Skook News - Your #1 Source for Schuylkill County News

Friday, May 20, 2016

Police Warn of Burglars Stealing Copper and Scrap

Mahanoy City Police are reporting that there have been multiple burglaries reported the last couple days in the borough.

The burglaries are reported to involve 3 males in a gold Mazda 4 door vehicle. The males have been stealing copper and scrap from abandoned homes in town.

Police have identified all 3 and have obtained video and pictures of the accused.

Anyone seeing this vehicle at any abandoned residences in the area is asked to contact police at (570) 773-2310.

Fire Damages 2 Homes Friday Morning

A fire has left at least 5 people homeless Friday morning.

Just after 7:00am Friday morning, fire crews were called to 421 Centre Street, Ashland for a working structure fire.

The fire quickly spread to an adjoining home at 419 Centre Street and was upgraded to a 3rd alarm.

Fire crews from all over Schuylkill and Northumberland Counties responded to help fight the fire.

No injuries were reported but 2 dogs reportedly died in the fire.

A third house suffered minimal damage.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Link to More Photos from Coal Region Fire
https://coal-region-fire.smugmug.com/EMERGENCY-INCIDENT-2016/MAY-2016-INCIDENTS/ASHLAND-HOUSE-FIRE-5-20-2016/

Suspicious Package Found at the Pottsville Post Office

According to authorities, a suspicious package was found at the Pottsville Post Office Friday morning.

Upcoming Schuylkill County Road Work

Man Drowns in Pine Grove Township Reservoir

A Lebanon County man reportedly drowned in a Pine Grove Township reservoir Wednesday.

According to the Republican Herald, dive teams recovered the body of Joseph Kearney, 22, of Lebanon from the High Bridge Dam of Lebanon County Reservoir in Pine Grove Township late Thursday.

The drowning reportedly took place Wednesday evening.

The State Police in Schuylkill Haven are investigating.

Full details from the Republican Herald

http://republicanherald.com/lebanon-man-drowns-in-reservoir-in-pine-grove-township-1.2044617

Five Arrested in Drug Sweep Thursday

Five individuals were arrested Thursday when they were picked up on outstanding warrants.

According to the Schuylkill County District Attorney's Office, authorities attempted to arrest individuals on 10 different warrants Thursday on drug charges.

Arrests began around 6:30am in the Ashland/Girardville area, and out of the 10, 5 individuals were arrested, listed below are the names and charges:

Ryan Connor

charges for possession/delivery of methamphetamine, $50,000 Straight Cash Bail

Leo Cress, 56, Girardville

charges for possession/delivery of suboxone, $10,000 Straight Cash Bail

Susan McGurl, 45, Ashland

charges for possession/delivery of bath salts, $50,000 Straight Cash Bail

April Mogish

charges for possession/delivery of bath salts, $55,000 Straight Cash Bail

Theodore Stang, 51, Girardville

charges for possession/delivery of prescription pills, $10,000 Straight Bail

All 5 were arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Christina Hale and committed to Schuylkill County Prison

The other 5 individuals are still being sought by authorities on outstanding warrants and are asking for the public's help if you know their whereabouts.

Christopher Benjamin, 33, Lost Creek
Jason Connor, unknown
Justin Kachelries, 24, Girardville
Angela Kohl, 27, Girardville
Jesse Pritsch, 33, Ashland

Anyone with information on the individuals above should call the drug tip line at 1-800-414-1406.

Arrests Made During Warrant Sweep Thursday Morning

On Thursday morning, authorities were busy serving warrants in the Girardville area.

County Treasurer Reminds Dog Owners that Licenses are Past Due

Treasurer Linda Marchalk reminds all Schuylkill County dog owners that 2016 dog licenses are now past due. State law requires that all dogs three months or older be licensed by January 1. An annual license is $8.50 and a lifetime license is $51.50. If the dog is spayed or neutered, the annual fee is $6.50 while a lifetime license is $31.50. Discounts are available for senior citizens and people with disabilities. Marchalk has been told that State Dog Wardens will be canvassing in Schuylkill County in June as well as additional times throughout the year. For each unlicensed dog, the warden can issue the dog owner a citation which is a summary offense which carries a maximum fine of $300.

Licenses are available at the Schuylkill County Treasurer’s Office or your local dog agent. For your convenience, you can also go online at www.padoglicense.com to purchase your license. A list of 2016 Dog Agents and a downloadable application is available online at www.co.schuylkill.pa.us/Offices/Treasurer/Treasurer.asp

“Not only is it a state law, but obtaining a license is a good way to ensure the safety of our pets,” said Marchalk. “If a dog is lost or stolen, a license can safely reunite them with the owner.”

T-102 Appalachian Wine Festival This Weekend

The T-102 Applachian Wine Festival is this weekend.

USA Drive-In Opening This Weekend at the Schuylkill Mall

The Drive In is scheduled to open for the summer on Friday, May 20th.

On Wednesday, around 8:30pm, Shenandoah Borough Police were called to 23 S Chestnut St for a heroin overdose.

Free Car Seat Fitting Stations Scheduled As Part of "Click It or Ticket"

The national "Click It or Ticket" campaign occurs May 23 - June 5, 2016.

Girls Pint is happy to announce that Anthracite Girls Pint Out is the newest Girls Pint Out chapter.

Courtney Steinruch a soon to be Blue Mountain graduate speaks about her future plans to study environmental science to the members of the South Schuylkill Garden Club at their monthly meeting. Courtney is this year's recipient of the Club's Scholarship. Looking on is Porcupine Pat as the Scholarship Chairman.

Photo taken by Kim Morgan

One Flown to Hospital After Crash Overnight

One person was flown to an area hospital overnight after a crash early Wednesday.