Schuylkill County Small Town Makes List of Top 10 in Pennsylvania

AreaVibes is a web site that uses a Livability Score that was designed to help you find the best places to live.

It is created using a unique algorithm that takes into account dozens of characteristics in 7 different categories including nearby amenities, cost of living, crime rates, education, employment, housing and weather. A total Livability Score is then calculated out of 100 for any area across America.

The web site has ranked small towns in Pennsylvania based on

• Population Density
• Lowest unemployment rates
• High housing costs (shows demand)
• Adjusted Median Income
• Education (Lowest number of high school dropouts)
• Low crime

The following is the list of 10 Best Small Towns in PA, according to the web site

1. Mount Gretna
2. Patterson Heights
3. Thornburg
4. Rosslyn Farms
5. Ben Avon Heights
6. Goldsboro
7. Deer Lake
8. Dauphin
9. Glen Osborne
10. Rutledge

Check out the list here at http://www.areavibes.com/library/10-best-small-towns-pennsylvania/

Fish for Free at Sweet Arrow Lake

Some things in life are free and that includes Fish for Free days that are held twice a year and apply to all waters of the Commonwealth of Pa. This year the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will allow anyone, resident or non-resident, to fish without a fishing license on Memorial Day weekend (May 29th) and Independence Day (July 4th). These free fishing days are the perfect way to reacquaint yourself with the sport or introduce someone young or old to a lifetime of the relaxing sport of fishing. All PFBC fishing regulations will apply.

Group Discusses Future Needs for Hospital Care in Schuylkill County

Pottsville, Pa – Workers at Schuylkill Medical Center hosted a Community Town Hall meeting on Wednesday May 4th,  2016 just weeks after the hospital announcement a partnership with Lehigh Valley Health Network.

“It was important to bring people together to find out what the community is hoping for with this new partnership,” said Brian Symons, a cook at the hospital. “We have a great opportunity with LVHN to build something really special, and we’re looking forward to working with them to do just that.”

The workers were joined by community leaders and other area residents for an open discussion, including what key services would be provided in the future.

“In the months leading up to the partnership announcement, there were a lot of rumors about departments closing,” said Pam Smith, nurse assistant in the psych department. “People would ask me ‘Will we have OB? Will we have cancer treatment? Will we keep the mental health services?’ These are really important issues that are on the public’s mind, so we wanted to make sure people had the opportunity to share their thoughts.”

Another issue discussed was the need for good, family-sustaining jobs.

“It’s no secret that this area struggles economically,” said Heather Mannon, from housekeeping. “Since SMC is one of the largest employers in the region, people look to it to provide good jobs.”

Over 60 people attended the event, including dozens of supporters from the community, representatives from Congressman Cartwright and Rep. Goodman's offices, and physicians.

“Whether it’s workers, patients, neighbors, or LVHN, we all want the same thing – and that’s a successful hospital that serves this community in the best way possible – with outstanding service and quality jobs” continued Mannon. “This is a new chapter in our hospital’s history, and we are excited to be a part of it.”

Posted from Press Release from Karen Gownley

Man Facing DUI Charges from Motor Vehicle Accident

Frackville Borough Police have filed charges against Blake Tiley, 24, of Ashland, after the investigation of a Motor Vehicle Accident that occurred on March 25th in the 400 block of S. Balliet St.

Schuylkill fire, EMS Companies Receive $1.4 million in State Grants

HARRISBURG – The state has awarded $1.4 million in grants to fire and EMS companies across Schuylkill County, state Reps. Neal P. Goodman, Jerry Knowles, and Mike Tobash and state Sen. David G. Argall announced.

The grants come from the Fire Company and Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant Program.

“These grants will help volunteers from across the county to continue their life-saving work,” said Goodman, D-Schuylkill. “I am grateful for all the work our fire and EMS companies do, and I’m proud that the state provides this support to them.”

“As a former active volunteer firefighter, I recognize the costs of equipment and fire apparatus,” said Knowles, R-Schuylkill. “I’m glad our area emergency service providers are receiving these state funds to help with their necessary costs.”

“We are very thankful and appreciative of our volunteer fire companies, comprised of men and women from all across our area,” said Tobash, R-Schuylkill. “I am glad they are able to receive this funding so they can continue to keep communities safe when emergencies strike.”

“This investment will assist our local volunteer first responders to protect more lives in Schuylkill County,” said Argall, R-Schuylkill/Berks. “I applaud the efforts of our local volunteers to secure these state funds and I look forward to supporting House Bill 1877.”

With the grant program set to expire on June 30, 2016, Goodman, Knowles, and Tobash recently voted in favor of H.B.1877, which would extend the program for another four years. The bill will now go to the state Senate for consideration.

Grants can be used toward repairing, building or renovating facilities. Grant money also can be applied toward the purchase of new equipment, training and certification of staff, or it may go to repay debt related to equipment purchases or facility building and maintenance.

In the county, 118 fire and EMS companies were awarded grants that ranged in amount from $25,289.79 to $4,735.70. A complete list of Schuylkill County fire and EMS companies that received these grants is available by clicking here.

Information Posted from PAHouse.net

Community Town Hall Meeting Being Held Wednesday Regarding Schuylkill Medical Center

Employees of Schuylkill Medical Center are holding a public Town Hall to discuss what they want and need from our health system.

Funding Available for Home Repairs through USDA Rural Development 504 Loans

Harrisburg, PA- Homeowners in rural areas who need repairs to their homes but can’t afford regular loans may be eligible for participation in USDA Rural Development’s Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants Program.

Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants, also known as the Section 504 Home Repair Program, aims to provide loans for very-low-income homeowners to repair, improve, or modernize their homes. A 504 loan can reach a maximum of $20,000 at a fixed interest rate of 1%. The 504 Program also provides grants, which can be worth a maximum of $7,500 and may only be issued to eligible seniors aged 62 and older, and may only be used for the removal of health and safety hazards.

In order to qualify for a 504 loan, an applicant must be the homeowner and occupy the house, be unable to obtain affordable credit elsewhere, and have a family income below 50% of the area’s median income. For grants, the only qualification is that an applicant must be 62 years of age or older and must be unable to repay a repair loan.

Applications for this program are taken year-round. For more information on the 504 Home Repair Program call (717) 237-2266. For more information on the other programs Rural Development has to offer in Pennsylvania visit http://www.rd.usda.gov/pa.

Schuylkill Conservation District’s 15th Annual Bear Creek Festival This Sunday

The Schuylkill Conservation District’s 15th Annual Bear Creek Festival will take place on Sunday, May 15, 2016, at the Schuylkill County Fairgrounds in Summit Station from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Sweet Arrow Lake Fishing Tournament

Join us at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park on Sunday, May 22, 2016, 6:00 a.m. to noon for a fishing tournament. No check-in is required if you are pre-registered. A horn will signal the start of the event and weigh-in begins at 8:00 a.m. at the PA Fish and Boat Commission access area. All entrants must be in line for weigh-in by noon. All PFBC regulations, including limits and utilization of fish will apply. There will be separate divisions for boat and shore anglers.

The entry fee is $20 per person. There will be eight total cash prizes per division each equal to 10 percent of the entry fees. The balance of the entry fees will benefit Schuylkill County Sportsmen’s Advisory Board. Prizes will be announced at the event.

Species and Prizes:

Crappies – Only fish less than 10 inches in length may be entered and must be removed from the lake (50 fish limit per angler).

* First 50 fish limit or most caught.

* Lightest average weight for catches up to 10, from 11-20, 21-30, 31-40 and 41-50 fish.


Carp – No bow fishing allowed. All carp must be removed from the lake.

* Total weight (50 fish limit per angler).

* Heaviest single.

In the event of ties, prizes will be shared or determined by coin flip. Please be honest so we all have a great time and can continue the event in the future.



Bass – None Allowed

St. Michaels Ukrainian Church Indulgence Basket Raffle

Treat yourself! Buy a Chance on the INDULGENCE BASKET!

Included : a blue tiffany- style lamp, a small brown dragon fly pattern tiffany-style lamp, pearl pendant necklace, a $30.00 gift certificate to Hair Waves, A manicure & pedicure gift certificate to Alexandria’s, scarves, a candle, a frame and more!

Basket is valued at more than $300.00.

Drawing is May 15th, 2016

Tickets available now! $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00. Contact the St. Michael’s Rectory, Shenandoah 570-462-0809

Meth Lab Discovered During Investigation

A Meth Lab was discovered during an investigation of a prior incident.

Knoebels Named Favorite Amusement Park, Best Family Park, and Best Wooden Rollercoaster

Lombard, IL – Knoebels Amusement Resort dominated the results of the National Amusement Park Historical Association (NAPHA) 30th annual NAPHA Amusement Park and Attractions Survey. The NAPHA survey is the oldest of its type.

Dozens in Custody from Monday Morning's Drug Sweep in Schuylkill County

(05/02/2016) The following is a list of those taken into custody Monday morning during a drug sweep of Tamaqua and the surrounding areas by the Tamaqua Police, State Police, and Schuylkill County Drug Task Force.

Monday Morning Drug Bust

(05/02/16) - The Tamaqua Police, State Police, and Schuylkill County District Attorney's Drug Task Force were busy Monday morning rounding up drug suspects in the Tamaqua area.

According to the Schuylkill County District Attorney's Office, authorities were looking for 28 suspects.

The raids began around 6:30am.

More details as they come available.

North Schuylkill Hosts "Stand Against Racism Assembly"

On Friday, North Schuylkill Jr/Sr High School hosted a special assembly in honor of “Stand Against Racism”.

Drive In Movies Returning to the Schuylkill Mall

For those who love going to the Drive In will be happy to hear that the Drive In Movies will be returning at the Schuylkill Mall.

Pottsville Native Signs with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Anthony Kelly, of Pottsville, on Saturday signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

North Schuylkill to Honor Long-Time Baseball Coach

On Saturday, May 7th, the North Schuylkill School District will be holding a pre-game ceremony to honor long-time baseball coach Robert Wetzel.

No Injuries in Rollover Crash Friday Afternoon

Just after 5:00pm Friday afternoon, emergency personnel were called to 10 Main Blvd, Brandonville for a motor vehicle accident with rollover.

Scheduled Schuylkill County Road Work

Scheduled Schuylkill County Road Work

Municipality: Union Township

ROAD NAME: Artistes Road
BETWEEN: Ringtown AND Columbia County Line
Type of Work: Shoulder Work/Widening
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime

RESTRICTION: Lane restriction with flagging.

START DATE: 05/09/2016 Est. Completion Date: 05/13/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

--------------------------------------------

Municipality: Union Township

ROAD NAME: Evert's Flats
BETWEEN: Ringtown AND Nuremberg
Type of Work: Shoulder Work/Widening
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime

RESTRICTION: Lane restriction with flagging.

START DATE: 05/02/2016 Est. Completion Date: 05/06/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

--------------------------------------------

Municipality: Union Twp

ROAD NAME: Evert's Flats
BETWEEN: Ringtown AND Nuremberg
Type of Work: Shoulder Work/Widening
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime

RESTRICTION: Lane restriction with flagging.

START DATE: 04/25/2016 Est. Completion Date: 04/29/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

--------------------------------------------

Municipality: Mahanoy Township

ROAD NAME: Interstate 81
BETWEEN: Exit 124 (Frackville) AND Exit 131 (PA 54)
Type of Work: Pothole Patching
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime

RESTRICTION: Lane restriction both directions.

START DATE: 05/02/2016 Est. Completion Date: 05/06/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

--------------------------------------------

Municipality: Mahanoy Township

ROAD NAME: Interstate 81
BETWEEN: Exit 124 (Frackville) 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: 05/09/2016 Est. Completion Date: 05/13/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

--------------------------------------------

Municipality: Frailey & Foster Twps.

ROAD NAME: Interstate 81
BETWEEN: Exit 107 (US 209) AND Exit 119 (Highridge Park Road)
Type of Work: Crack Sealing
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime

RESTRICTION: Be alert for lane restrictions on I-81 north or south. This will be a moving operation. Expect delays and please use caution driving through the work zone.

START DATE: 04/18/2016 Est. Completion Date: 05/06/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

--------------------------------------------

Municipality: West Penn Township

ROAD NAME: PA 309/West Penn Pike
BETWEEN: Owl Creek Road AND Lehigh County Line
Type of Work: Pothole Patching
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime

RESTRICTION: Lane restrictions. Expect delays and please use caution driving through the work zone.

START DATE: 04/18/2016 Est. Completion Date: 05/06/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

--------------------------------------------

Municipality: Wayne Township

ROAD NAME: PA 443/Fair Road
BETWEEN: Front Street AND PA 125/North Tulpehocken Street
Type of Work: Crack Sealing
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime

RESTRICTION: Lane restrictions. Expect delays and please use caution driving through the work zone.

START DATE: 04/18/2016 Est. Completion Date: 05/06/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

--------------------------------------------

Municipality: East Norwegian, Norwegian, North Manheim & West Brunswick townships, City of Pottsville, Schuylkill Haven, Deer Lake & Port Clinton boroughs

ROAD NAME: PA 61/Centre Turnpike
BETWEEN: Ann Street AND Race Street
Type of Work: Sweeping
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime

RESTRICTION: Be alert for lane restrictions on PA 61 north or south. This will be a moving operation. Expect delays and please use caution driving through the work zone.

START DATE: 04/18/2016 Est. Completion Date: 05/06/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? NO

--------------------------------------------

Municipality: City of Pottsville, Mechanicsville, Port Carbon & New Philadelphia boroughs, East Norwegian & Blythe townships

ROAD NAME: US 209
BETWEEN: PA 61 AND Ferndale Road
Type of Work: Crack Sealing
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime
RESTRICTION: Lane restrictions. Expect delays and please use caution driving through the work zone.

START DATE: 04/18/2016 Est. Completion Date: 05/06/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES