Skook News - Your #1 Source for Schuylkill County News

Sunday, April 3, 2016

South Schuylkill Garden Club has New Officers

New Officers for the South Schuylkill Garden Club serving for the next two years are (l-R) Glen Stevens, Treasurer; Kim Morgan, Secretary; Joan Cairnes, 2nd Vice-president; Linda Bollinger, 1st Vice-president; Melissa Seigfried, President

Police File Charges for Armed Robbery of Pharmacy

Ashland Borough Police have filed charges on Jason Pryce, Ashland, for the October 27th, 2015 armed robbery of Bracey's Pharmacy.

On April 19, 2016 at 7:00 p.m., Hershey’s ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park will once again make an appearance at the Sweet Arrow Lake County Park clubhouse to present “Paws, Claws, Scales and Tails”. This variety program focuses on the adaptations that animals use for survival in the wild. Paws, claws, scales and tails are important for defense, finding food, eating, swimming and escaping predators. Live animals will be featured. This program is free and open to the public and is made possible through a grant from the Schuylkill Area Community Foundation. For more information call 570-345-8952.

Sweet Arrow Lake Park Hosting Disc Golf Tournament

Sweet Arrow Lake County Park will be hosting its first Disc Golf Tournament on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at 8:00 a.m. Come check out the newly redesigned disc golf course. The event will include 2 rounds of disc golf, player packs, games and raffles, trophies for top division placers, and a free picnic lunch!

The fee is $30 for all divisions (open, amateur, masters, & women). All proceeds benefit the non-profit organization "Friends of Schuylkill Parks and Recreation” whose goal is to promote and support recreational opportunities in Schuylkill County.

On-line registration is highly encouraged at www.discgolfu.com. For more information or if you wish to be a tournament sponsor please contact Drew Kline at 570-527-2505 or drewkline9@gmail.com.

Power Outages Reported in Southern Schuylkill County

As of 12:45am, Sunday, Over 1,000 homes are currently reported to be without power.

Rain Barrel Make ‘N Take

The Penn State Master Gardeners are pleased to be able to offer an environmental information session followed by a workshop to help you with drilling and constructing your own rain barrel. Learn how a few small and inexpensive changes by residents can improve water quality, reduce flooding damage, and reduce soil loss through erosion.

Join us at the Sweet Arrow Lake County Park large pavilion on April 26, 2016 at 6:00-8:00 p.m. to learn how to construct, paint, use and winterize your barrel. Convenient on–line registration is available at http://extension.psu.edu/rain-barrel/schuylkill. Registration and payment of $35 (includes rain barrel and fittings) is required by April 19, 2016.

High Wind Warning Issued

A High Wind Warning has been issued for Schuylkill County and counties south.

For the third time in just as many days, a tractor trailer has crashed on the Broad Mountain near Nesquehoning, Carbon County.

LCCC to Hold Info Sessions for Prospective Adult Students from Schuylkill County

Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) will hold information sessions at the college’s Tamaqua campus to promote training programs in CDL, Industrial Automation and Health Careers.

Saturday, April 2

10 am - 5pm

Art Show and Sale

The Main Gallery at The Walk In Art Center, Schuylkill Haven

The WVIA documentary “Knoebels” has received the Excellence in Broadcasting Award for Outstanding Television Documentary in the 2016 Documentary Television Program competition juried by the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters (PAB).

Police Investigating Theft of Child's Purse

Shenandoah Police are investigating a theft that occurred at the Family Dollar on 4/1/2016 at approximately 7 p.m.

Any one with information regarding the identity of the female is asked to contact 570-462-1991.

Female in the photos stole a purse that belonged to an 11 year old juvenile.

Wind Advisory Issued for Overnight Saturday into Sunday

The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory for Schuylkill County and Counties south for overnight Saturday into Sunday.

(04/01/16) A line of strong storms will cross parts Schuylkill County Friday afternoon.

Friday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 04/01/16

HARRISBURG – The Schuylkill Conservation District will receive a $67,024 grant from the state Department of Environmental Protection to again monitor water quality on the Upper Swatara Creek, state Reps. Neal P. Goodman and Mike Tobash and state Sen. David G. Argall announced.

“Unfortunately, routine monitoring in the watershed stopped in 2007,” Goodman said. “I’m pleased that the state is again providing funding that will give us a fresh look at the water quality in the creek and locations of acid mine drainage in the watershed.”

“Past monitoring of Upper Swatara Creek led to acid mine drainage and abandoned mine land reclamation projects,” said Tobash, R-Schuylkill/Dauphin. “The stream now supports native trout, but the new round of monitoring will help us learn if more action is needed.”

“The Upper Swatara Creek Watershed has a long history of anthracite mining in the late 1800s through the mid-1900s,” said Argall, R-Schuylkill/Berks. “This funding, which comes from fees placed on the coal industry, will go a long way to improve the quality of our waterways as well as recreational opportunities in Schuylkill County and beyond.”

The monitoring will take place in Tremont, Frailey, Reilly and Porter townships over two years, said Wayne G. Lehman, county natural resources specialist with the Schuylkill Conservation District.

“It will let us know about improvements we have made to the creek, and what we still need to do,” Lehman said.

Thursday, March 31, 2016

2 Injured in Thursday Afternoon Crash

Around 3:00pm, authorities were called to Pine Creek Drive (Route 54) and Church Road for a motor vehicle accident.

The Pennsylvania State Police has issued an Amber Child Abduction Alert for the Upper Merion Township Police Department Montgomery County.

UPDATE: BABY FOUND SAFE
http://6abc.com/news/police-baby-boy-kidnapped-from-king-of-prussia-mall-found-safe/1271388/

On March 31, 2016 at approximately 5:35 p.m. Ahsir Simmons a seven week old black male with black hair was abducted from the King of Prussia Plaza Mall located at 160 North Gulp Road, Upper Merion Township, Pennsylvania. The child was last seen wearing a bright orange shirt. He was abducted from his stroller by an unknown black female, approximately 5 foot 3 inches tall and approximately 135 pounds, long black straight hair wearing a light colored short sleeve shirt with horizontal stripes, black pants and dark shoes. She was carrying a bright orange pocket book. She was last seen fleeing with the child on foot towards Gulp Rd.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Ahsir Simmons should call 911.

Skook News is Looking for Some Help

Would you be interested in joining the team of one of the fastest growing web sites in Schuylkill County?

Seven-time Grammy winner and ACM Female Vocalist of the Year nominee Carrie Underwood will bring her tour to GIANT Center in Hershey, PA on Saturday, October 1, 2016 at 7 PM with Easton Corbin and The Swon Brothers.

Information from the FBI regarding the "Grandparents Scam"

Around 7:00am Thursday morning, emergency personnel were called to 49 Pinedale Industrial Road, West Brunswick Township, near Orwigsburg for working commercial structure fire.

Witnesses Sought for PA Lottery Drawing Show

Pennsylvanians age 55 and older are needed to volunteer as witnesses on the Pennsylvania Lottery’s evening drawing show, an important job that serves the public interest.

Wednesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 03/30/16

Elton John and his band return to Hershey for one performance at GIANT Center on Friday, September 23, 2016 at 8pm as part of a nine-city concert tour that will feature iconic hits and classic album tracks from throughout his incredible five-decade career, as well as selected tracks from his upcoming album Wonderful Crazy Night.

Tuesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 03/29/16

On Friday, March 25th, a deceased female puppy was found in a tan and green pet carrier at the intersection of Route 901 and Keystone Boulevard in Foster Township.

The Orwigsburg Lions Club is once again hosting one of the area's most hilarious and fun-filled events, the Miss America Pageant! The pageant is held every five years and has proven to be a community treasure for decades. The contestants are made up of male Lions members that invest months of hard work to get "swimsuit ready" and perfect their various talent and dance routines to compete for the coveted Miss America crown. We are happy to report the beauties competing in the 2016 pageant feature strong, glamorous talent in the 180 to 250 pound weight class!

The pageant is being held this Friday, April 1 and Saturday, April 2

in the Blue Mountain High School Auditorium, with the doors opening at
7:00 p.m. and the show starting at 7:30 p.m. both nights. The pageant is an Orwigsburg Lions tradition that dates back to the 1960s and is the Club's biggest fundraiser.

All money raised goes directly back into the Orwigsburg community. Here is just a sample of some of the projects funded by the Orwigsburg Lions Club over the last 6 years (totaling over $70,000):

$25,000 - Orwigsburg Veterans Memorial Building
$13,000 - Orwigsburg Food Pantry
$9,900 - Walking Trail
$8,800 - Orwigsburg Library
$5,200 - MDA Donations
$4,500 - Easter Egg Hunts
$2,100 - Albright's Woods Maintenance
$2,000 - Orwigsburg Little League Lights

Tickets are still available for both nights but they are selling fast! Pre-sale tickets are $15.00 for adults, $12.00 for seniors (age 65 and older) and students, and $18.00 at the door. Tickets are available for sale from any Lions member and at the following retail locations:

Pottsville Provision - 415 North 7th St., Pottsville
Healthy Habits Natural Market - Rt. 61, Orwigsburg
Market Square Coffee House - 118 West Market St., Orwigsburg

Enjoy a fun night out of vaudeville-style entertainment while also supporting the Lions Club's mission to serve our community. Together we can make a difference!

Double Murder Suspect Shot Late Monday Night

Late Monday Night, a suspect wanted for double murder was shot while police attempted to arrest him.

Schuylkill County Native Charged in Death of 2 Year Old Daughter in North Carolina

A woman who is native to Schuylkill County was charged Monday for the death of her 2 year old daughter.

According to WNCN, out of North Carolina, Jeanie Ditty, an active soldier at Fort Bragg and native of Pottsville, is charged with first-degree murder and negligent child abuse inflicting serious bodily injury for the death of her daughter, Macy Grace.

The death reportedly occurred in December of 2015.

Ditty's boyfriend, Zachary Earl Keefer, was also charged.

Full Story from WNCN

http://wncn.com/2016/03/28/nc-mom-and-boyfriend-charged-in-toddler-girls-death-appear-in-court/

Schuylkill County Fire Units Called to Northumberland County for 4th Alarm Fire

(03/28/16) Schuylkill County fire units have been called to a 4th alarm fire on Sunbury Street in Shamokin Monday evening.

Ashland has been called for their ladder and Girardville has been called to move up to cover Kulpmont.

As of 9:15pm, the fire was at a 4th alarm.

Route 61 is reported to be closed due to the fire.

Just recently, a search for a man led them to the home where the fire reportedly started and found a meth lab.
http://www.dailyitem.com/news/police-wanted-man-tracked-to-shamokin-meth-lab/article_b050eee8-f199-11e5-87ac-2fffe480430e.html

Posted by Firewire Northumberland County on Monday, March 28, 2016

Video of Fire in Shamokin
Posted by Firewire Northumberland County on Monday, March 28, 2016

Police Investigating Incident

The Rush Township Police Department is investigating an incident that occurred at the Walmart in Hometown. Pictured below is the males involved along with the Jeep Cherokee that was involved. The Jeep has a smashed out rear window and tail light.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Rush Township Police at (570) 668-4242, all information will remain anonymous.

Hundreds Lose Power in Schuylkill County Monday Afternoon

Around 5:15pm Monday Afternoon, a couple hundreds households lost power in Schuylkill County.

According to PPL, close 500 customers were without power in the Butler Twp/Ashland area. Most home reported the outage to be out for roughly 5-10 minutes but as of 5:45pm, the majority of the outages were in Butler Twp.

No word on an official cause or when power will be restored.

Monday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 03/28/16

Monday Night - Cloudy and Very Windy - Low Near 30
** Wind Advisory issued until Midnight

Tuesday - Sunny and Windy - High in the Upper 40's

Wednesday - Sunny - High in the Mid 50's

Thursday - Cloudy with Rain Late - High in the Low 60's

Friday - Rain - High near 60

Saturday - Cloudy with Showers Late - High in the Upper 40's

Wind Advisory Issued for Monday Afternoon and Evening

The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory for most of Eastern Pennsylvania for Monday Afternoon and Evening.

Police Seek New York City Suspect with Ties to Pottsville Area

According to the Republican Herald, on Friday, Pottsville Police were assisted U.S. Marshals and New York City police who were attempting to apprehend Antonio Morales, 50, who is the registered owner of a property at 368 Front St., Pottsville.

Morales is reported to be a suspected in a double murder in Staten Island, NY, on Thursday.

Anyone who may see Morales or anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call Pottsville police at 570-628-3792 or New York City police at 800-577-8477.
Full story from the Republican Herald
republicanherald.com/news/pottsville-police-help-search-for-homicide-suspect-1.2023753

Anyone who may see Morales or anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call Pottsville police at 570-628-3792 or New York City police at 800-577-8477.
Posted by The Republican-Herald on Sunday, March 27, 2016

Saturday, March 26, 2016

LCCC Offers Summer Sessions and Opens Fall Registration

Registration for the summer semester at Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) is ongoing and will begin on April 4 for the fall semester. The five-week summer session runs May 23 to June 29; the 10-week session begins May 23 and ends August 10. An additional five week session runs July 11 through August 16. The fall semester starts August 20.

Classes are offered online and at campuses in Schnecksville, Allentown, Tamaqua, and Jim Thorpe. Flight training classes are held at the Lehigh Valley International Airport.

Before registering for classes, students must apply for admission and can do so online at http://www.lccc.edu/future-students/apply-now. Those seeking a degree must complete a placement test, or meet requirements for exemption, and meet with an advisor before registering for classes. Payment of tuition for the fall semester is due July 13 with payment plan options available.

For more information, please contact LCCC’s Admissions Office at 610-799-1575. For a complete list of credit classes and to register, visit LCCC’s website at www.lccc.edu.

Schuylkill Technology Center Spring Craft Show

On Saturday, April 2,2016 the Schuylkill Technology Center Spring Craft Show will be held at the STC North campus in Frackville. The craft show is to help raise funds to support our students in the various activities throughout the year.

Hersheypark Announces New Enhancements To Ensure a Sweet 2016 Season

This year, Hersheypark celebrates 109 seasons of making guests Hersheypark Happy and there are lots of new reasons to smile with new offerings this year.

For 2016, new culinary treats include:

A new Chickie’s & Pete’s location in Founder’s Way with signature burgers and salads on the menu.
Makin’ Whoopie Pies is opening a second location at The Boardwalk at Hersheypark and will offer ice cream sandwiches and smoothies.
Simply Chocolate will now offer King-Size Shakes, a 32-ounce indulgence in various Hershey’s flavors; plus exciting new Chocolate Bark in an array of flavors, and chocolate-dipped favorites like Twizzlers and bacon.
Three custom-designed souvenir cups, featuring Hershey’s Product Characters Hershey Bar, Reese’s, and Hershey’s Kiss will now be sold throughout the Park with discounts given to guests choosing to purchase more than one souvenir cup.
A new Gatorade stand is now located in The Boardwalk at Hersheypark dispensing beverages and offering guests a fun photo opportunity.

New food and beverage offerings aren’t the only things new to Hersheypark this year. The Entertainment department has two exciting new shows:

Dance, Dance, Dance: America!, a musical journey beginning with our founding roots and continuing right down Main Street.
Country Roads, featuring boot-stomping tunes that serve up stories of love and dreams.

The Hersheypark Retail Department will now offer a heat press, located at Character Corner. This heat press gives guests the option to customize their Hersheypark apparel with neon, glitter, and glow-in-the-dark letters and numbers.

For more information, visit Hersheypark.com, follow Hersheypark on Facebook or #Hersheypark on Twitter and @Hersheypark on Instagram. For insider tips and behind-the-scenes information follow us on Blog.HersheyPA.com

Friday, March 25, 2016

Pauch Jr. Prepared To Defend 358 Modified Title At Big Diamond Speedway

MINERSVILLE, PA. -- There are not many things that Billy Pauch, Jr. can say that he has accomplished in racing that his legendary father Billy Pauch, Sr. has not.

Winning the Big Diamond 358 modified track title is one of them.

The 28-year-old used consistency last year while scoring one win en route to his first-ever modified track title after coming very close to winning the title in 2014.

“We have had two good years in a row and we are hoping that we are as good as we have been and that we can get more wins than we have had in the last two years,” Pauch Jr. said.

The third-generation racer who scored his first-ever modified win at the track in 2006 will look to make it two straight titles as the CJ’s Automotive & Tire Services 358 modifieds open the 2016 season on Friday, April 1, with the 30-lap feature paying $4,000 to win.

The U.S.S. Achey sportsman, Savage 61 roadrunners and 600 modifieds will round out the four-division racing card. The 20-lap sportsman feature pays $1,000 to win while the roadrunner feature pays $300 to win.

Pauch, Jr. experienced the highs and lows of life during the off season.

He and his wife Michelle welcomed their first child, a son, William Arthur on Dec. 31, 2015. He lost both of his grandfathers including the patriarch of the family, Roy Pauch, on March 7.

“He was a huge part of my racing,” Pauch, Jr. said of Roy. “He spent a lot of time with me and he was at the Diamond a lot on Friday nights. I don’t know who will yell at me but someone sure will.”

Pauch, Jr. said the one piece of advice that has stayed with him from Roy is that the most motor doesn’t win.

“When the track gets slick, you have to de-tune the motor and not spin your wheels,” he said.

The 2016 season will see Pauch, Jr. once again pilot his own car.

“We built a brand new car and we have two fresh motors and we gained a sponsor; that’s huge,” he said. “We’re in a better position to compete and hopefully it will show a little bit more this year. We’re ready to tackle the title defense but we’ll see how things go after the early part of the year.”

“I think the competition is going to be a little bit tougher this season,” he continued. “We’ll seen when June comes around as to who is still there and we’ll adjust our competition level.”

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

Coming up on Friday, April 8 will be the Money in the Mountain race as the CJ's Tire & Automotive Services358 modifieds race 40 laps for $5,000.

Crews Battle 3-Alarm Fire in Minersville Friday Afternoon

Around 2:50pm, Friday afternoon, fire and emergency personnel were called to the corner of Sunbury Street and Delaware Street, Minersville for an apartment building fire.

One person was flown due to their injuries after a fire Friday afternoon.

Ashland Borough Police have charged a woman for allegedly shooting and killing two roosters earlier this month.

Gerber Products Company is voluntarily recalling specific Organic pouch products after identifying a packaging defect that may result in product spoilage during transport and handling. Because of our commitment to high quality, Gerber is working to retrieve from retailers and online stores the remaining pouches from the four affected batches of GERBER® Organic 2ND FOOD pouches that fail to meet our quality standards. We are offering replacement coupons for consumers who purchased the following products:

GERBER® Organic 2ND FOODS® Pouches –Pears, Carrots & Peas, 3.5 ounce pouch

UPC 15000074319

Best By dates/batch codes
12JUL2016 51945335XX
13JUL 2016 51955335XX

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

GERBER® Organic 2ND FOODS® Pouches- Carrots, Apples and Mangoes, 3.5 ounce pouch

UPC 15000074395

Best By dates/batch codes
JUL132016 51955335XX
JUL142016 51965335XX

This recall does not impact any other Gerber pouches, other Gerber products or any Gerber products outside of the US.

Consumers may notice that, in some cases, the pouches are bloated and product inside may have an off taste or odor. There have been three consumer reports of temporary gastrointestinal symptoms, however, we have been unable to confirm that these are related to the product. Consumers should not use the product, since it does not meet our high quality standards.

The products were distributed at U.S. retailers nationwide and through on-line stores. Consumers who purchased pouches with the above UPCs, batch codes and expiration dates are encouraged to contact the Gerber Parents Resource Center at 1-800-706-0556 anytime day or night for a replacement coupon.

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Woman Facing Drug Charges After Traffic Stop

Mahanoy Township Police arrested Aprilann Tovar during a traffic stop Thursday.

Thursday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 03/24/16

Thursday Night - Cloudy with rain overnight - Low near 50

Friday - Morning Showers, Cloudy - High in the Low 60's

Saturday - Sunny - High in the Upper 50's

Sunday - Sunny - High near 60

Monday - Cloudy with Thunderstorms Possible - High in the Mid 50's

Tuesday - Cloudy - High near 50

Intruder Makes Himself at Home, Uses Bathroom, Watches TV

An intruder made himself at home in Coaldale.

An Ashland man and woman were charged with scattering rubbish in the borough.

Sunday, April 3, 2016

Saturday, April 2, 2016

Friday, April 1, 2016

Thursday, March 31, 2016

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Monday, March 28, 2016

Sunday, March 27, 2016

Saturday, March 26, 2016

Friday, March 25, 2016

Thursday, March 24, 2016