Saturday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 05/14/16

Saturday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 05/14/16

Woman Facing Drug Charges

Charges were filed today on a Shenandoah woman for an incident in Mahanoy City at the Coco Hut in April. 

LCCC Holds New EMT Class for Carbon and Schuylkill Counties

Schnecksville, Pa., May 13, 2016 – Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) has added an additional Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program at its Morgan Center in Tamaqua for individuals who are likely to respond to pre-hospital emergencies or those considering a medical career.

Rain Washes Out Another Friday Night Of Action At Big Diamond

MINERSVILLE, PA. – For the third consecutive Friday, rain has forced the cancellation of the racing action at the Big Diamond Speedway.

Fire Destroys Vacant Home Friday Afternoon

Just after 1:00pm Friday, fire crews were called to 120 South Grant Street, Shenandoah for a working structure fire.

Southbound Interstate 81 Lane Restrictions Begin Next Week

On Wednesday, May 18th, the southbound lanes of Interstate 81 from the Ravine Exit to Lebanon County will be restricted to a single lane and crossoverto the Northbound side for the next phase of the Interstate 81 construction project.

Man Facing Drug Charges After Incident

A man is facing drug charges after an overnight incident in Mahanoy City.

According to Police, Ilvin Gumbs, 23 of West Hazleton was charged by Ptlm Rentschler & Kovalewski after an incident around 12:30am Friday.

Gumbs faces charges of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, unlawful possession, drug paraphernalia, DUI, and summary offenses.

He was arrested and placed in Schuylkill County Prison.

Mahanoy City Police

https://www.facebook.com/MahanoyCityPoliceDepartment

Thursday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 05/12/16

Thursday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 05/12/16

Laser Pointed at Flying Medical Helicopter

Photo not of actual incident

Schuylkill County Crime Stoppers and State Police at Schuylkill Haven are asking for the public’s help in finding those responsible for aiming a laser light at a medical helicopter in April.

The incident reportedly occurred about 8:50 p.m. April 17 near Seltzer, Norwegian Township.

Police said a Geisinger Medical Center Life Flight helicopter was flying overhead when someone aimed the light at the aircraft.

Schuylkill County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information on the identity of those responsible for this crime or on any unsolved crime in Schuylkill County.

Callers are asked to refer to case 05-08-16 when calling with information about the incident involving the laser light in Norwegian Township.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 877-TIPS4SC (877-847-7472).

Callers can also relay their information directly to state police at Schuylkill Haven by calling 570-739-1330.

All information will remain confidential

Below is a video published by the FBI demonstrating how a pilot can be blinded by a laser while piloting an aircraft.

Yuengling Brewery Blood Drive - 05/27/16

Short Track Super Series ‘Anthracite Assault’ Postponed At Big Diamond Speedway

MINERSVILLE, PA. – The weather certainly has not been a favorable one for race fans in northeastern Pennsylvania since the calendar turned to the month of May.

Wednesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 05/11/16

Wednesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 05/11/16

9th Annual Kielbasi Festival is Coming Soon

The 9th Annual Kielbasi Festival is coming up!

The festival takes place in Shenandoah on May 21st, 2016 on Main and Centre Street and goes to Washington St.

The three kings, Capital Kowalonek's and Lucky's Kielbasi Shops and the Queen Mrs. T

will be featured.

It starts at 11:00am and run until 5:00pm.

 There is music by the Shenandoah All Star Polka band, Eastern European food, and craft, The Hookies Bleenies, fun for the kids and a bounce house.

There is also a contest for anyone that makes Kielbasi at home.

For more information call 570-462-2060

Follow the event on Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/Kielbasi-Festival-Shenandoah-PA-346132849319/

"Schuylkill Mall Goes to the Dogs" This Sunday

 Schuykill Mall Goes to the Dogs happens this Sunday from 10 to 5. 

Schuylkill County Prison Receives Order from Department of Corrections

Schuylkill County Prison Board Chairman George F. Halcovage, Jr. announced Tuesday that the Schuylkill County Prison received an Order dated May 4, 2016 from Pennsylvania Department of Corrections determining that the Schuylkill County Prison is ineligible to receive any additional prisoners sentenced to a maximum term of 6 months or more but less than 5 years. 

In the order issued by John E. Wetzel, Secretary of the Department of Corrections, it states that the prison failed to reach the benchmark of 277 inmates within the prison by November 24, 2015.  As of that date, 305 inmates were housed in the prison and continued to grow after.  The Order was issued to help reduce the number of housed inmates below the agreed benchmark.

The agreed benchmark was set forth in the Settlement Agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections dated July 28, 2015.

The Prison Board with the Schuylkill County Board of Commissioners, has worked to implement several programs including work release, a day monitoring center and an inmate diversion program. In addition, contracts with various state and county correctional facilities to house Schuylkill County inmates have been entered into and others are currently being negotiated and reviewed. 

The County has already diverted over thirty inmates since the original order and additional inmates are presently being classified for transfer. 

Commissioner Halcovage stated, "Despite the County's diligent efforts to reach the benchmark set by the PA Department of Corrections, the continued swelling numbers of inmates in Schuylkill County has prevented it from attaining that benchmark. The Schuylkill County Prison Board and Board of Commissioners are committed to continuing to work with the Department of Corrections, the Schuylkill County Court as well as County Law Enforcement professionals to insure that all inmate housing requirements are met and those individuals adjudicated by the Court requiring incarceration will be incarcerated."

The Commissioners will be reviewing the additional inmate housing agreements which upon approval will then open additional out of county housing opportunities for Schuylkill County Inmates.

Wireless Nation Customer Appreciation Day This Saturday

WHEN:  May 14, 2016 from 10:00am to 8:00pm

Yuengling Uses Social Media to Raise Money for The Veterans

Pottsville, PA, May 10, 2016 - D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc., is supporting the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) with a multi-year commitment through their “Respect. It’s Earned.” campaign.

Yuengling’s #LagersForHeroes program is using social media to gain donations for the VFW’s many programs geared to assist veterans, service members and their families. Thanks to technology company GoodWorld, our social savvy fans will be able to donate on specific Facebook posts by commenting “#donate” and the dollar amount they’d like to give or by tweeting @VFWHQ “#donate” and their donation amount. Yuengling will also be encouraging fans to support the VFW by texting Hero to 90999 and by visiting Yuengling.com/VFW to donate online.

This new initiative is a great way for Yuengling to demonstrate the brewery’s respect for our nation’s veterans and the sacrifices they’ve made to protect our great country. Yuengling’s #LagersForHeroes program will be promoted from Memorial Day through the 4th of July.

“We’re excited to enable supporters to donate in the way that’s most convenient to them and to have teamed up with GoodWorld to allow them to donate through Facebook and Twitter,” said Randi Law, VFW communications & public affairs manager.

“Yuengling’s generosity and the commitment from their fans to the VFW will help ensure we’re able to provide the assistance that America’s veterans deserve well into the future,” said John E. Hamilton, VFW adjutant general.

“We have tremendous respect for those that have served and their sacrifices,” said Richard “Dick” Yuengling, president and owner of Yuengling. “We know the toll it takes to leave your family to protect and serve our great country. This program is our way to support those who give so much.”

The VFW offers scholarships, financial grants, employment assistance and other services to veterans, service members and their families.

Police Searching for Man Wanted on Assault Charges

Minersville Police are seeking the whereabouts of Brandon Lafferty, 22, with no known address.

Schuylkill County Burn Ban

A post has been circling the web that the Schuylkill County Burn Ban is ending.  That information is false.

The burn ban expires on May 22nd, 2016 at Noon.

Black Diamond Antiques To Close in the Schuylkill Mall

The Schuylkill Mall announced Monday that the Black Diamond Antiques & Collectibles will be closing.

In a Facebook post, the mall reported that the store's last day will be Sunday, May 15th.

Vendors of the store reported that they received notice Monday via a letter in the mail.  No warning was given prior to the announcement.

UPDATE:  Skook News received a copy of the letter received by the vendors of the store and the letter states the store will closed effective May 9, 2016 at 9:00pm.