Police Investigating Armed Robbery in Northumberland County

Mount Carmel Township Police Department is currently investigating an armed robbery that took place shortly before 7:30pm, Monday. The incident occurred at the Choice Tobacco Outlet on SR 61 in Atlas.

Monday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 03/14/16

Monday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 03/14/16

Rain Stops Practice Day At Big Diamond Speedway, Opener Set For April 1

Early morning rain showers and a forecast of more rain in the afternoon has forced Big Diamond Speedway to postpone the practice day and Enduro 60 to next Sunday, March 20 at 2.

The postponement means the season opener will be held on April 1 to kick off the 45th season of racing at the track.

"We are disappointed that we could not get the practice day and Enduro in today as the nice weather has given us plenty of time to get the track in great shape," promoter Jake Smulley said. "We'll give it another shot next week."

Next Sunday's practice is open to any car with a roll cage and the Enduro 60 will also take place. The gates will open at Noon with practice getting underway at 2. The pit fee is $30 while the grandstands are free.

Following the week off for Easter, the track will officially open its Friday night racing schedule with the CJ's Tire & Automotive Services 358 modifieds going 30 laps for $4,000 to win. The U.S.S Achey sportsman will race 20 laps for $1,000 to win while the Savage 61 roadrunners will race for $300 to win. The 600 modifieds will round out the four-division card.

On April 1, the gates will open 5:30 p.m with warm ups at 7:45 and racing getting underway at 8:15. General admission is $20 while kids 12 and under and active military with a VALID ID are free.

Entries Still Needed for Girardville Saint Patrick's Day Parade

PARADE ENTRIES STILL NEEDED!

Scores for Third Round of the PIAA State High School Basketball Championship Playoffs

Scores for Third Round of the PIAA State High School Basketball Championship Playoffs

Girls

Class A

03/12/16
Mahanoy Area - 40
Halifax - 28

Mahanoy Area will play Lourdes Regional on Tuesday, March 15th, 2016
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Boys

Class A

03/11/16
Constitution - 62

Shenandoah Valley - 47

Easter Bunny Arrives Saturday at the Schuylkill Mall

The Easter Bunny Arrives This Saturday, March 11th, at the Schuylkill Mall!

Bath Salts Found During Traffic Stop

On Wednesday March 9th, 2016 around 11:30pm Mahanoy City Police pulled over a vehicle driven by Johnathan Hindermyer on East Centre Street.

Upon approaching the vehicle police immediately smelled alcohol emmitting from the vehicle. Police also observed that Hindermyer's eyes were red, glossy, and bouncing around from left to right. 

Due to observing the driver's condition, Officers conducted a series of testing to Hindermyer to determine if he was capable of safely operating a vehicle, which he failed.  Hindermyer was taken into custody for the Suspicion of Driving Under the Influence.

Two other individuals were also in the vehicle who were identified as Nikolas Taylor, of Tamaqua and Krystle Ketchledge, Mahanoy City.

Taylor was found to be wanted in Tennessee on an outstanding warrant.

Ketchledge was asked to step out of the vehicle so that Police could talk as she was registered as the owner of the vehicle.  She was also the only occupant of the vehicle with a valid Driver's License.

While she exited the vehicle, police observed an orange cap which police knew is used to cover the needle of a syringe. Police asked Ketchledge if she had anything on her which may potentially endanger their safety that Police should know about, to which she stated "no". 

Police then conducted a pat down search of her pockets just to verify for their safety, to which she said agreed. 

Upon looking in Ketchledge's hooded sweatshirt pocket, Police observed an orange tourniquet.  Police then also observed an opened bottle of Calico Jack Caribbean Rum Alcoholic Beverage resting on the floor of the front passenger seat where Taylor was located as well as a glass pipe with dark burnt residue inside.

Due to the items located in plain view, Police conducted a search of the vehicle in an attempt to locate any other opened bottles of an alcoholic beverage and or any illegal substances. 

While doing so, Police located within the rear passenger right seat where Ketchledge was seated, one small gold decorative box containing 4 capped syringes, 4 cotton ball swabs, and 2 water bottle caps. 

Police also searched a brown purse that was next to the gold decorative box. Within the purse, Police found a wallet which contained a Pennsylvania Driver's License card issued to Ketchledge. 

Also within the purse was a smaller purse that contained  a total of 116 packaging bags with the word Diesel imprinted on it, 20 individual packets with Diesel Imprinted on it containing a multi colored substance. 

Also located within the reach of Ketchledge, in the rear passenger seating area, was also a large black box. Within the box, there were 3 pill bottles. The first bottle had a label which showed that the prescription was issued to Nikolas Taylor and should contain 30 OxyCodone 5mg pills on March 2nd, 2016. This bottle currently contained 1 OxyCodone pill and 9 Promethazine pills. 

The second pill bottle located within the same black box showed that the perscription was issued to Nikolas Taylor and should contain 15 Promethazine 25mg pills, which was filled on March 2nd, 2016. This pill bottle currently contained 15 Diazepam pills and 1 Alprazolam pill. 

The last and final pill bottle found within the black box, exhibited a Walgreens perscription label which had previously been multilated. This final pill bottle containted 105 Tramodol pills. 

Lastly, located in the rear pocket of the front passenger seat, which was positioned directly in front of Ketchledge was an open syringe which Ketchledge made the officer aware of and stated that she just used it prior to the traffic stop.

Due to the illegal substances found to be in the possession of Ketchledge, she was taken into custody and transported back to Mahanoy' City Borough Police Station for processing then transported to Schuylkill County Prison to be held on a 48 hour detainer issued by Schuylkill County Adult Probation and Parole Department.

The multi colored substance found within the packets, imprinted with the work Diesel, tested positive for containing Methylmethcathinone also known as Bath Salts.

Ketchledge was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge David J. Rossi on charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver, possession of drug paraphernalia, misbranding of medication or prescription.  She was locked up in Schuylkill County Prison unable to post bail.

Shenandoah Police were also requested to the scene for assistance. 

Tickets on Sale Now for North Schuylkill Theatre Arts Presents Guys and Dolls

Tickets are now on sale from any cast members for the North Schuylkill Theatre Arts production of Guys and Dolls, set to take the stage on Friday, April 1st and Saturday, April 2nd.

Performances each night will begin at 7:30PM at the North Schuylkill Junior/Senior High School Auditorium. Contact the school at 570-874-0495 for further information.

Opening Day Trout Season Breakfast at Sweet Arrow Lake Park

Sweet Arrow Lake is a beautiful place to spend a morning and it’s a great place to catch fish! So, for fishermen and non-fishermen alike it’s the perfect place to have breakfast on the opening day of Trout season. Join us on Saturday, April 2, 2016, 6:00-10:00 a.m. for our breakfast that has become an annual tradition. Adults $6.00; children $4.00. Fill yourself before you fill your creel. For more information and directions call 570-345-8952.

Celebrate Schuylkill & Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau Presents Spring Thaw Art Tour

Celebrate Schuylkill, a group of local art enthusiasts will hold their annual arts and cultural tour, Spring Thaw on April 1 – 3, 2016. The tour features three days full of entertainment and activities hosted by the following organizations:

• The Arts Barn
• The Walk In Art Center
• The Tamaqua Community Art Center
• The Seed House
• Mud & Maker
• Schuylkill Choral Society
• Strawberry Playhouse
• Gabriel Youth Orchestra
• The Art & Craft Gallery of Hamburg
• The Stonehedge CoOp
• The Art of the Brew Craft Beer Festival

According to Lisa Robinson, Executive Director of The Walk In Art Center, “The Spring Thaw is a wonderful way to celebrate art in our community and have some fun after a cold winter. We encourage everyone to visit as many venues on the art and cultural tour as you can and see how much Schuylkill County and surrounding areas has to offer.”

The Spring Thaw three day calendar is full of open houses, art exhibitions, shopping, giveaways, music and concerts, presentations, kids activities, bake sales, craft beer and wine tasting, theatre and much more. Each location showcases their individual events during the weekend with the common focus of celebrating and enjoying art and culture in the community.

A Spring Thaw detailed calendar of events is listed on the Celebrate Schuylkill’s and the individual venues’ websites and Facebook pages. For more information please visit www.celebrateschuylkill.com

Celebrate Schuylkill & Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau Presents Spring Thaw Art Tour

Seedlings for Schools from the Pennsylvania Game Commission

The Pennsylvania Game Commission is helping students learn about the vital role trees play in the environment.

Nestlé USA Announces Voluntary Recall of a Limited Number of DiGiorno® Pizzas, Lean Cuisine® and Stouffer’s® Products Due to the Potential Presence of Foreign Material

Nestlé USA is initiating a voluntary recall of a limited number of DiGiorno®, Lean Cuisine®, and Stouffer’s® products due to the potential presence of glass pieces. This voluntary recall covers only specific production codes of the following products:

• DiGiorno Thin & Crispy Spinach and Garlic Pizza
• DiGiorno Rising Crust Spinach and Mushroom Pizza
• DiGiorno pizzeria Thin Crust Spinach and Mushroom Pizza
• DiGiorno pizzeria Tuscan-style Chicken Pizza
• Lean Cuisine Spinach and Mushroom Pizza
• Lean Cuisine Spinach Artichoke Ravioli
• Lean Cuisine Ricotta and Spinach Ravioli
• Lean Cuisine Spinach, Artichoke & Chicken Panini
• Lean Cuisine Mushroom Mezzaluna Ravioli
• Stouffer’s Vegetable Lasagna (10 oz., 37 oz. and 96 oz. sizes)
• Stouffer’s Spinach Soufflé
• Stouffer’s Chicken Lasagna

The voluntary recall is limited to the production codes listed below. To locate the production code, consumers should look on the side panel of the package. No other production codes, sizes or varieties of DiGiorno, Lean Cuisine or Stouffer’s products are affected by this recall.

No injuries have been reported. We are recalling these products because they may contain small pieces of glass that may cause injury. Although our investigation is ongoing, we believe the source of the glass is spinach that was an ingredient common to the products subject to this recall. Nestlé USA is taking this action out of an abundance of caution after several consumers reported that they had found small pieces of glass in some of these products.

Consumers who may have purchased the products listed above should not consume them but should instead contact Nestlé Consumer Services at 1-800-681-1676.

DiGiorno products affected by the recall:

Item	Production Code	UPC	Best Before Date
DiGiorno Thin & Crispy Spinach and Garlic Pizza	5363525921 5363525922 5364525921 ---------- 6019525921 6019525922	7192145143	July 2016 ---------- Aug. 2016
DiGiorno Rising Crust Spinach and Mushroom Pizza	6004525932 6005525931 6020855932 6021525931	7192100335	Aug. 2016
DiGiorno pizzeria Thin Crust Spinach and Mushroom Pizza	6009525952	7192158570	Aug. 2016
DiGiorno pizzeria! Tuscan-style Chicken Pizza	6017525952 6018525951	7192196236	Aug. 2016

Lean Cuisine products affected by the recall:

Item	Production Code	UPC	Best Before Date
Lean Cuisine Spinach and Mushroom Pizza	5339587814 5340587814 5340587815 6003587814	13800135209	Nov. 2016
Lean Cuisine Spinach, Artichoke & Chicken Panini	5348587814 ---------- 6011587814	13800553263	July 2016 ---------- Aug. 2016
Lean Cuisine Mushroom Mezzaluna Ravioli	5348587812 5349587812	13800583581	Jan. 2017
Lean Cuisine Spinach Artichoke Ravioli	5362587812 5363587812	13800558060	Jan. 2017
Lean Cuisine Ricotta Cheese and Spinach Ravioli	6004595912 6005595912	1380093052	Feb. 2017

Stouffer’s products affected by the recall:

Item	Production Code	UPC	Best Before Date
Stouffer’s Vegetable Lasagna Party Size (96oz)	5351595916 5353595915 5353595916 ---------- 6004595916	13800190024	March 2017 ---------- April 2017
Stouffer’s Whole Grain Vegetable Lasagna (10oz)	5353595913 ---------- 6011595513	13800103239	March 2017 ---------- April 2017
Stouffer’s Vegetable Lasagna Family Size (37oz)	5349595914	13800555106	Jan. 2017
Stouffer’s Chicken Lasagna Party Size (96oz)	5355595915	13800030528	Jan. 2018
Stouffer’s Spinach Soufflé (12oz)	5353595528 5353595538	13800105851	July 2016

The quality and safety of our products are the top priority for our company. We apologize to our retail customers and consumers and sincerely regret any inconvenience created by this recall. We are working with both the U. S. Food & Drug Administration and the U. S. Department of Agriculture on this voluntary recall and will cooperate with them fully.

Pow Wow – PA Dutch Folk Medicine at Sweet Arrow Lake Park

When:  Tuesday, March 29, 2016 from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the clubhouse at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park, Pine Grove to learn about Pa Dutch Folk Medicine. Pow wow practitioners served rural folks with ways to heal common maladies. Learn about the history of this practice, discuss techniques and hear of some personal stories from those who were treated. “Porcupine Pat” of the Schuylkill Conservation District will shed light on the pow wow tradition and its importance to the rural lifestyle. This program is suitable for teens and adults. Fee: $5.00 per person. Please call Susan at 570-624-3018 to pre-register.

Community Sunrise Service at Sweet Arrow Lake Park

Everyone is welcome to join at 6:30 a.m., March 27, 2016 for an Easter Sunday sunrise service at the point amphitheater in front of the Sweet Arrow Lake County Park clubhouse. There will be an Easter devotional service led by the pastor of the Pine Grove Wesleyan Church and live music.

A breakfast will be served at no charge following the service. This event is free and open to the public. Call 570-345-8422 for additional information.

The Skook Recovers Helping Those Overcome the Struggle of Addiction in Schuylkill County

On Tuesday night, as part of North Schuylkill's Community Involvement Series, the District hosted a special program with the purpose of inspiring a more positive and unified consciousness in Schuylkill County.

Travis Snyder, a Tri Valley graduate, athlete, and recovering heroin addict of over 4 years, presented his"Skook Recovers" program by sharing what he has learned from his personal experience growing up, living in, and overcoming the struggle of addiction in Schuylkill County.

Snyder started the "Skook Recovers" project in June of 2015 because he felt the county didn't have a place or example of hope for those fighting addiction.  He has since gathered a following of over 2,500 followers on their Facebook page and has begun speaking in school districts to inspire students with awareness and their personal stories of how addiction affects everyone on a mental, spiritual, and physical level.

During the presentation, one of the group's members, Phil Bennett, who is a recovering addict and also a North Schuylkill Alumni, told his story on how the group has helped give him hope and how it has led him to his current role as a certified recovery specialist in Berks County.

There are many resources available for those with addictions during recovery but what makes "The Skook Recovers" special is their positiveness and their goal to change the stigma on those with addiction and educate the public to not condemn but support those with addictions.

To close the presentation, Snyder showed those in attendance a brief documentary on his recovery and explained how he uses weight training as part of it. 

On Wednesday, the group also attended the Upper Dauphin School District's Drug Day to inspire students with self awareness and better prepare themselves to make positive choices.

To follow more from "The Skook Recovers" through Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/theskookrecovers or through their web site at http://www.theskookrecovers.com/

Indian Mound Builders of the Mississippi Valley Scheduled for Sweet Arrow Lake

Enjoy a program by noted Indian expert Dave McSurdy on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. in the Sweet Arrow Lake County Park clubhouse. Dave’s slide presentation explores the civilization of the Mississippi before Europeans arrived including the huge Monks Mound near St. Louis, the strange Serpent Mound, and Cahokia, the city of 15,000 Indians. This program is free and open to the public and suitable for teens and adults.

Check for Winning Instant Tickets with PA Lottery Mobile App

Middletown, PA – The Pennsylvania Lottery’s official mobile app now allows players to scan instant game tickets to see if they have won a prize.

LCCC to Hold Spring Open House for Prospective Students

Schnecksville, Pa., March 10, 2016 – Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) will host an open house for prospective students and their families on Tuesday, April 12, from 6-8 p.m. in the Lisa Scheller-Wayne Woodman Community Services Center, main campus, Schnecksville, Pa.

LCCC Admission and Financial Aid representatives, academic counselors as well as Academic Program coordinators will be on hand to answer your questions. The Open House is an excellent opportunity for prospective students and their parents to tour the campus, learn about scholarship opportunities, and learn how LCCC can pave the way for an exciting and rewarding career.

Interested students should register on our website at openhouse.lccc.edu or by calling the LCCC Admission Office at 610-799-1575.

Family Fun Fishing Event at Sweet Arrow Lake Park

Establish a lasting outdoor family bonding at the Family Fun Fishing Event on Sunday, April 24, 2016 at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park. Check-in begins at 6:30 a.m. at the clubhouse area or at the PA Fish and Boat access area pavilion. If you pre-register, there is no need to check-in until you need your food voucher. Registration may close early at the boat access but will remain open at the clubhouse until 1:15 p.m. Registration forms are due by April 24, 2016 for this kick-off event. There will be reduced entry fees for all pre-registrations received by April 1, 2016.

Schedule for Third Round of the PIAA State High School Basketball Championship Playoffs

Schedule for Third Round of the PIAA State High School Basketball Championship Playoffs

Girls

Class A

03/12/16
Mahanoy Area vs. Halifax (Martz Hall @ 2:30PM)

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Boys

Class A

03/11/16
Shenandoah Valley vs. Constitution (Milton Hershey HS, Hershey @ 6:00PM)