Release from Public Utilities Commission Regarding New Area Code Overlay

***NEW AREA CODE OVERLAY FOR SCHUYLKILL COUNTY AND OTHER COUNTIES IN 570 AREA CODE***
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) announced today that mandatory ten-digit dialing is set to begin in September 2013 for residential and business customers within the existing 570 area code.

Presently, customers in this area are taking part in a permissive dialing period. However, beginning Sept. 21, 2013, mandatory 10-digit dialing will be required. During the upcoming mandatory dialing period, all calls must be made using the area code plus the seven-digit number. If only the seven-digit telephone number is dialed, customers will reach a recorded announcement stating they must hang up and redial the number using the area code plus the seven-digit number. This recording will be available permanently.

On July 15, 2010, the Commission approved an overlay plan for the 570 code, after consideration of public input and area code relief options. An overlay plan means that once the existing telephone numbers in the 570 area code are exhausted, new telephone services in that geographic region will be assigned telephone numbers out of the new area code, which has been designated as 272. 

Tractor Trailer Fire Shuts Down 81 South

A tractor trailor fire has 81 south shut down at exit 131.   Around 2:15pm, authorities got a call that a tractor trailor was on fire at mile marker 129 going south on 81 in Schuylkill County.

Picture from Ryan Twp Facebook page

Mahanoy Area School Bus Has Misspelling

What would you think if a school district, who was teaching your kids how to read and write, had a misspelling of their own?

Well, in Schuylkill County, that's the case, particularly Mahanoy Area.

One of our readers sent in the picture to the left today.  It's one of Mahanoy Area's buses with a misspelling.

The side of the bus reads "Mahanoy Area Schools District".

The left side of the bus contains the misspelling, but the right is correct.

Skook News: Week #2 High School Football Power Ranking

We have a new number 1!!!

Skook Spotlight - St. Clair, PA (11 Pics)

Today's Weather Forecast 9/9/13

After starting out very cool in the 40's, we are are going to have a Partly Sunny day with a high around 73.

Tonight, will be cloudy and much warmer then it's been at night with a low of 64.

Tomorrow, the heat is back!  Mostly Sunny and breezy with a high of 85

Wednesday is going to be Partly Sunny and hot.  There's a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening.  High around 90.

Thursday will be cloudy with rain and thunderstorms throughout the day.  High in the lower 80's.

Friday, I think Autumn will arrive, with Partly Sunny skies and much cooler with a high only reaching into the mid 60's.

Schuylkill County High School Football Scores - Week #2

Blue Mountain 49  Jim Thorpe 19
Mahanoy Area 52  Nativity BVM 6
Marian 6  Schuylkill Haven 30
Minersville 0 North Schuylkill 48
Panther Valley 7  Schuylkill Valley 46
Newport 9 @ Pine Grove 26
Berwick 56 @ Pottsville 7
Tamaqua 21  William Allen 0 
Juniata 22  Tri-Valley 29
Upper Dauphin 7  Williams Valley 26
University Prep 42 Shenandoah Valley 24

Our Latest T-Shirt Design - Breast Cancer Awareness

We've had 2 t-shirts that sold really well in the past and we wanted to do a shirt that we could do something for the good.

We've all been affected by Breast Cancer in one way or another.  I lost an Aunt to breast cancer back in June and another Aunt who fought and won.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and we all need to do our part and "Save the Boobs".

For every shirt we sell, $1 will be donated to Susan G Koman.

You can buy the shirt at the link below for $12.50,
http://teespring.com/SkooksSaveBoobs

This sale will run until September 15th and will ship in time so you have the shirt by the beginning of October.

Schuykill County High School Football Week #2

Week #2 of Schuylkill County High School Football

Blue Mountain @ Jim Thorpe
Mahanoy Area @ Nativity BVM
Marian @ Schuylkill Haven
Minersville @ North Schuylkill
Panther Valley @ Schuylkill Valley
Newport @ Pine Grove
Berwick @ Pottsville
Tamaqua @ William Allen
Juniata @ Tri-Valley
Upper Dauphin @ Williams Valley

Firetruck to be Donated to Mahanoy City Fire Department

2 weeks ago, just hours before the start of the Fireman's Convention in Mahanoy City, Mahanoy City's Washington Hook and Ladder truck was destroyed when a fire started in their firehouse.

WNEP has reported this morning that an anonymous fire company has come to their aide and will donate an aerial firetruck to the Mahanoy City fire department.

The only information known about the fire company is that they are from Lackwanna County.

Today's Weather Forecast 9/5/2013

Today is going to be sunny and pleasant.  The humidity is gone for now and this whole week is going to feel really comfortable.  It's going to be a mostly sunny day with high around 72.

Today is going to be the coolest night we've had in a long time.  It's going to be clear with a low around 42.

Tomorrow is going to be pretty much the same as today but only reaching a high around 70.

The weekend is looking great with temperatures rising to the upper 70s to around 80.  There will be a slim chance of a shower on Sunday.

Half Way to St. Pattys Day Bash, Mahanoy City

WHEN:  September 14th 9:30PM-1:30AM

WHERE:  Citizen's Fire Company #2, Mahanoy City

$5 cover, Toolshed Jack will be playing

Today's Weather Forecast 9/4/13

Today is going to be gorgeous, Mostly Sunny, low humidity, and just a little warm then today, High of 78

The rest of this week and weekend is looking just as nice,  sunshine every day with no chance of rain and high's won't cross the 80 degree mark. 

Skook News: Week #1 High School Football Power Ranking

Based on the performance of each of the county's high school football teams, we will rank them based on their record and there performance on the field

Jewelry Stolen From Home in Barnesville

Police are asking for your help in finding a thief that stole jewelry from a home in Barnesville sometime Sunday night into early Monday morning.

Police say someone stole approximately $1,500 worth of jewelry from a home on Maple St.

If anyone has any information abou this burglary, please contact police

Schuylkill County Road Projects - Week of 09/03/13

Information provided by PennDOT
________________________________________
Municipality: Frailey, Foster, and Cass Townships
ROAD NAME: Interstate 81
BETWEEN: Exit 104 (Ravine) AND Exit 119 (Highridge)
Type of Work: Other
RESTRICTION: No restriction for shoulder work. Please use caution while traveling in this work zone.
START DATE: 09/03/2013  Est. Completion Date: 09/06/2013
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
________________________________________
Municipality: Union Twp.
ROAD NAME: Brandonville Road
BETWEEN: Ringtown Borough AND PA 339
Type of Work: Construction
RESTRICTION: Lane restriction with flagging. Please use caution while traveling in this work zone.
START DATE: 09/03/2013  Est. Completion Date: 09/06/2013
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 9:00 AM To 3:00 PM

Skook Spotlight: Schuykill Haven (12 Pics)

Ashland Police Looking For People That Fled Fire Scene

On Monday, investigators were back at the scene of the fire at 714 W. Centre St. Ashland, that left 8 people homeless.

The fire happened early Monday morning around 3.A.M.

Ashland police actually called in the fire after they got a call that there were  individuals on the roof of the Mineshaft Restaurant which is up the street from where the fire took place.

Today's Weather Forecast 9/3/13

Today is going to be a gorgeous day!   Lots of clouds and sun all day and not nearly as warm or humid.  High around 75.

Tonight, Mostly Clear and a low around 52.

Tomorrow, Mostly Sunny, low humidity, and just a little warm then today, High of 78

The rest of this week and weekend is looking just as nice,  sunshine every day with no chance of rain and high's won't cross the 80 degree mark.

Overnight Fire, Ashland

An overnight fire, hit 714 W. Centre St., Ashland at approximately 3:30am.

The police department called in the fire with flames showing from the rear of the building.

Fire crews from around the county and nearby counties responded but the fire was quickly put down.

Schuylkill County's Sunday and Labor Day Weather Forecast 9/1/13

Your Sunday looks like it's going to be  Mostly Sunny day, humid, with a  chance of Thunderstorms in the afternoon.  High of 85

Sunday evening is going to be mostly cloudy with a low near 70 and humid

LABOR DAY is going to be a mostly cloudy day with the chance of thunderstorms all day. High in the mid 80's and humid.

Pictures of the ABA Parade 2013, Ashland, PA (29 Pics)

Gilberton Borough Council Extends Kessler Suspension

During a special executive session of Gilberton Borough Council, they decided to extend Kessler's suspension until a disciplinary hearing could be held.

In the meeting, Gilberton Mayor Mary Lou Hannon read a letter provided by Kessler's attorney, and said

Schuylkill County High School Football Scores - 8/30/13

High School Football Scores - 8/30/13
Last Updated:  10:20PM


Blue Mountain 20 Conrad Weiser 48
Panther Valley 28 Mahanoy Area 51
Lehighton 27  Marian 13
Williams Valley 46  Minersville 12
New Hope-Solebury 35  Nativity BVM 6
North Schuylkill 34 Shenandoah 7
Pine Grove 14  Northern Lebanon 7
Pottsville 41 Shamokin 13
Schuylkill Haven @ Wyomissing (Game is Saturday)
Jim Thorpe 34  Tamaqua 14
Anneville-Cleona @ Tri-Valley

AMBER ALERT CANCELLED: Berks County

An Amber Alert issued from Berks County has been cancelled.  The two children are safe and the suspect is in custody

Dania Perez, 6, and Janeth Perez, 8 were taken from their home in West Reading, Berks County, Thursday night.

Perez-Corza, 23, was the suspect who had taken the girls.

Molino, Schuylkill County, Suspect Captured

Word is coming in that the suspect who police have been looking for over 12 hours has been captured and is in police custody at the State Police Barracks in Schuylkill Haven.  They brought him in around 8AM.

Edward Hill Clark has been on the run overnight after he pointed a rifle at a State Police Officer and the PSP officer fired at Clark.  The incident happened around 7PM yesterday evening at Happy Valley Trailer Park near Molino.  It was initially reported that Clark had fired his rifle, but that was not the case.

Police were initially called to the trailer park when the park's owner and Clark got into an argument.

More on this as it becomes available

Today's and the Weekend Weather Forecast 8/30/13

Today, we'll start out with some fog which will linger around until around 10am.  The clouds will still around until this afternoon but then once they break, it's going to be a Mostly Sunny day.    The humidity is going to be dropping all day long so by this afternoon it will feel great!!  High around 85.

Tonight will be mostly cloudy but humid again, lows in the upper 60's.

Saturday (ABA Parade Day!!!)  Looks like its going to be a REALLY good day for the parade.  The morning will start out cloudy but then by noon will be a mostly sunny day.  The humidity will be in the 70% area so it will feel a bit muggy.  The humidity will spark up some thunderstorms by 7PM but nothing too severe.  Highs in the mid 80's.

Sunday is looking just like Saturday,  Mostly sunny, clouds in the morning and a thunderstorm in the evening.  Highs in the mid 80's

AMBER ALERT: BERKS COUNTY - West Reading PD

AMBER ALERT WEST READING PD


On August 29, 2013, at approximately 9:00p.m., Dania Perez, a 6 yr old Hispanic female, 40 inches tall, thin build with black hair and brown eyes, and Janeth Perez, an 8 yr old Hispanic female , 48 inches tall, thin build, black hair and brown eyes, were abducted from their home in West Reading, PA. They were abducted by Hostin Perez-Corza, a 23 yr old Hispanic male, 6 feet 2 inches tall, 170 pounds, black hair brown eyes. They fled the scene in a 1999 Ford Expedition, white in color, bearing PA Registration JJZ-5836.

Anyone with information should call 911.

UPDATE:  11am, 8/30/13, the children are safe and the suspect is in custody

Person They Are Looking For In Molino Incident

Edward Hill Clark is the person they are looking for.  Initially it was reported that Clark shot at the officer but it was actually a state trooper who fired at Clark when he pointed his rifle at the officer.

Police are reporting that he may be injured from the shots that were fired.  They are also saying he is armed and dangerous

Shots Fired At Officer In Molino

While an officer was investigating an incident in Happy Valley Trailer Park, off 895, in Molino, a man exited the woods nearby, fired shots at the officer, then fled into the woods.

Officer from around the county responded and as of 10 pm have not found a suspect.

More as info becomes available.

County DA says Fatal Shooting Justified

Schuylkill County's District Attorney Karen Byrnes Noon said Thursday that the fatal shooting that happened during a home invasion near New Ringold in East Brunswick Township was justified after Zachary Foster, 19, broke into the home of Curt Stein, 49.

No charges will be filed against Stein.

Schuylkill County High School Football Schedules

Below is a list of the football schedules for the School Districts within Schuylkill County

Four Teens Escape Northwestern Acadamy

I know this is outside Schuylkill County but it's worth mentioning in case they are in our area.

Around 2 A.M., African American cadets escaped Northwestern Academy Juvenile Facility, Kulpmont.

The 4 escapees are:

• Sean Watson, 19, Bowie, MD
• David Rosario, 18, Reading, PA
• 16 year old from Washington DC
• 15 year old from Washington, DC

Police Obtain Warrant For Shenandoah Man After High Speed Pursuit

On Monday afternoon, John Pino, Shenandoah, led police on a high speed chase from Wal-Mart in St. Clair to Mahanoy City.

Police were able to stop Pino but was shot by police.  He has been in the Geisinger Medical Center since in serious condition.  He was originally admitted in critical condition.

On Wednesday, Magisterial District Judge Anthony Kilker issued the warrant for Pino.

Pino will remain in the hospital until doctors release him, then he will be taken into custody.

Gilberton Schedules Meeting, Kessler Posts New Video

Gilberton has set the time and date for a special meeting where they will decide the status of Chief Mark Kessler.

The meeting is to take place Friday, August 30th, 2013 at 7PM at the municipal building.

Friday is also the last day of his suspension.

There is no word if Kessler is to be in attendance to this meeting.

EVENT: Pottsville Girls Soccer Team Car Wash and Bake Sale

WHAT:  Pottsville Girls Soccer Team Car Wash

WHEN:  Sunday, September 1st, from 10AM-4PM

WHERE:  Sands Suzuki, Route 61 and Norwegian Street, Pottsville

Check out the Skook News Store!!!

We currently have our sticker designs at the Skook News Store!!   Bookmark it because there is a lot more to come!

http://www.zazzle.com/SkookApparel

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

(Video and Pics) Aftermath of Washington Hook and Ladder's Fire and GoFund.Me Account Setup

Mahanoy City, PA - Below are some images posted on Washington Hook and Ladder's, Facebook page of their firetruck after the fire

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Washington-Hook-Ladder-Company-1/158783417650997

Scheduled Schuylkill County Road Work

Information provided by PennDOT  & WFMZ.com

Suspect Wanted in Minersville Found In Georgia

Joseph Johnson, who has been wanted by Minersville police since June has been found and is in custody in Georgia thanks to U.S. Marshals.

Johnson, 40, allegedly raped two teenage girls several times betwen January 2012 and Summer 2012.

Johnson is charge with two counts of rape, sexual assault, unlawful contact with a minor, indecent assault and indecent exposure, along with other felonies.

The case was reported to police back in June by one of the 16 year old victims.

Skook Spotlight: The ABA Parade and Mother's Memorial, Ashland, PA

This Saturday, August 31st, will mark Ashland's annual tradition of the ABA parade.  Along with the parade, Ashland will also unveil a historical marker recognizing the Ashland Boys' Assocation.  While this parade has changed over the years, Ashland borough residents have refused to let it die and are beginning to bring it back to life.  This year's parade is expected to have over 70 units.

One of the center pieces of the parade is Ashland's Mother's Memorial.

Today's Weather Forecast 8/28/2013

Today is starting out rainy and gloomy and that's pretty much the way it's going to stay all day.  Look for showers and thunderstorms throughout the day.  Highs in the upper 70's but with the humidity rising, it will feel more like the mid 80's.  It's an air you can wear kind of day!

Tonight the rain will end around 7-8PM but the clouds will still stick around and so will the humidty.  Lows in the mid 60's.

Thursday will start out will some morning fog and once the sun comes out, that will burn off the fog and will be a partly sunny day.  Still humid with Highs in the mid 80's.

Friday will be a copy of Thursday without the morning fog.  No rain is expected.

The weekend is looking warm, still humid with chances of afternoon thunderstorms.  Highs in the mid 80's.

Results of Gilberton Borough Council Meeting

Tonight at 7PM Gilberton held a council meeting to decide whether or not to fire their Chief of Police, Mark Kessler.  The Gilberton Borough Council decided not to discuss the subject

Earlier in the day, Kessler, calling today "D-Day" on his Facebook page, posted the following

"TODAY is D-day , Gilberton Borough officials to hold secret executive termination meeting tonight, 7 pm at borough hall 2710 main street Mahanoy plane, Pa 17949 570-874-470, several borough residents brought this to my attention..... I Have just a FEW THINGS TO STATE !!!! It's truly amazing how the prior Borough secretary allegedly steals well over $10,0000 dollars of tax payer money ," Guess what" I'm told to drop the investigation, unbelievable right ? now you ask why on gods green earth would any one let someone walk away whom allegedly stole over $10,000 dollars from tax payers ? I'll tell you why ? because the prior secretary is related to council members, then another Borough employee broker into borough hall did over $1200.00 dollars in damage, stole $50.00 in petty cash and they didn't want to prosecute ! I drew the line and prosecuted, oh it gets even better, now a third borough employee steals over $2000.00 tax payer dollars , how you ask , well this person was going around filling up drug dealers vehicles with borough gas for drugs!!!!!!! unbelievable right ?? nope, they told me to stop the investigation , why ? because this borough worker is a resident of the borough , and their family is very close to council president Daniel Malloy , in fact this borough worker is the god son of council president Daniel Malloy AMAZING RIGHT! I wonder if Gilberton Council would like me to continue ???? Because i'm just getting warmed up ! and if you think the above is bad, boy that's just the TIP! I left out the part where Vice president Council member Eric boxer ripped down dilapidated properties and buried toxic waste on church ground ! let me repeat that " ON CHURCH OWNED GROUNDS" ?????? REALLY BOXER ????"

Suspended Police Chief Posts on Facebook About Secret Meeting

Suspended Borough Police Chief Mark Kessler has gone to his Facebook page to air the dirty laundry of Gilberton.  Whether any of it's true or not, he also goes on to state that the borough council is holding a secret meeting to discuss his firing?

Is what the Chief is saying true or is he just stirring the pot?

More on this as we find out more

Yuengling Goes To Bat for Beer Distributors, Gov. Corbett

HARRISBURG (Aug. 26) – Dick Yuengling Jr. says he doesn’t know the “particulars of politics,” but on Monday the head of the Pottsville-based D.G. Yuengling & Sons Inc. gave his thoughts on some polarizing issues and voiced his support for Gov. Tom Corbett.

Check out our Latest T-Shirt Design

Ok Skooks, On the Count of 5, we will reveal our newest T-Shirt.

1, 2, TREE, 4, 5!!!
Get your limited edition Skook Counting shirt today!! For only $10 with shipping and handling
http://teespring.com/skookcount

Today's Weather Forecast - 8/27/2013

Today is going to be a Partly Sunny day with high's in the mid 80's with slightly elevated humidity.  With the humidity comes the chance of some afternoon thunderstorms.

Tonight is looking partly cloudy, still humid, and still a chance for thunderstorms.  Lows in the mid 60's.

Tomorrow is looking much like today,  Partly Sunny, high's in the mid 80's and still the threat of thunderstorms through the evening hours.

Thursday is looking the same as the other two days but the chance of precipitation will drop.

Friday, warm and humid, but the chance of thunderstorms will return for the afternoon and evening hours

Saturday, ABA Parade Day!! is looking good.  Less humid, Partly Sunny with highs in the mid 80's

Update on 3 County Car Chase from Early Sunday Morning

Residents of Ashland and Mt. Carmel were awoken by police cars driving by their homes with sirens blaring at high rates of speed early Sunday morning.

Since then,  few details have emerged of what happened, but we finally got the information.

The chase started in Aristes when Robert Miller, 36, Tower City, failed to make a complete stop at a stop sign.   When Conyngham Township police attempted to pull him over, he continued south towards Centralia and was reported to be driving all over the road.

Police followed him to Ashland, where he made a left to go towards downtown Ashland and began driving at speeds up to 60 mph, passing vehicles and almost hitting a pedestrian.