Meth Lab Discovered During Investigation

A Meth Lab was discovered during an investigation of a prior incident.

Knoebels Named Favorite Amusement Park, Best Family Park, and Best Wooden Rollercoaster

Lombard, IL – Knoebels Amusement Resort dominated the results of the National Amusement Park Historical Association (NAPHA) 30th annual NAPHA Amusement Park and Attractions Survey. The NAPHA survey is the oldest of its type.

Dozens in Custody from Monday Morning's Drug Sweep in Schuylkill County

(05/02/2016) The following is a list of those taken into custody Monday morning during a drug sweep of Tamaqua and the surrounding areas by the Tamaqua Police, State Police, and Schuylkill County Drug Task Force.

Monday Morning Drug Bust

(05/02/16) - The Tamaqua Police, State Police, and Schuylkill County District Attorney's Drug Task Force were busy Monday morning rounding up drug suspects in the Tamaqua area.

According to the Schuylkill County District Attorney's Office, authorities were looking for 28 suspects.

The raids began around 6:30am.

More details as they come available.

North Schuylkill Hosts "Stand Against Racism Assembly"

On Friday, North Schuylkill Jr/Sr High School hosted a special assembly in honor of “Stand Against Racism”.

Drive In Movies Returning to the Schuylkill Mall

For those who love going to the Drive In will be happy to hear that the Drive In Movies will be returning at the Schuylkill Mall.

Pottsville Native Signs with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Anthony Kelly, of Pottsville, on Saturday signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

North Schuylkill to Honor Long-Time Baseball Coach

On Saturday, May 7th, the North Schuylkill School District will be holding a pre-game ceremony to honor long-time baseball coach Robert Wetzel.

No Injuries in Rollover Crash Friday Afternoon

Just after 5:00pm Friday afternoon, emergency personnel were called to 10 Main Blvd, Brandonville for a motor vehicle accident with rollover.

Scheduled Schuylkill County Road Work

Scheduled Schuylkill County Road Work

Municipality: Union Township

ROAD NAME: Artistes Road
BETWEEN: Ringtown AND Columbia County Line
Type of Work: Shoulder Work/Widening
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime

RESTRICTION: Lane restriction with flagging.

START DATE: 05/09/2016 Est. Completion Date: 05/13/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

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

Municipality: Union Township

ROAD NAME: Evert's Flats
BETWEEN: Ringtown AND Nuremberg
Type of Work: Shoulder Work/Widening
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime

RESTRICTION: Lane restriction with flagging.

START DATE: 05/02/2016 Est. Completion Date: 05/06/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

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

Municipality: Union Twp

ROAD NAME: Evert's Flats
BETWEEN: Ringtown AND Nuremberg
Type of Work: Shoulder Work/Widening
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime

RESTRICTION: Lane restriction with flagging.

START DATE: 04/25/2016 Est. Completion Date: 04/29/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

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

Municipality: Mahanoy Township

ROAD NAME: Interstate 81
BETWEEN: Exit 124 (Frackville) AND Exit 131 (PA 54)
Type of Work: Pothole Patching
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime

RESTRICTION: Lane restriction both directions.

START DATE: 05/02/2016 Est. Completion Date: 05/06/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

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

Municipality: Mahanoy Township

ROAD NAME: Interstate 81
BETWEEN: Exit 124 (Frackville) AND Exit 134 (Delano)
Type of Work: Pothole Patching
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime

RESTRICTION: Lane restriction both directions.

START DATE: 05/09/2016 Est. Completion Date: 05/13/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

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

Municipality: Frailey & Foster Twps.

ROAD NAME: Interstate 81
BETWEEN: Exit 107 (US 209) AND Exit 119 (Highridge Park Road)
Type of Work: Crack Sealing
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime

RESTRICTION: Be alert for lane restrictions on I-81 north or south. This will be a moving operation. Expect delays and please use caution driving through the work zone.

START DATE: 04/18/2016 Est. Completion Date: 05/06/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

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

Municipality: West Penn Township

ROAD NAME: PA 309/West Penn Pike
BETWEEN: Owl Creek Road AND Lehigh County Line
Type of Work: Pothole Patching
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime

RESTRICTION: Lane restrictions. Expect delays and please use caution driving through the work zone.

START DATE: 04/18/2016 Est. Completion Date: 05/06/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

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

Municipality: Wayne Township

ROAD NAME: PA 443/Fair Road
BETWEEN: Front Street AND PA 125/North Tulpehocken Street
Type of Work: Crack Sealing
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime

RESTRICTION: Lane restrictions. Expect delays and please use caution driving through the work zone.

START DATE: 04/18/2016 Est. Completion Date: 05/06/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

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

Municipality: East Norwegian, Norwegian, North Manheim & West Brunswick townships, City of Pottsville, Schuylkill Haven, Deer Lake & Port Clinton boroughs

ROAD NAME: PA 61/Centre Turnpike
BETWEEN: Ann Street AND Race Street
Type of Work: Sweeping
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime

RESTRICTION: Be alert for lane restrictions on PA 61 north or south. This will be a moving operation. Expect delays and please use caution driving through the work zone.

START DATE: 04/18/2016 Est. Completion Date: 05/06/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? NO

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

Municipality: City of Pottsville, Mechanicsville, Port Carbon & New Philadelphia boroughs, East Norwegian & Blythe townships

ROAD NAME: US 209
BETWEEN: PA 61 AND Ferndale Road
Type of Work: Crack Sealing
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime
RESTRICTION: Lane restrictions. Expect delays and please use caution driving through the work zone.

START DATE: 04/18/2016 Est. Completion Date: 05/06/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

Knoebels Opens For It's 90th Season Saturday

Elysburg, PA – It all started on July 4, 1926 with a carousel, a pool, and a few food stands. Fast-forward to 2016: 90 years later and Knoebels Amusement Resort still offers free admission, free parking, free picnic facilities and free entertainment. It is also still owned and operated by the Knoebel family. The resort in Central Pennsylvania has grown over the years to now include 63 rides; 35 unique food stands; a 900,000 gallon pool; two campgrounds; a golf course; and a plethora of gift shops, games and attractions.

Throughout the years, Knoebels has added both brand new attractions and classic rides of days gone by. Many visitors relish in the ability to experience amusement park rides of their childhood, or witness their children or grandchildren enjoying those same rides. Its classic wooden roller coasters have attracted visitors from all over the world, its new steel roller coaster appeals to the upside down thrill seeker in the family, and its 100+ year old Grand Carousel is consistently ranked among the finest. For some, the best ride at Knoebels is the food – It also consistently wins the industry’s top honors for best amusement park food in the world.

According to Knoebels’ public relations director Stacy Ososkie, this offseason, Knoebels has placed a heavy emphasis on bettering its current features.

“In general, there are three levels of improvements that are made at Knoebels,” said Ososkie. “One is a project like last season’s addition of Impulse – a brand new steel roller coaster near the entrance of the park was easily recognizable. The second is an upgrade that would be noticed by park enthusiasts who have memorized many aspects of the park, such as an upgrade to a well-known building or ride. The third is equally as important, but rarely recognizable by the public – that is adding infrastructure to ensure the future needs of the park can be met, and restoring structures or rides so that what we have now can exist for years to come.”

In addition to celebrating 90 years of family fun, a number of upgrades are being made to well-known structures in the park including its award-winning wooden roller coasters, its classic Haunted Mansion, and foods stands. Its laser tag game area will double in size and utilize new equipment, and the Galleon, a family pirate ship ride, will be replaced by a brand new version. The park will also host a record high of over 25 special events this season.

“Knoebels is proud to be a place all ages can enjoy, and is looking forward to the next 90 years,” added Ososkie.

Upcoming North Schuylkill Spring Concert Schedule

Upcoming North Schuylkill Spring Concert Schedule

Man Facing Theft and Drug Charges

Frackville Borough Police have filed charges against James Brown, Scranton, related to two incidents in the 200 block of N. Broad Mountain Ave.

Two Face Drug Charges After Disburbance

Frackville Borough Police have filed charges against Michael O’Boyle, Pottsville, and Debra Sewinsky, Ashland, after an incident on April 4th, 2016 at the Econo Lodge Motel, Frackville.

Big Diamond Races Cancelled for Friday Evening

MINERSVILLE – Those pesky April showers that bring May flowers found northeastern Pennsylvania on Friday and along with an unfavorable weather forecast, Big Diamond Speedway promoter Jake Smulley has cancelled tonight’s racing card.

Pilgrim's Pride Chicken Recall

WASHINGTON, On Tuesday, Pilgrim’s Pride Corp., a Waco, Texas establishment, recalled approximately 4,568,080 pounds of fully cooked chicken products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, including plastic, wood, rubber, and metal, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced Tuesday.

PennDOT Announces First Use of Flashing Yellow Arrow Signals

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced it will be activating a new type of left turn signal that has been proven to improve left turn safety at intersections.

Abatement Work to Begin at Schuylkill County Courthouse

Early this year some concerns relating to Radon in the Schuylkill County Courthouse were raised and the Board of Commissioners responded proactively by engaging a professional environment firm to test and subsequently propose an abatement plan.

New Facility to Bring Over 200 Jobs to Schuylkill County

Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf announced Thursday that Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC), parent of Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor and Saks OFF 5TH, will establish a new facility in Foster Township, Schuylkill County. The move will result in 207 new, full-time jobs.

“This is the nineteenth jobs announcement that my administration has made with the Governor’s Action Team this year, securing commitments for the creation of thousands new jobs all across the commonwealth,” said Governor Wolf. “Each announcement is another boost to Pennsylvania’s economy and the addition of HBC’s new facility in Schuylkill County means 207, new, full-time jobs for Pennsylvanians.”

HBC will move into an existing distribution facility in Foster Township. The company will establish an e-commerce fulfillment center and develop a 50,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art fashion photography studio. The company has committed to making an investment of at least $50 million in the project and has committed to creating 207 new, full-time jobs and retaining 391 positions over the next three years.

The project was coordinated by the Governor’s Action Team, an experienced group of economic development professionals who report directly to the governor and work with businesses that are considering locating or expanding in Pennsylvania, in collaboration with the Schuylkill Economic Development Corporation.

“We are grateful to Governor Wolf and the Governor’s Action Team, and excited to become part of the Pottsville community,” said Jerry Storch, HBC’s Chief Executive Officer. “At HBC, we are laser-focused on our all-channel strategy, and this investment leapfrogs us to the forefront of internet distribution technology. As we execute on our digital strategy, we continue to invest in innovation that enables us to serve our consumers seamlessly, lead the evolution of trends in the retail industry, and expand our business which creates new job opportunities and investment in the community.”

HBC received a funding proposal from the Department of Community and Economic Development that includes a $500,000 Pennsylvania First program grant, $93,150 in WEDnetPA funding for employee training, and $414,000 in Job Creation Tax Credits to be distributed upon creation of the new jobs.

“There is no issue more important in Schuylkill County than good-paying jobs,” said state Sen. David G. Argall, R-Schuylkill/Berks. “I want to congratulate Governor Wolf and his team, as well as Frank Zukas at SEDCO and Rep. Goodman and all of our local economic development advocates on a job well done. The interstate and international competition for jobs of this kind is very intense and I am very pleased by the result today.”

“I’m thrilled that Hudson’s Bay Company has chosen to bring hundreds of family-sustaining jobs to my legislative district and to invest $50 million into this project,” said state Rep. Neal P. Goodman, D-Schuylkill. “Hudson’s Bay Company is one of the fastest growing department store retailers in the world, and its e-commerce fulfillment center in Highridge Business Park will help the company and Schuylkill County to continue to move forward.”

“Today’s announcement is great news for the economic future of Schuylkill County given the excellent reputation of the Hudson’s Bay Company as an innovative retailer and e-commerce leader with iconic brands such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Lord & Taylor included in their family of companies,” said Frank Zukas, president, Schuylkill Economic Development Corporation.

Hudson’s Bay Company is the oldest company in North America. HBC’s leading North American banners include Hudson’s Bay, Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, Gilt, and Saks OFF 5TH, along with Find @ Lord & Taylor and Home Outfitters. In Europe, its banners include GALERIA Kaufhof, the largest department store group in Germany, Belgium’s only department store group Galeria INNO, as well as Sportarena. The company has more than 460 stores and 66,000 employees around the world.

Schuylkill Mall Listed for Sheriff's Sale

According to the Schuylkill County Sheriff's Sale of Real Estate site, the Schuylkill Mall has been listed for Sheriff's Sale on a Judgement of $27,428,876.10.

The sale of the property is scheduled for June 17, 2016 At 10:00am in Courtroom No. 1 at the Court House in Pottsville.

More details when they are available.

Link to Schuylkill County Government site

http://www.co.schuylkill.pa.us/info/

Coach Rizzo Still Teaching the Game

A few weeks ago, Coach John Rizzo, coach of the North Schuylkill Lady Spartans, announced he was stepping down from coaching to spend more time to spend with his sons.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day This Saturday

The 11th National Prescription Drug "Take-Back Day” will take place on Saturday April 30 from 10:00 am – 2:00pm.

Man Charged with Raping Girl

A man is facing charges after he was arrested for allegedly raping a 13 year old girl in West Mahanoy Township.

Big Diamond Current Point Standings

Big Diamond Speedway Points as of April 22, 2016

Who Won the Schuylkill County Vote?

Who won the Schuylkill County Vote?

Fire Crews Called to Overnight Fire

Around 2:00am Wednesday, fire crews were called to 622 North 2nd Street, Pottsville for a working structure fire.

Seven people were reportedly displaced because of the fire.

No injuries were reported and the cause is still under investigation.

More details when they are available.

2016 Primary Election Results

2016 Primary Election Results

Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued

The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch Until 9:00pm this evening for Schuylkill County and the following Counties in Pennsylvania.

Who Do you Want Representing You at the Republican National Convention?

So you are a registered Republican and Donald Trump doesn't get enough delegates from the primary to clinch the official nomination.  Who do you want representing you at the Republican National Convention?

Schuylkill County Primary Election 2016

Tuesday is the Primary Elections for 2016 and the following is what we will see on the ballot in Schuylkill County.  Do you know who you are voting for?

Ashland Man Facing Public Drunkeness and Drug Charges

On April 8th, 2016, Frackville Borough Police arrested Trevor Mitros, Ashland for public drunkenness in the 100 block of S. Fourth St.

Ecto Cooler is Back!

Fans of Hi-C Ecto Cooler, no, you’re not seeing a ghost. The ghoulishly green citrus juice drink is officially coming back next month after a 15-year hiatus.

Hi-C Ecto Cooler – which debuted in 1987 through a promotional tie-in with the blockbuster franchise Ghostbusters – will reappear on May 30 ahead of the movie’s buzzworthy reboot.

Though originally planned as short-lived promotional beverage, Hi-C Ecto Cooler’s immense popularity kept it around for more than a decade. Ever since Hi-C Ecto Cooler was discontinued in 2001, websites dedicated to ‘80s and ‘90s nostalgia have consistently name-checked the brand, and a growing legion of social media fan groups have clamored for a comeback. Those communities, fueled by lobbying support from Sony Pictures, convinced The Coca-Cola Company to give the brand a curtain call.

“Hi-C Ecto Cooler fueled a pop culture phenomenon that is well remembered and beloved by fans to this day,” said Charles Torrey, vice president, Minute Maid/Hi-C Brands, Coca-Cola North America. “Sony Pictures was extremely enthusiastic about bringing it back for this special occasion, and the timing of the upcomingGhostbusters film made this the exact right time.”

Thirty years after Ghostbusters took the world by storm, director Paul Feig brings his fresh take to the supernatural comedy. The cast of the Ghostbusters remake – which hits theaters July 15 – features Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones and Chris Hemsworth.

Hi-C Ecto Cooler will be sold in 10-packs of 6-ounce juice boxes and in 6- and 12-packs of 11.5- oz. aluminum cans. The cans, which will be available in select locations including major online retailers, feature thermal ink printing technology that turns an eerie shade of slime green when chilled.

“We’re really excited about these cans,” said Shannon Richmond, brand director, Minute Maid, Coca-Cola North America. “When we decided to re-launch Hi-C Ecto Cooler, we wanted to do more than bring back the nostalgic juice boxes everyone knows… we wanted to offer something new and fun to reward fans who passionately lobbied us to bring back their beloved brand.”

Those who can’t wait to get their hands on the Hi-C Ecto Cooler can enter for a chance to win it before it’s available for purchase by following the brand on Facebook. Click here for official rules and entry details.

A new website – www.ecto.cool – will serve as the official online home of Hi-C Ecto Cooler.

“We’re taking a page from our fans, who’ve been very vocal in the social space and proven the power of social media,” Richmond added. “This will be a highly social campaign that will come to life on Facebook and Twitter, and we’ll work with Sony Pictures on some unique PR activations over the next few months.”

Hi-C Ecto Cooler is not the first discontinued brand Coca-Cola has brought back due to popular demand. SURGE – a citrus-flavored soft drink brand that developed a passionate following when it was on the market between 1996 and 2003 – made itstriumphant return in the fall of 2014. Coca-Cola responded to the persistent efforts of The SURGE Movement – a Facebook community, led by three Millennial males, that lobbied the company to bring back their favorite drink – by re-launching SURGE through a unique e-commerce partnership with Amazon.com. The product eventually made its way back to store shelves and is now available in select stores nationwide.

Frozen Vegetable Recall Announced

CRF Frozen Foods of Pasco, Washington is voluntarily recalling fifteen frozen vegetable items that have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

Yuengling’s Ice Cream Wins Prestigious Award at LA International Dairy Competition

Los Angeles, CA (April 2016)—Yuengling's Ice Cream announced it took home a Gold Medal at the Los Angeles International Dairy Competition in the "Premium Vanilla Ice Cream" category for their Madagascar Vanilla.

Big Diamond Speedway Race Results - April 22, 2016

Big Diamond Speedway Results - April 22, 2016

CJ's Tire & Automotive Services 358 modifieds feature (25 laps):

1. Brett Kressley, 

2. Dale Hartz, 

3. Ryan Godown, 

4. Ray Swinehart, 

5. Jeff Strunk, 

6. Billy Pauch Jr., 

7. Ryan Grim, 

8. Rick Laubach, 

9. Ryan Watt, 

10. Andy Burkhart, 

11. Heath Metzger, 

12. Kevin Beach, 

13. Ron Haring Jr., 

14. Paul Moyer, 

15. Jimmy Bobbitt Jr., 

16. Shawn Fitzpatrick, 

17. Colt Harrisburg, 

18. Craig VonDohren, 

19. Duane Howard, 

20. Jimmy Reppert, 

21. Justin Grim, 

22. Jay Allen, 

23. John Williman, 

24. Scott Albert. 

Heat winners: Laubach, Albert.

U.S.S. Achey sportsman modifieds feature 1 (20 laps): 

1. Doug Hendricks, 

2. Brandon Grosso, 

3. Billy Moyer Jr., 

4. Tim Fitzpatrick, 

5. Charles Fayash, 

6. Wayne Witmer, 

7. Ray Woodall Jr., 

8. Matt Clay, 

9. Kyle Gruber, 

10. Matt Stangle, 

11. Ray Woodall Sr., 

12. Brad Arnold, 

13. Ed Mrochko, 

14. Greg Cole, 

15. Kris Lillick, 

16. Skylar Sheriff.

U.S.S.Achey sportsman modifieds feature 2 (20 laps): 

1. Grosso, 

2. Stangle , 

3. Hendricks, 

4. Moyer Jr., 

5. Fitzpatrick, 

6. Witmer, 

7. Fayash, 

8. Woodall Jr., 

9. Mrochko, 

10. Gruber, 

11. Clay, 

12. Lillick, 

13. Sheriff. 

DNS: Greg Cole, Brad Arnold, Shawn Light, Ray Woodall Sr.

Savage 61 roadrunners feature (20 laps): 

1.Andrew Fayash III, 

2. Kody Sites, 

3. Chuck Eckert, 

4. Jeremy Becker, 

5. Terry Kramer, 

6. Tim Fitzpatrick Jr., 

7. Steve Gromis, 

8. T.J. Fitzpatrick, 

9. Tim Spesak, 

10. Kris Ney, 

11. Luke Arbogast, 

12. Nate Hill, 

13. Jim Kost. 

DNS: Devin Trexler, Kyle Wingle, Shon Elk 

Heat winners: Sites, T. Fitzpatrick Jr.

Enduro (60 laps): 

1. Lee Allen, 

2. Scott Lord, 

3. Gary Landis, 

4. Chris Graber, 

5. Kris Angstadtt, 

6. Caleb Bordner, Chuck Detweiler.

Police Searching for Suspect in Attempted Gas Station Robbery

Police are looking for a suspect that was involved in an attempted Gas station robbery Saturday evening in New Castle Township near St. Clair.

The Avenues Foundation holds its Annual Duck Race

On Sunday, The Avenues Foundation hosted its 28th Annual Duck Race Sunday, April 24,at the Walmart Supercenter in St. Clair.

Scheduled Schuylkill County Road Work for This Week

Scheduled Schuylkill County Road Work for This Week

Animal Carcasses were Foxes Not Puppies

Earlier this week, on Tuesday, we reported on the remains being found of 9 puppies near a creek near Pine Grove.  After an investigation, that was found not to be true.

After an investigation of the 9 carcasses, it was found that they were of foxes, not puppies.  The foxes appeared to have been trapped, according to sources.

Original Story
http://www.skooknews.com/2016/04/remains-of-puppies-found-in-schuylkill.html

Crews at the Scene of a Working House Fire Friday Evening

Around 10:30pm, Friday, fire crews were called to  217 West Arlington Street, Shenandoah for a working house fire.

Friday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 04/22/16

Friday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 04/22/16

Tractor Trailer Rollover Closes Interstate 81 Onramp Thursday Morning

Around 11:15am, Thursday morning, emergency personnel were called to the Onramp of Interstate 81 South for a tractor trailer rollover at Milemark 131 (Mahanoy City).

No word on injuries at this time.

Spring Robin in Schuylkill County

Wednesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 04/20/16

Wednesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 04/20/16

Schuylkill County Enacts Burn Ban

(04/20/16) Schuylkill County has been experiencing an exceptional number of uncontrolled fires due to the carelessness of individuals. The fires are fueled by dry, fallen branches and leaf ground cover and driven by brisk winds.

Therefore, with overwhelming support of area fire chiefs and on the recommendation of the District Forester, Timothy Ladner of the Weiser Forest District, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Schuylkill County Commissioners have approved a county-wide ban on open burning that will take effect at noon on Friday April 22, 2016 and will remain in place until noon on Sunday May 22, 2016.

Uncontrolled fires in brush and wooded areas put a tremendous strain on our firefighters, endanger watersheds, obstruct transportation corridors, pose a threat to commercial operations and residential areas. We are taking this action earlier in the season with the hope of raising awareness within the community and limiting the danger of uncontrolled fires. We urge the public to adhere to these temporary restrictions in the interest of everyone’s safety.

Under the ban, residents are forbidden from any outdoor burning of items such as garbage, leaves, grass, twigs, litter and paper. Grilling in proper containers is still permitted; however, the ban forbids lighting fires in outdoor burn barrels or fire rings. Residents violating the ban face fines of $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second and $300 for each additional violation. Violators are also responsible for the cost of extinguishment of any wildland fire they cause.

Businesses may request an exemption to the burn ban. A letter of explanation detailing the adverse economic effects of the ban must be submitted to the Schuylkill County Emergency Management Agency for review and consideration.

The last county-wide burn ban was in April of 2015 and resulted in a substantial reduction in the number of uncontrolled fires compared to similar periods of time without bans in place. DCNR personnel will continually monitor rainfall and forest and ground cover conditions throughout the ban. If the District Forester deems necessary, he may recommend the commissioners extend the ban an additional thirty days. Questions can be directed to the county’s Emergency Management Agency at 570-621-9966 or via email to: BurnBan@scema.org .

Remains of Puppies Found in Schuylkill County Creek

Earlier Tuesday, the remains of 9 puppies were found in Wiconisco Creek in Porter Township outside Tower City after the remains were found on Monday.

Friday Night's Big Diamond Speedway Results

Big Diamond Speedway Results

Friday, April 16, 2016

Sheppton: The Myth, Miracle & Music Book Signing

The Ashland Historical Preservation Society will host a presentation and book signing by Coal Region Author Maxim W. Furek. The author will discuss his latest book Sheppton: The Myth, Miracle & Music during a special presentation on Wednesday, April 27, 2016 at 7:00 pm. The society is located at the 318 Centre Street, Ashland, PA 17921.

Red Flag Warning Issued for Eastern Pennsylvania for Tuesday

The National Weather serviced upgraded it's Fire Weather Watch to a Red Flag Warning for Tuesday afternoon and evening.

Police Advise Frackville Residents of Black Bears

(04/19/16)  FRACKVILLE - The Frackville Borough Police advised residents that live on West High Street in the borough to be careful due to two black bears being sighted in the area.

They've advised residents to be careful overnight and into Tuesday morning. 

Bridge to Close Overnight for Repairs

Construction crews will continue nightly repairs on the PA 924 bridge deck in Shenandoah Borough in Schuylkill County.

Police Seek Man on Warrants

The Rush Township Police Department has Felony warrants for 29 year old Michael F. Jevelle. 

Fire Weather Watch Issued for Schuylkill County

The National Weather Service issued a Fire Weather Watch for Schuylkill County and most of Central PA for Tuesday.

FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
TUESDAY EVENING...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STATE COLLEGE HAS ISSUED A FIRE
WEATHER WATCH...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
TUESDAY EVENING.

* WINDS...FROM THE NORTHWEST 10-15 MPH WITH GUSTS 20-25 MPH.

* MINIMUM RELATIVE HUMIDITY...20 TO 30 PERCENT.

* TIMING...MINIMUM RELATIVE HUMIDITY AND PEAK WINDS BETWEEN 1 PM
AND 6 PM.

* IMPACTS...INCREASED RISK FOR RAPID SPREAD OF WILD FIRES.
PRESCRIBED BURNS MAY GET OUT OF CONTROL. OUTDOOR BURNING IS NOT
RECOMMENDED.

This watch also includes

NORTHERN CLINTON-NORTHERN CENTRE-SOUTHERN CENTRE-BLAIR-HUNTINGDON-MIFFLIN-JUNIATA-BEDFORD-FULTON-FRANKLIN-TIOGA-NORTHERN LYCOMING- SULLIVAN-SOUTHERN CLINTON-SOUTHERN LYCOMING-UNION-SNYDER-MONTOUR- NORTHUMBERLAND-COLUMBIA-PERRY-DAUPHIN-SCHUYLKILL-LEBANON- CUMBERLAND-ADAMS-YORK-LANCASTER

Man Facing Charges After Fleeing Police

(04/18/16)  EAST UNION TOWNSHIP - Wildrid Santos Colon of Hazleton was arrested Sunday evening and is charged with Felony Fleeing & Eluding a police officer along with numerous traffic violations after a incident on Shepp Street in Sheppton, two other men will face summary violations in connection with the incident.