Tractor Trailer Rollover Closes Interstate 81 Onramp Thursday Morning

Around 11:15am, Thursday morning, emergency personnel were called to the Onramp of Interstate 81 South for a tractor trailer rollover at Milemark 131 (Mahanoy City).

No word on injuries at this time.

Spring Robin in Schuylkill County

Schuylkill County Enacts Burn Ban

(04/20/16) Schuylkill County has been experiencing an exceptional number of uncontrolled fires due to the carelessness of individuals. The fires are fueled by dry, fallen branches and leaf ground cover and driven by brisk winds.

Therefore, with overwhelming support of area fire chiefs and on the recommendation of the District Forester, Timothy Ladner of the Weiser Forest District, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Schuylkill County Commissioners have approved a county-wide ban on open burning that will take effect at noon on Friday April 22, 2016 and will remain in place until noon on Sunday May 22, 2016.

Uncontrolled fires in brush and wooded areas put a tremendous strain on our firefighters, endanger watersheds, obstruct transportation corridors, pose a threat to commercial operations and residential areas. We are taking this action earlier in the season with the hope of raising awareness within the community and limiting the danger of uncontrolled fires. We urge the public to adhere to these temporary restrictions in the interest of everyone’s safety.

Under the ban, residents are forbidden from any outdoor burning of items such as garbage, leaves, grass, twigs, litter and paper. Grilling in proper containers is still permitted; however, the ban forbids lighting fires in outdoor burn barrels or fire rings. Residents violating the ban face fines of $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second and $300 for each additional violation. Violators are also responsible for the cost of extinguishment of any wildland fire they cause.

Businesses may request an exemption to the burn ban. A letter of explanation detailing the adverse economic effects of the ban must be submitted to the Schuylkill County Emergency Management Agency for review and consideration.

The last county-wide burn ban was in April of 2015 and resulted in a substantial reduction in the number of uncontrolled fires compared to similar periods of time without bans in place. DCNR personnel will continually monitor rainfall and forest and ground cover conditions throughout the ban. If the District Forester deems necessary, he may recommend the commissioners extend the ban an additional thirty days. Questions can be directed to the county’s Emergency Management Agency at 570-621-9966 or via email to: BurnBan@scema.org .

Remains of Puppies Found in Schuylkill County Creek

Earlier Tuesday, the remains of 9 puppies were found in Wiconisco Creek in Porter Township outside Tower City after the remains were found on Monday.

Friday Night's Big Diamond Speedway Results

Big Diamond Speedway Results

Friday, April 16, 2016

Sheppton: The Myth, Miracle & Music Book Signing

The Ashland Historical Preservation Society will host a presentation and book signing by Coal Region Author Maxim W. Furek. The author will discuss his latest book Sheppton: The Myth, Miracle & Music during a special presentation on Wednesday, April 27, 2016 at 7:00 pm. The society is located at the 318 Centre Street, Ashland, PA 17921.

Police Advise Frackville Residents of Black Bears

(04/19/16)  FRACKVILLE - The Frackville Borough Police advised residents that live on West High Street in the borough to be careful due to two black bears being sighted in the area.

They've advised residents to be careful overnight and into Tuesday morning. 

Bridge to Close Overnight for Repairs

Construction crews will continue nightly repairs on the PA 924 bridge deck in Shenandoah Borough in Schuylkill County.

Police Seek Man on Warrants

The Rush Township Police Department has Felony warrants for 29 year old Michael F. Jevelle. 

Man Facing Charges After Fleeing Police

(04/18/16)  EAST UNION TOWNSHIP - Wildrid Santos Colon of Hazleton was arrested Sunday evening and is charged with Felony Fleeing & Eluding a police officer along with numerous traffic violations after a incident on Shepp Street in Sheppton, two other men will face summary violations in connection with the incident.

Scheduled Schuylkill County Road Work

Scheduled Schuylkill County Road Work

Mahanoy City Street Sweeping to Resume

Earlier, Mahanoy City suspended street sweeping after repairs to the sweeper needed to be made.

Photo Safari Scheduled for Sweet Arrow Lake Park

Join Bob Evanchalk on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. as he leads you to some of the best areas to photograph in Sweet Arrow Lake County Park. Later we will review the images and the group will choose the best. This is a great way to improve your technique and gain pointers from fellow shutterbugs. Bring your digital camera, download cable, and an empty card.

Pre-registration is requested by calling 570-527-2505. The number of participants may be limited. The event takes place rain or shine and is free and open to the public. This program is suitable for teens and adults.

Spring Bird Walk Scheduled for Sweet Arrow Lake Park

Join local naturalist Denise “Nightowl” Donmoyer on May 14, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. to locate and identify from sight and song, resident and migratory species that inhabit the Sweet Arrow Lake County Park. You may even see a bald eagle!

We will meet at the Waterfall parking lot for this program that is free and open to beginning and experienced birdwatchers.

The walk will be cancelled in the event of rain. Call 570-345-8952 for information.

May Day Dance Scheduled for Sweet Arrow Lake Park

Rock the night away with the sounds of TBA on Friday, May 13, 2016, 7:00-10:00 p.m. at the Sweet Arrow Lake County Park clubhouse. 

Admission: $10 advance ticket purchase; $12 at the door. For tickets call Susan at 570-624-3018.