

(03/28/17) A crash near St. Clair is causing backups on Route 61.

Monday, March 27, 2017

Route 901 Closed Due to Crash

(03/27/17)  Route 901 was closed Monday evening due to a crash.

Saturday, March 25, 2017

Fire Crews Quickly Extinguish Kitchen Fire Saturday Afternoon

(03/25/17)  Around 2:45pm, Saturday afternoon, fire crews were called to 1 East Upper Railroad Street, Girardville for a kitchen fire.

Centiole's Pizza Returning This Week

This past week, we had the privilege of helping Patti Centiole announce the opening date of the new Centiole's Pizza.

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Police Warn Residents of PPL Phone Scam

Police are warning residents of another phone scam that is being reported in the area.

Centioles to Announce Opening Date; Q&A Scheduled

Skook News will be coming to you live Thursday evening with the announcement!

Minersville Wins Girls AA Basketball State Title


Minersville Wins Girls AA Basketball State Title

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

15 Dogs Rescued from Home in Pottsville

Over a dozen dogs were rescued from a home in Pottsville last week.

Man in Custody After Leading Police in Separate Chases Tuesday Night; Drugs Found During Search

Photo Courtesy of
Fire & Film
(03/22/2017) A man led police in separate chases in Schuylkill County Tuesday night.

Screenings Announced of Upcoming Centralia Documentary

Filmmakers have announced screening of upcoming Documentary about Centralia.

District Judge Announces Bid for Re-Election

Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale announced her candidacy for a second term in Magisterial District 21-2-01, Frackville.

Police Warning Residents of Phone Scam

Police are warning of a phone scam that occurred this week.

Route 309 Closed in West Penn Township Due to Fire

(03/22/2017) A fire has closed Route 309 in West Penn Township.

Tuesday, March 21, 2017