POTTSVILLE — Pottsville City Council conducted the first reading of a proposed ordinance , that would prohibit the sale, distribution, manufacture and production of kratom and a range of substances defined in the measure as synthetic drugs within city limits.
Bill 32 of 2026 would create Chapter 199, titled “Synthetic Drugs,” in the city’s code. The measure remains a proposal and was not enacted through the first reading.
A Pennsylvania State Police trooper killed while conducting a commercial vehicle safety inspection in Schuylkill County was among nine fallen first responders honored , with the Keystone First Responder Award.
Governor Josh Shapiro presented the awards to the surviving families during a ceremony at the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg, according to an October 5 news release from the Pennsylvania State Police.
PORTER TOWNSHIP — Three teenage girls were taken to hospitals with suspected serious injuries following a crash late Sunday, , on Route 209 in Porter Township, Schuylkill County.
According to Pennsylvania State Police at Schuylkill Haven, the crash occurred around 11:36 p.m. as a 2011 Ford Focus was traveling north on Route 209.
Schuylkill County will have a mostly sunny Thursday with a high near 63°F before showers return overnight. Friday brings a high near 74°F, showers and possible thunderstorms, followed by a much colder weekend with widespread frost expected Saturday night and Sunday morning.
Obituaries published for the Schuylkill County area on .
ASHLAND — As the Ashland area continues to deal with an ongoing boil-water advisory, new information provided by the Ashland Area Municipal Authority's engineering firm has shed light on the series of problems that led to the water crisis, while residents have pressed borough officials for answers about water safety, pressure problems, and how long it will take to restore normal service.
Alfred Benesch & Company, the engineering firm working with the Ashland Area Municipal Authority (AAMA), provided a detailed summary of the water system and the events that unfolded beginning October 5, 2026.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will host its second winter job fair in Schuylkill County on , with onsite interviews and job offers available.
NEW PHILADELPHIA — Ferndale Road in New Philadelphia is closed following a train derailment early Wednesday afternoon.
The Blue Mountain High School Marching Band will host the 2026 Tournament of Bands Region II and IV Championships on , bringing eight marching bands to the Blue Mountain Eagles’ Nest Stadium.
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SCHUYLKILL COUNTY — Seven Schuylkill County-area high school football games are scheduled for Week 8 of the 2026 season on .
WEST BRUNSWICK TOWNSHIP — A Goshen, Indiana, man faces a felony charge after Pennsylvania State Police alleged he stayed in a vehicle in Schuylkill County for several days without completing required sex offender registration as a transient.
ST. CLAIR — A Schuylkill County Prison inmate faces escape and related charges after police say he left a work release assignment at a borough church and fled into a wooded area Friday morning.
Ryan Charles Yingst, 37, whose court-listed address is Lake Milton, Ohio, is charged with third-degree felony counts of escape and flight to avoid apprehension, trial or punishment, along with a misdemeanor count of evading arrest or detention on foot.
An Ashland man was injured when the electric scooter he was riding collided with an SUV at South Eighth and Centre streets on .
According to Pennsylvania State Police at Frackville, the crash occurred around 3:57 p.m. and involved Matthew J. Burke, 24, of Ashland, and a 2020 Ford Escape driven by Stephen D. Demko Jr., 71, also of Ashland.
Schuylkill County will remain warm Wednesday with highs near 75 degrees before showers arrive Thursday night and continue Friday, when thunderstorms are also possible. Much colder air follows for the weekend, with widespread frost expected Saturday night and Sunday morning.
Obituaries published for the Schuylkill County area on .