Sunday House Fire Displaces Family in New Philadelphia

Posted from:  tamaquaarea.wordpress.com

Two families, consisting of 8 children and 3 adults, are were displaced following a fire in a home in New Philadelphia (Sunday, Feb. 9, 2014). Around 1:45 PM, emergency crews were called to 174 Kimber Street for a fire in a bedroom. Firefighters arrived to see flames rising from the second story of the duplex home. Reports over the scanner said the fire started in the closet of the bedroom of the home, although that information hasn’t been confirmed.

Schuylkill County School Delays/Closings for 2/10/14

Schuylkill County School Delays/Closings for 2/10/14

Assumption BVM - 2 Hour Delay
Blue Mountain - 2 Hour Delay
Gillingham Charter - 2 Hour Delay
Mahanoy Area - 2 Hour Delay

McCann School of Business/Pottsvile - 2 Hour Delay

Minersville - 2 Hour Delay
Nativity BVM - 2 Hour Delay

North Schuylkill - 2 Hour Delay

Panther Valley - 2 Hour Delay
Pine Grove - 2 Hour Delay
Pottsville - 2 Hour Delay
Saint Clair - 2 Hour Delay
Schuylkill Haven - 2 Hour Delay
Schuylkill Health School of Nursing - 2 Hour Delay
Schuylkill Maple Ave. - 2 Hour Delay
Schuylkill Special Ed. Center - 2 Hour Delay
Schuylkill Tech North and South - 2 Hour Delay

Shenandoah Valley - 2 Hour Delay
St. Ambrose/Schuylkill Haven - 2 Hour Delay
St. Jerome/Tamaqua - 2 Hour Delay

St. Nicholas/Minersville - 2 Hour Delay

Tamaqua Area - 2 Hour Delay
Tri-Valley - 2 Hour Delay

Trinity Academy - 2 Hour Delay

Williams Valley - 2 Hour Delay

Sunday Snow Update

By: Ryan Fannock

10:45AM UPDATE: Good morning! Just a quick update for you guys regarding the snow you'll see today. There's some scattered light snow showers lingering around the area this morning. They will not amount to much more than a light dusting. The main batch of snow will arrive AFTER 1pm this afternoon. It will be a light snow event lasting until the evening hours. Most of us will pick up 1-3 inches out of this one. Even though it won't be a lot of snow, be careful on the roads this afternoon. Any snow that falls will stick instantaneously because it's only in the 20's outside. Have a great day!

Body Found In Shenandoah Sunday Morning

A body was found Sunday morning in Shenandoah in the area of South Bower St.  At this time, the Shenandoah Police, Schuylkill County Coroner's office, and State Police are investigating.

UPDATE (1:50PM):  From the Pottsville-Republican, the name of the victim was Nicholas McCabe, 23.

His body was found after officers were called around 5am to an old railroad bed between Lehigh and Bowers Street, Shenandoah.

No other details were given other than hypothermia might have been a factor in the death.

An autopsy is schedule for Monday morning to determine the exact cause of death.

Schuylkill County High School Basketball Scores - 2/7/14

Schuylkill County High School Basketball Scores for 2/7/14

Police Believe Store Video Shows Suspect Purchasing Items Involved in Tamaqua Woman's Death Investigation

Posted from TamaquaArea.Wordpress.com

Extradition proceedings are underway for a man who was in possession of a car belonging to a murdered Tamaqua woman. According to a story in the Times News newspaper, Anthony Darrell Heath, 24, of Allentown, is currently charged with theft of a motor vehicle. Jean Engler, an assistant district attorney in Carbon County, said it is believed Heath used the vehicle in Carbon and Lehigh counties.

Schuylkill County Weekend Forecast

By: Ryan Fannock

7:20PM Update: Tonight will be mainly clear. With a snow pack on the ground, our temps will dip fairly low tonight. In the higher terrain expect some single digits. The rest of us will bottom out in the lower teens. On your Saturday you'll see some morning sunshine. Clouds will increase and the daytime hours will finish off mostly cloudy. By evening, a chance for snow showers materializes. It's not a widespread snow event. It's just a "chance" from Saturday Night through Sunday Evening. Since the snow showers will be scattered, some locations may only see a coating while others see 1-2 inches. It's all about where areas of light snow decide to set up. As snow showers form, I'll be updating throughout the weekend on my Facebook Page. Check out Tamaqua Area Weatherman periodically to see if any are headed towards Schuylkill County. Also, highs on both Saturday and Sunday will top out in the mid 20's. Have a great weekend!

Spruce Up That Pothole

With more and more potholes opening up everyday along Schuylkill County roads, here are some alternatives to making this pot holes useful.

7:20PM Thursday Weather Update

By: Ryan Fannock

7:20PM Update: Hope you were able to enjoy that sunshine today! Tonight will dip down into the teens once again. Watch out for areas of black ice this evening and overnight. Everything that melted today has now quickly glazed over if left untreated. During the day Friday we'll have a mix of sun and clouds across the county. Highs will top out in the mid to upper 20's. We'll see some more snow this weekend. This will occur Saturday Night into Sunday morning. It will be a light snowfall totaling 1 to 3 inches. Hoping for a coastal storm dropping 1-2 feet of snow? It's definitely NOT gonna happen this weekend. Any hype you may have heard is finally starting to dwindle down now. Have a great night!

Schuylkill County Delays/Closings for 2/6/14

Schuylkill County Delays/Closings for 2/6/14

Two From Tamaqua Killed in Lehigh County Crash

Posted from:  tamaquaarea.wordpress.com

A man and woman from Tamaqua were killed Wednesday after their pickup truck collided with a work van on SR309 in Lynn Township (Lehigh County). State Police of Fogelsville identified the victims as Roger Jones, 52, and Geraldine Jones, 58, of Tamaqua. The two-vehicle crash occurred about a half-mile south of Gun Club Road on the Blue Mountain around 2:30 PM. In addition to recent precipitation on the roadway, officials added that the area was also shrouded in a light fog.

Black ice possible tonight; sun returns tomorrow

By: Ryan Fannock

6:00PM Update: Good evening! We made it through an other winter storm! Some of us could see a passing snow shower this evening, otherwise it will be dry. Watch out for black ice when traveling tonight. Main roads are wet and secondary roads remain slushy across the area. With that said, temps will be dipping down below freezing very shortly. In fact, by tomorrow morning we will see lows bottom out in the teens! So anything that is wet has the potential to refreeze if left untreated. During the day on Thursday, we will see a mix of sun and clouds. Highs will only top out in the low 20's so bundle up! I know a lot of you have heard about a possible snowstorm for the weekend. At this time, it's only looking like a light snow event is possible. A potential coastal storm looks to remain far enough off shore to spare us of any impacts. Have a great night and an even better Thursday! 

Schuylkill County Delays/Closings for 2/6/14

Schuylkill County Delays/Closings for 2/6/14

Assumption BVM - 2 Hour Delay

Blue Mountain - 2 Hour Delay

Gillingham Charter - 2 Hour Delay

Mahanoy Area - 2 Hour Delay

McCann School of Business - 2 Hour Delay

Minersville - 2 Hour Delay

Nativity BVM - 2 Hour Delay

North Schuylkill - 2 Hour Delay
Our Lady of Lourdes Regional - 2 Hour Delay

Pine Grove Area - 2 Hour Delay

Pottsville - 2 Hour Delay

Schuylkill Haven - 2 Hour Delay

Schuylkill Health School of Nursing - 2 Hour Delay

Schuylkill Maple Ave. - 2 Hour Delay

Schuylkill Soecial Ed.  - 2 Hour Delay

Schuylkill Tech North & South - 2 Hour Delay

Shenandoah Valley - 2 Hour Delay

St. Ambrose/Schuylkill Haven - 2 Hour Delay

St. Jerome Regional/Tamaqua - 2 Hour Delay

St. Nicholas/Minersville - 2 Hour Delay

Tamaqua Area - 2 Hour Delay

Tri-Valley - 2 Hour Delay

Trinity Academy - 2 Hour Delay

Williams Valley - 2 Hour Delay

Speed Restrictions Lifted On All Highways

The speed restrictions put in place earlier today by PennDOT have been lifted.  All roads speed limits go back to their normal speeds.

Interstate Reopens After Crash

Posted from TamaquaArea.Wordpress.com

Interstate 81 is reopened after being closed for a short time.

State Police shut down Interstate 81 north around 9:55 AM today at the Mahanoy City exit for a motor vehicle accident involving a tractor trailer. In addition, scanner traffic said State Police were requesting fire police to help shut down the Interstate and northbound on-ramp at exit 131 (Hometown/Mahanoy City exit).

There were reports of one or two vehicle accidents, one involving a tractor trailer, between mile marker 131 and 133.

Plow Truck Catches Fire in Pottsville Overnight

A Pottsville plow truck caught fire overnight on North Third Street and Morgan Alley in Pottsville between the hours of 2am and 3am.

The driver escaped without injuries.

PennDOT Reduces Speed Limits on Major Roadways

Allentown – Due to extreme winter road conditions, PennDOT is temporarily reducing the speed limit on several major roadways in east central Pennsylvania, effective immediately.

Schuylkill County High School Basketball Scores - 2/4/14

High School Basketball Scores for 2/4/14

Schuylkill County School Closings - 2/5/14

Schuylkill County School Closings for 2/5/14

Assumption BVM - Closed

Blue Mountain - Closed

Child Development - Closed

Cookie Corner - Nursery School Closed/Daycare Open

Gillingham Charter- Closed

Line Mountain - Closed

Mahanoy Area - Closed

Marian Catholic - Closed

McCann School of Business/Pottsville - Closed

Minersville - Closed

Nativity BVM - Closed

North Schuylkill - Closed

Our Lady of Lourdes Regional - Closed

Panther Valley - Closed

Pine Grove - Closed

Pottsville - Closed

Schuylkill Haven - Closed

Schuylkill Maple Ave. - Closed

Schuylkill Special Ed. - Closed

Schuylkill Tech North and South - Closed

Shenandoah Valley - Closed

St. Ambrose/Schuylkill Haven - Closed

St. Clair - Closed

St. Jerome/Tamaqua - Closed

St. Nicholas/Minersville-Closed

Tamaqua - Closed

Tri-Valley - Closed

Trinity Academy - Closed

Williams Valley - Closed

Wintry Wednesday headed your way...

5:40PM UPDATE: Good evening! If you haven't heard by now, we have some wintry weather headed our way. The remainder of the evening will be dry. Since snow was able to melt a little bit today, there may be some patches of black ice. Other than that, temps will continue to drop through the 20's. Snow will begin to overspread the area anytime after 1:00AM. The snow will be quite heavy at times. After a few hours of snow, sleet will begin to mix in. Warmer air aloft will turn those snowflakes into sleet pellets. During the morning commute tomorrow, we'll be seeing a variety of precip across the county. Some locations may be holding on to some snow flakes while others will see heavy sleet/freezing rain. Eventually everyone will see that changeover to rain. This is when the forecast gets tricky. Temps will still be in the 20's when the changeover begins. I'm expecting a decent amount of ice accretion which could cause scattered power outages. Ice totals across the county will range from 0.1" to as much as 0.3". Before the changeover begins, you'll see a general 2 to 5 inches of snow. The higher up you are in elevation, the greater chance to see 4-5 inches since it will snow longer in those areas. All precipitation will begin to taper off during the early afternoon hours. With events like this, the forecast is always changing. So tune in to my page (Tamaqua Area Weatherman) on Facebook for up to date information as the event unfolds. Have a great evening and an even better Wednesday!

Schuylkill County Morning Weather Update

By:  Monsoon Mike

Good morning! Ready for Round 2? Then after that, ready for Round 3?? Round 2 gets going tonight around midnight and gets outta here tomorrow during the day, but not before causing havoc on the roads through at least the first half of the day, once again. Zone 1 on my map I think sees mainly snow with some back end sleet and freezing rain. Accumulations in the 5 to 10 inch range. Zone 2 sees approximately 3 to 5 inches of snow followed I think by a healthy dose of sleet and some freezing rain, perhaps even plain rain at the tail end. Zone 3 sees 1 to 3 inches of snow, followed by a healthy dose of sleet, freezing rain, then plain rain. Zone 4 sees a wintry mix to rain. Not a whole lot of problems in Zone 4 but still some front end problems. This snow and sleet will fall on already very heavy snow so I am concerned at trees, bushes, and weak, flat roofs. The only saving grace I believe will be the ice will be more in the form of sleet (the pellets) rather than freezing rain (the stuff that makes the glaze), although some of that could affect areas at the tail end, but after 80% of the storm is over. Updates throughout the day if I feel it warrants

Allentown Man Named in Connection With Tamaqua Woman's Murder Case

Posted from:  TamaquaArea.wordpress.com

A North Carolina newspaper’s website (Kinston.com) named a 24-year old Allentown man in relation to the recent homicide case of a Tamaqua woman. The burning body of Angela Serfass-Steigerwalt, 35, of Tamaqua, was found by firefighters along Flagstaff Road in Jim Thorpe Saturday morning while responding to a reported brush fire.

Winter Storm Warning Issued For Schuylkill County

...WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 4 PM EST WEDNESDAY...

Schuylkill County School Delays/Closings For 2/4/14

Schuylkill County School Closings and Delays for 2/4/14

Assumption BVM - 2 Hour Delay

Blue Mountain - 2 Hour Delay

Gillingham Charter - 2 Hour Delay

Mahanoy Area - 2 Hour Delay

McCann School of Business/Pottsville - 2 Hour Delay

Minersville - 2 Hour Delay

Nativity BVM - 2 Hour Delay

North Schuylkill - 2 Hour Delay

Panther Valley - 2 Hour Delay

Pine Grove - 2 Hour Delay
Pottsville - 2 Hour Delay
Saint Clair - 2 Hour Delay

Schuylkill Haven - 2 Hour Delay

Schuylkill Health School of Nursing - 2 Hour Delay

Schuylkill Maple Ave - 2 Hour Delay

Schuylkill Special Ed. Center - 2 Hour Delay

Schuylkill Tech North and South - 2 Hour Delay

Shenandoah Valley - 2 Hour Delay

St. Ambrose/Schuylkill Haven - 2 Hour Delay

St. Jerome's/Tamaqua - 2 Hour Delay

St. Nicholas/Minersville - 2 Hour Delay

Tamaqua - 2 Hour Delay

Tri-Valley - 2 Hour Delay

Trinity Academy - 2 Hour Delay

Williams Valley - 2 Hour Delay

Winter Storm Watch Issued For Schuylkill County

...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY EVENING THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING...

BEST OF SKOOK: The Winner of the Best Place to Get Your Car Fixed in Schuylkill County is . . . .

Winner

Good Ole Day's Transmission and Auto Repair, Schuylkill Haven

https://www.facebook.com/GoodOlDaysTransmissionAutoRepair

2nd Place

Zinda's, Seltzer

3rd Place

Ken's Tire, Cressona

4th Place

Manbeck's, Schuylkill Haven

Honorable Mention (in no particular order)
A & F, Lavelle

W H Auto Repair, Ashland

Ferrari's Garage, Ashland

Och's, Minersville

Jack Beadle, Pottsville

Kip's, Auburn

Jeck's Service Center, Pine Grove

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jecks-Service-Center/247867295249915

Sosnoski Automotive

https://www.facebook.com/SosnoskiAutomotive

Schuylkill County Sports Postponements - 2/3/14

Schuylkill County Sports Related Announcements for 2/3/14

Woman Stabbed in McAdoo Saturday Night

A McAdoo woman is in the hospital after being stabbed by her own brother Saturday evening.

Robert Lucherra is in Schuylkill County prison after he allegedly stabbed his sister on South Cleveland Street in the borough, then ran from the scene.  He was caught shortly after. 

The woman was flown to Lehigh Valley Hospital but her condition was not given at this time.

Lucherra is accused of aggravated assault an attempted homicide.

Schuylkill County Morning Weather Update

By:  Monsoon Mike

Well when I cave and raise totals, Mother Nature says "no." When I don't cave, she pulls a fast one yet again. Weather at it's finest folks! Upping my totals for all map zones. Precipitation shield moved a touch further north than the last storm putting Schuylkill County now in the solid 4 to 6 inch range. Berks/Lehigh Valley in the 6 to 8 inch range. Respond with what's going on where you are now.

Get more weather update from Monsoon Mike's Weather Headquarters
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Monsoon-Mikes-Weather-Headquarters/277030735667101

Tamaqua Woman's Body Found in Carbon County

WNEP is reporting that the human remains of a Tamaqua woman were found in Carbon County Saturday morning.  The investigation is being treated as a homicide.

The woman, Angela Steigerwalt, was last seen leaving work Friday in Lehigh County.

Her body was found by firefighters while fighting another fire near Jim Thorpe around 10am Saturday morning.  The victims car was found in North Carolina with a man inside.

http://wnep.com/2014/02/02/firefighters-found-body-in-woods-while-fighting-fire/

Fire Damages Port Clinton Home

Around 6pm Sunday evening, crews were called to 51 South Street, Port Clinton for a structure fire.

The top two floors of the three story home were ravaged by the fire.

No injuries were reported and the family is said to be temporarily homeless.

Hamburg, Deer Lake, Auburn, and Schuylkill Haven fire crews worked to put out the fire.

Schuylkill County School Delays and Closing for 2/3/14

Schuylkill County School Delays and Closing for 2/3/14

Assumption BVM - Closed

Blue Mountain - Closed

Child Development - no head start, day care open

Gillingham Charter - Closed

Mahanoy Area - Closed

Marion Catholic. - Closed

Minersville - Closed

Nativity BVM - Closed

North Schuylkill - Closed
Penn State/Schuylkill - Only Essential Personnel Report

Pine Grove - Closed

Pottsville - Closed

Saint Clair - Closed

Schuylkill Health School of Nursing - Closed

Schuylkill Haven - Closed

Schuylkill Maple Ave - Closed

Schuylkill Tech North and South - Closed

Shenandoah Valley - Closed

St. Ambrose/Schuylkill Haven - Closed

St. Jerome/Tamaqua - Closed

St. Nicholas/Minersville - Closed

Tamaqua - Closed

Tri-Valley - Closed

Trinity Academy - Closed

Williams Valley - Closed

Minersville Natives Commercial Wins Super Bowl Contest

In case you missed it and went for a bathroom break during the commercials, Minersville native's, Tommy Schaeffer, Time Machine Doritos commercial won!

Tommy's business partner was on Good Morning America this morning to accept their check.

Congratulations!!!

Winter Weather Advisory Issued for Schuylkill County

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 4 PM EST MONDAY ...

* LOCATIONS ...MOST OF SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA NORTH OF THE TURNPIKE.

* HAZARD TYPES ...SNOW.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS ...3 TO 5 INCHES.

* TIMING ...LATE TONIGHT THROUGH EARLY AFTERNOON MONDAY. THE HEAVIEST SNOW WILL LIKELY FALL BETWEEN 5 AM AND 11 AM.

* IMPACTS ...HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS DUE TO SNOW COVERED ROADS AND REDUCED VISIBILITY.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ...

HAZARDOUS WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. USE CAUTION IF TRAVELING. FOR THE LATEST WEATHER INFORMATION ...GO TO WEATHER.GOV/CTP OR STAY TUNED TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO.

REPORT SNOW OR ICE ACCUMULATION TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE STATE COLLEGE BY SENDING AN EMAIL TO CTP.STORMREPORTS@NOAA.GOV ... POSTING TO THE NWS STATE COLLEGE FACEBOOK PAGE ...OR TWEET @NWSSTATECOLLEGE WITH THE HASHTAG #CTPWX.

Schuylkill County High School Basketball Scores - 2/1/14

Schuylkill County High School Basketball Scores for 2/1/14

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

By:  Monsoon Mike

What a nice nice Saturday in most parts of Skook! Temperatures into the 40s. Some sunshine. Nice! One more decent day before it all comes crashing back down around us and paves the way for a wild ride this coming week.

Models are trending snowier for Monday's event, something I a couple days ago heralded may "surprise" some folks. "Skook" I think still will be on the northern fringe with Philadelphia being the jackpot (yet again), but we should get something out of this. Snowfall amounts are subject to change, but right now, I am 75% confident Skook sees a general 1 to 2 inches from the Monday event. No need for a map (yet) as I think that's pretty uniform across the county.

Then a short break before a potential larger snow to ice to rain (with extended potential icing) mid-week. 

Then another event later in the week or next weekend. Let's take it one storm at a time. No need to stress over storms # 2 and 3 before # 1 is done as often one storm will pave the atmospheric path for future storms and we don't really know what future storms will do until one passes. 

So just plan for a storm at least every other day this coming week. It's payback time for a mild, nice weekend, folks!

Schuylkill County High Schools Basketball Scores - 1/31/14

Schuylkill County High School Basketball Scores for 1/31/14

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

By:  Monsoon Mike

Good evening! As I warned yesterday may happen, a very light round of snow may affect isolated areas overnight & early tomorrow morning. Otherwise, I expect a mainly cloudy but mainly uneventful weekend with the occasional shower. Temperatures will soar into the 40s both days of the weekend!

A weak southern event Sunday night into early Monday could push some light precipitation into the region but I am more concerned about a potential messy icy event mid next week and a potential snow event late next week.

Until then, enjoy the mild weekend but look out for a little light snow before we get to those warm temperatures tomorrow.

Man Injured in Hometown Crash

Posted from:  tamaquaarea.wordpress.com

An unidentified man was injured after losing control and flipping his SUV (sport utility vehicle) along Hauto Highway (SR54) in Hometown. The crash occurred around 8:30 AM today (Friday, Jan. 31, 2014) about one half mile east of the entrance to Lake Hauto. The SUV, a black Dodge Durango, was positioned upright about 40 feet from the road. Tire tracks in the snow show that the driver was traveling east. The man was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital via ambulance for unknown injuries. Responding were Rush Township Police, Hometown Fire Company, Quakake Fire Company, Tamaqua Ambulance and Hometown Fire Police. Tamaqua Rescue was also called, but later canceled.

Police Raid Home in Tamaqua

Posted By:  tamaquaarea.wordpress.com

East Elm Street, between Pine Street (SR309 north) and Rolling Mill Avenue in Tamaqua, was blocked off for a couple hours this morning (Friday, Jan. 31, 2014) while local and State Police raided the second floor of a two-unit home at 29 East Elm Street this morning. Neighbors said that they saw police carrying items outside in plastic bags, as well as placing numerous items on tarps. A nearby resident, who wished to remain anonymous, stated there were over dozen police cars on scene when the bust occurred. There is no official word regarding what the raid was for or if anything was found, although a sign on the front door reads: “Warning: A clandestine laboratory for the manufacture of illegal drugs and/or hazardous chemicals was seized at this location on 01/31/14 by the Pennsylvania State Police. Known hazardous chemicals have been disposed of pursuant the law. However, there still may be hazardous substances or waste products on this property either in buildings or in the ground itself. Please exercise caution while on these premises. Apt #2.” Officials cleared the scene around 11 AM.

Update:  According to the Pottsville Republican, this was a suspected Meth Lab.  Six people were taken into custody.

Schuylkill County Morning Weather Update

By:  Monsoon Mike

Good Friday morning! What a novel concept! Temperatures starting in the 20s instead of the single digits! In fact, we make it into the 30s today. Perhaps even the 40s or dare I say 50s if you're well south tomorrow and Sunday! Minor round of light snow possible tonight during the transition mainly north of I-78. Then we turn our attention to a minor southern event possible Sunday night into Monday morning, a more major ice to rain event mid next week, and a bigger storm beyond that. Active times, my friends! Have a good Friday!

Schuylkill County High School Basketball Scores - 1/30/14

Schuylkill County High School Basketball Scores for 1/30/14

Police Looking For Help In Finding Abandoned Dog's Owner

Last evening, WNEP reported a story about an abandoned dog in McAdoo that was tied to a pole and abandoned for at least 2 hours.

The dog was found emaciated and injured.  Part of the dog was actually frozen to the sidewalk.

A state dog warden took the dog to the Hillside SPCA to get warmth, food, and care.

http://wnep.com/2014/01/30/police-dog-tied-and-abandoned-in-the-cold/

McAdoo Police ask that anyone with information about the dog's owner to call (570) 929-2590.

Smoke Causes Nursing Home To Evacuate For Second Time Within A Week

Overnight last night, smoke within the Broad Mountain Nursing Home caused the facility to evacuate for the second time within a week.

The nursing home was also evacuated on January 28th.

Both last night's evacuation and January 28th's incident were reported to be caused by a heating unit.

UPDATED: Cop Assaulted, Shoots Man Assaulting Him in Girardville

Updated:  12:30pm

Overnight, Girardville Borough Police were called to the 100 block of Line St. in the borough around 2am, after a woman showed up at the Girardville Police Station complaining of domestic violence and worrying about her kids.

When an Officer Mel Tomeo arrived at the address, Carmen Amonti began assaulting the officer in the street.

During the assault, Officer Tomeo attempted to use his stun gun on Amonti but it had little effect. Tomeo  managed to discharge his weapon and fire three shots hitting Amonti.

Tomeo was taken to a Pottsville Hospital with a mild concussion he suffered during the assault and Amonti shot was taken to Geisinger.  His condition was not given at this time.

Both State Police and the Schuylkill County District Attorney's Office are investigating.

Source:  http://wnep.com/2014/01/31/mayor-officer-assaulted-shoots-suspect/

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

By:  Monsoon Mike

Milder but also very active weather in the next seven to ten days! Please relax, though, folks. I am getting tired of hearing everyone heralding the storm of storms next weekend. Yes, something big is on the models. But something big is on the models 70% of the time that we wind up with nothing. That being said, indications are for a very active first couple of weeks of February, so buckle your belt. 

Things to watch out for in the next 7 to 10 days: 

1) A potential round of very light but potentially nuisance-travel causing snow late Friday night into very early Saturday morning as a weak system passes to the north; 

2) A showery but innocuous weekend; 

3) A potential storm mid next week (which could be an ice maker ... concerning); 

4) And that potential bigger storm after that. 

5) Also, a little storm that could skim southern regions of the Monsoon Mike coverage area late this coming Sunday into Monday ... one of those "surprise" little storms, but I think "most" of the "surprise" will be well south of Skook. 

So there you have it folks. The first week or two of February will be slightly milder. But NOT calmer. 

Schuylkill County Morning Weather Update

Good morning! The relief from the extreme cold begins today with temperatures into the 20s and the weekend into the 40s in many areas. Precipitation will be with us over the weekend, as well, but at this point, it looks like and fairly innocuous, and may actually lean on the liquid rather than frozen side. Don't get used to the quieter weather, however. A storm looms mid next week and a few days after that.

Schuylkill Twp. Crash Sends 2 Adults, 2 Children to the Hospital

Emergency personnel were called around 3 PM today (Wed., Jan. 29, 2014) to the intersection of US209 and Catawissa Street in Schuylkill Township for a two-vehicle collision involving a student transport service van and a sedan. Two children and two adults in the van were taken via four ambulances to nearby hospitals for unknown injuries. The male teenage driver of the other vehicle, a green Dodge Neon, was not injured. Officials on scene said the two adults and two kids were taken to the hospital only as a precaution. Responding were Tuscarora Fire Company, Penn Mahoning Ambulance, Lehighton Ambulance, two Ryan Township Ambulance crews, area fire police and State Police.

Car Hits Utility Pole Near Delano

Posted from:  TamaquaArea.Wordpress.com

Two women escaped injury after crashing their car into a utility pole along Trenton Road in Delano. The incident occurred around 3:45 PM today (Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014). Responding were Ryan Township Rescue Squad, Delano Fire Company, State Police and fire police.

Schuylkill County Little League and Softball Signups

2014 Little League/Softball Signups

Ashland Little League Boys and Softball Girls Signups

Ashland Area Girls Softball/Tee Ball & Boys Little League Signups will be this Saturday and Sunday (2/1 & 2/2) from 2pm to 4pm and Mondays (2/3 & 2/10) from 6pm to 8pm at the Ashland Elks.

Mahanoy City Girls Softball

Ages 6-16
Feb 1 from 12-3pm middle school lobby
Feb 12 from 5-8pm middle school lobby

Feb 15 and 22 are try outs and sign ups from 9am- 12pm

9am instructional try-outs
10am minor league try-outs
11am major league try-outs

** If your league is interested in posting your signups, please contact us through our Facebook page or email us at skooknews@outlook.com.  Thank you