Skook News - Your #1 Source for Schuylkill County News

Thursday, June 16, 2016

Yuengling Expands Distribution to Louisiana

Pottsville, PA, June 16, 2016 – D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc., America’s Oldest Brewery, is pleased to announce that it is expanding the distribution of its highly sought-after brands to Louisiana.

Williams Valley Wins PIAA Class A Softball Championship

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced Wednesday that a federal grand jury in Scranton returned an indictment on Tuesday charging a 19-year-old Pine Grove man with production of child pornography and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity.

Ringtown Community Yard Sale Scheduled

Sprint Cars Return To Big Diamond For Schuylkill Mall ‘Night of Wings’

MINERSVILLE, PA. -- The oldest sprint car touring series in the country makes its only appearance of the year in coal region on Friday night as the United Racing Club 360 sprint cars invade Big Diamond Speedway for the Schuylkill Mall ‘Night of Wings’.

Around 10:00am Wednesday, emergency crews were called to a motor vehicle accident with injuries and with entrapment on Delano Road, Mahanoy Township, near Mahanoy City.

Wednesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 06/15/16

Wegmans to Hire More Full and Part Time Employees for Schuylkill County Facility

Wegmans announced Tuesday that they would be hiring more jobs at their Pottsville Retail Service Center.

Hazleton Area School Board Votes for School Day Changes

During a special meeting Monday night, the Hazleton Area School Board voted to make changes to the upcoming school year.

(06/14/16) - The Bret Michaels show that was scheduled for June 17th, 2016 at Goodfellas, Pottsville has been postponed.

New this year at the Schuylkill County Fair is a clue style scavenger hunt.

Around 10:45pm, Monday, emergency personnel were called to a motor vehicle accident on West Centre Street, Mahanoy Township near Mahanoy City.

PIAA Baseball & Softball Championship Scores - Eastern Finals

Treasurer Marchalk Announces Dates for Hunting License Sales and Antlerless Deer License Sales

Treasurer Linda L Marchalk announced today the Schuylkill County Treasurer’s Office will begin selling hunting licenses on Monday, June 20, 2016 for the 2016-2017 hunting season.

The 33st Annual Schuylkill County Fair will soon be here before you know it. The Schuylkill County Fairgrounds located at 2270 Fair Road, Schuylkill Haven, PA will be in operation during the week of August 1st through the 6th. Public hours of operation are: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday opening at 4 p.m.; Tuesday and Saturday opening at 11 a.m. The theme of this year’s Fair is “We have good things growing”.

LCCC Offers Funding to Schuylkill County Residents for Industrial Automation Technician Program

Schnecksville, Pa., June 13, 2016 – Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) announced Monday that residents from Schuylkill County interested in an Industrial Automation Technician Career are eligible for tuition assistance from the college’s Morgan Foundation Scholarship job training program.

Large Crowds See Laubach Become First 358 Modified Repeat Winner At Big Diamond

MINERSVILLE, PA. -- A chamber-of-commerce night gave race fans in the coal region an excellent opportunity to pack to the track at Big Diamond Speedway on Savage 61 $6 night and the racing didn’t disappoint.

Hellertown’s Rick Laubach became the first repeat winner in the CJ’s Tire & Automotive Services 358 modified division as he took control of the 25-lap feature on lap four and went on to score the win.

After missing last week due to attending the prom, Brandon Grosso wasted no time in returning to victory lane for the fifth time this season in the U.S.S. Achey sportsman division while Shon Elk won his first Savage 61 roadrunner feature since 2013.

The United Racing Company 360 sprint cars make their lone appearance of the year next Friday for the Schuylkill Mall ‘Night of Wings’ which also features the 358 modifieds sporting sail panels. Rounding out the four-division card will be the roadrunners and an Enduro Dash 60.

While Laubach was setting the pace in the 358 modified feature, Doug Manmiller moved into second on the lap-four restart.

Manmiller was closing in on Laubach as the leaders were beginning to approach lapped traffic when the caution flew on lap 11 for Jon Willman who stopped on the backstretch.

Laubach maintained the lead on the restart, but the top five saw a shuffle as Ryan Godown and Duane Howard drove by Brett Kressley as the top five began to stretch out from the field.

Two laps later, the caution flew again for Ryan Grim. On the restart, Manmiller, Howard and Godown went three wide as Manmiller held on for second while Laubach began to open his lead.

The final yellow came out on lap 22 but as was the case during the race, Launach was good on the restarts and went on to score the win.

"I knew that we had to get to the front early as I saw other good guys up front so I knew we had to beat them to the lead, and we did," Laubach said. "The track is changing and it's only going to get better. Top was better tonight, but some nights the top is going to get pushed up too far and the bottom will be the shorter and faster way around the track."

Manmiller, held on for second while Craig VonDohren, Duane Howard and Ryan Godown rounded out the top five.

Sixth through 10th were Jeff Strunk, Ryan Watt, Ray Swinehart, Bobby Trapper and Dale Hart. Heats for the 358 modifieds were won by Laubach, Brett Kressley and Godown.

Grosso, who started 11, took the lead on lap six of the 20-lap sportsman feature and went on to score the win, his 10th overall of the season as he saw a half-lap lead erased by a caution just past the half-way mark.

From there, he held off the challenges of Ray Woodall, Jr., and Mike Lisowski.

“I have to thank my dad and the crew for giving me another great car tonight,” Grosso said. “I have to thank the track for giving us another good surface and for all of you fans for coming out tonight and showing your support for the track.”

Lisowski held on for second with Woodall, Jr., Shawn Light and Doug Hendrick rounding out the top five.

Sixth through 10th were Ken Eckert, Jr., Ray Woodall Sr., Matt Clay, Jeff Bubori and Kyle Gruber. Heat winners were Skylar Sheriff and Light.

Elk took the lead on the opening lap of the roadrunner feature from his outside pole position and led every lap in scoring the win.

In a caution-filled race, Elk had to hold off Jesse Krantisky and then survive a fierce last-lap battle with Kody Sites.

“It was really nerve racing with all of the restarts,” Elk said. “I saw on the scoreboard that Sites was in third and then in second so I knew he coming on strong late in the race.”

On the last lap going into Turn 1, Sites got under Elk momentarily, but Elk maintained the high-side and used that moment to drive off of Turn 2 and go on to score the win.

It was his fifth career win at Big Diamond Speedway.

Sites held off Krasnitsky for second with Andrew Fayash III and Terry Kramer, rounding out the top five.

Sixth through 10th were Jeremy Becker, Jim Kost, Tim Fitzpatrick, Jr., Kyle Wingle, and Shawn Mulhall. Heats were won by Chuck Eckert and Elk.

For the latest news, be sure to like the Big Diamond Speedway Facebook page; https://www.facebook.com/bigdiamondspeedway and follow the speedway on Twitter, @BigDSpeed.

Upcoming Schuylkill County Road Work

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Municipality: Union Twp

ROAD NAME: Everett's Flats
BETWEEN: Ringtown AND Nuremberg
Type of Work: Pothole Patching
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime
RESTRICTION:Lane restrictions with flagging.
START DATE: 06/13/2016 Est. Completion Date: 06/17/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

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Municipality: Cass Twp.

ROAD NAME: Forest Lane
BETWEEN: Branchdale AND Buck Run
Type of Work: Pothole Patching
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Sporadic
RESTRICTION: Lane restrictions with flagging.
START DATE: 06/13/2016 Est. Completion Date: 06/17/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

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Municipality: Frailey Township

ROAD NAME: Fountain Mountain Road
BETWEEN: PA 25 AND PA 125
Type of Work: Inspection
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Bridge Inspection Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime
RESTRICTION: Eastbound lane restriction from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Westbound lane restriction from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
Flaggers will be required.
START DATE: 06/14/2016 Est. Completion Date: 06/14/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 9:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

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Municipality: South Manheim

ROAD NAME: Meadow Drive
BETWEEN: Adamsdale AND Bernie Drive
Type of Work: Pothole Patching
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime
RESTRICTION: Lane restrictions with flagging.
START DATE: 06/13/2016 Est. Completion Date: 06/17/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM

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Municipality: Union Twp

ROAD NAME: Purolator Road
BETWEEN: PA 339 AND Everett's Flatts
Type of Work: Pothole Patching
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime
RESTRICTION: Lane restrictions with flagging.
START DATE: 06/13/2016 Est. Completion Date: 06/17/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

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Municipality: South Manheim

ROAD NAME: St. Claire Highway
BETWEEN: St. Clair AND Port Carbon
Type of Work: Pothole Patching
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime
RESTRICTION: Lane restrictions with flagging.
START DATE: 06/13/2016 Est. Completion Date: 06/17/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM

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Municipality: Blythe Twp

ROAD NAME: Tumbling Run Road
BETWEEN: AND
Type of Work: Shoulder Work/Widening
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime
RESTRICTION: Lane restrictions with flagging.
START DATE: 06/13/2016 Est. Completion Date: 06/17/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM

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Municipality: Reilly Twp

ROAD NAME: US 209
BETWEEN: Tremont AND Llewellyn
Type of Work: Shoulder Work/Widening
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Sporadic
RESTRICTION: Lane restriction with flagging.
START DATE: 06/13/2016 Est. Completion Date: 06/17/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

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Municipality: Pottsville City

ROAD NAME: PA 61 at US 209
BETWEEN: AND
Type of Work: Construction
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Contractor
Type of Restriction: Nighttime
RESTRICTION: Lane restriction with flagging at intersection for work related to the ongoing Mady's Bridges Replacement Project. Please use caution when traveling through work zone.
START DATE: 06/07/2016 Est. Completion Date: 06/08/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 6:00 PM To 6:00 AM

Saturday, June 11, 2016

PIAA Baseball & Softball Championship Schedule - Eastern Finals

Tompkins Vist Bank presents funds to Charlie Kershner entertainment booking agent for Schuylkill County Fair and SCF Entertainment Chairman Grace Karrer. Funds were presented by Joe Hammond Vice President for Tompkins Vist Bank. The funds will help to provide assistance to the SCF to keep the gate admission at a very affordable level for all who attend the Fair August 1 through the 6.

STS to Participate in "Dump the Pump" Day

POTTSVILLE, PA – With the continued fluctuation of gas prices, The Schuylkill Transportation System (STS) announces that it will join with other public transportation systems nationwide to participate in the eleventh annual National Dump the Pump Day on Thursday, June 16.

Around noon Friday, fire crews and emergency personnel were called to the 900 block of Walnut Street, Ashland, for a working structure fire.

Photos from Muhammad Ali's Training Camp in Schuylkill County

Below are some photo's taken by Skook News Photographer Daniel Reed last weekend at Muhammad Ali's Training Camp near Deer Lake.

PIAA Baseball & Softball Championship Scores - Round 2

The Rush Township Police Department is investigating a retail theft that occurred at the Hometown Walmart on Thursday, June 9th, 2016 at 9:12am.

Schuylkill County has scheduled a Fall Cleanup that will be open to all County residents.

(06/09/16) A grenade was found in a home on Tuesday in West Penn Township.

A planned water shutdown and boil water advisory is scheduled for Friday for parts of Pottsville in Schuylkill County.

Tractor Trailer Crashes at Bottom of the Gordon Mountain Early Wednesday

Submitted Photo

Just before daybreak early Wednesday morning a tractor trailer crashed at the bottom of the Gordon Mountain at the intersection of East Plane Street and Biddle Street, in Gordon.

Submitted Photo

HERSHEY – The Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs (PSAB) announced the recipients of the Association’s prestigious service awards at PSAB’s 105th Annual Conference at the Hershey Lodge on Tuesday, June 7.

PIAA Baseball & Softball Championship Schedule - Round 2

Hostess Brands, LLC is voluntarily recalling 710,000 cases of select snack cakes and donuts as a direct result of the recent recall by their supplier, Grain Craft, of certain lots of its flour for undeclared peanut residue. The Hostess Brands products subject to the recall were produced using the Grain Craft flour that has now been recalled and, as a result, these products may contain low levels of undeclared peanut residue.

Harrisburg, PA - During an annual awards ceremony on June 3, 2016, State Police Commissioner Tyree C. Blocker presented the 2016 State Police Purple Heart, Commendation Medal, Trooper of the Year, Enforcement Officer of the Year, Employee of the Year and Police Communications Operator, along with letters of commendation

Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce's Free Summer Concert Series begins this Thursday

The 10th year of the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce's Free Summer Concert Series begins this Thursday, June 9 at the Tamaqua Train Station, 18 North Railroad St, with blues/R&B act The BC Combo from 6-8. Thursday's show is sponsored by The Schuylkill County Visitor's Bureau. Bring your own chair or call for a dinner reservation at the new Tamaqua Station Restaurant, 570.668.3800.

New this year will be relaxing and stress reducing chair massages offered by Therapeutic Massage by Mary Vignone. Massages are priced per minute.

The popular summer concert series in downtown Tamaqua is organized every year by chamber board member, Jack Kulp. Now in it's 10th year, a variety of music is scheduled on Thursdays throughout the summer. There is something for everyone!

$6 General Admission Night This Friday at Big Diamond

MINERSVILLE, PA. -- Fans will get more than their monies worth this Friday night as Savage 61 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram present a three-division show for just $6 at Big Diamond Speedway.

The Pottsville Police have issued an arrest warrant for a man who allegedly is involved in a Pottsville shooting early Monday.

PIAA Baseball & Softball Championship Scores - Round 1 - 06/06/16

The Mahanoy City Police posted the following regarding a phone scam that residents are receiving.

(06/06/16) Emergency personnel are at the scene of a motor vehicle accident midday Monday.

Lisowski Dominates Sportsman Feature, Wins Sportsman Challenge Race

MINERSVILLE, PA. -- After a few weeks of misfortune, lady luck shined brightly on Mike Lisowski on Friday night as he captured his first win of the 2016 season in the 20-lap U.S.S. Achey Sportsman feature along with wining five round to claim the Red White and Blue Autos Sportsman challenge race.

Identity of One of the Victims Released in Fatal Pedestrian Accidents

(06/05/16) One of the victims has been identified in the two separate fatal pedestrian accidents Saturday evening in Schuylkill County.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for Schuylkill County.

On Saturday, the Rangers Hose Company, Girardville, held a day of activities to celebrate their 1916 Ford Model T fire engine turning 100 years old.

Two Pedestrians Struck and Killed in Separate Incidents Saturday Evening

(06/04/16) Within a half hour time period, emergency personnel were called to two separate incidents where pedestrians were struck and killed in Schuylkill County Saturday evening.

Upcoming Schuylkill County Road Work

Police Looking for Help to Identify Individual Involved in Theft

Image from Minersville PD

Minersville Police are looking to identify this individual in regards to a theft.

PIAA Baseball & Softball Championship Schedule - Round 1

A Pottsville man was charged late Thursday for allegedly assaulting a police officer at an incident Wednesday morning.

Submitted Photo

POTTSVILLE – Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s (DCED) top official, Secretary Dennis Davin, met with local legislators to discuss community revitalization during his visit to the county on Thursday.

Thursday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 06/02/16

A quad has been reported to been stolen from the Ashland area.

(06/02/16) Interstate 81 Northbound was closed overnight due to a crash.

Just after 1:30am Thursday, emergency crews were called to the northbound lanes of Interstate 81 at milemarker 138, near McAdoo, for an overturned tractor trailer.

The crash blocked both Northbound lanes so traffic was diverted off of the McAdoo exit onto Route 309.

No word on injuries were what caused the crash.

Intoxicated Man Allegedly Crashes a Stolen Vehicle and Flees Scene.

Police are looking for a man who allegedly crashed a stolen vehicle and assaulted people Tuesday evening in Tower City.

North Schuylkill Begins New Tradition for Seniors with Send Off

On Wednesday morning, the North Schuylkill Administration, Elementary staff and students started a new tradition by giving a special send off to the Class of 2016.

Night of Wings Among June Highlights at Big Diamond Speedway

MINERSVILLE, PA. -- Following a rainy month of May, race fans in the coal region are hoping for warm weather and rain-free Friday nights as Big Diamond Speedway will play host to four nights of racing in June.

POTTSTOWN—The annual Schuylkill River Sojourn is always a weeklong celebration of the river. This year, the over 200 paddlers participating in the 7-day journey from June 4-10 will also celebrate the 18th Annual Schuylkill River Sojourn itself.

Just before 11:00am, two young girls were reportedly hit by a vehicle in the 100 Block of North Railroad Street, Tamaqua.

Wildlife Day Camps at Sweet Arrow Lake Park

Eagles, animals, trees and water are just some of the things that can make for a great summer outdoor program. Children are naturally curious and enjoy exploring and learning about plants and animals especially at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park in Pine Grove. Two day camps for children are being offered this year:

* Wildlife Day Camp #1 (children ages 4-6) from Wednesday, June 22 to Friday, June 24 from 9:30-11:00 a.m.
* Wildlife Day Camp #2 (children ages 7-9) from Wednesday, June 22 to Friday, June 24 from 1:00-2:30 p.m.

Both camps will be led by “Porcupine Pat” McKinney of the Schuylkill Conservation District and are being run on a “donation only” basis. “We want to make the camps available to all children regardless of ability to pay,” added “Porcupine.” “You can pay for one day or all three days, whatever you decide is fine.” The focus of each camp is learning about wildlife, insects, and plants and will include fun activities designed to stimulate curiosity and natural awareness. These camps are sponsored by the Snayberger Memorial Foundation and the Schuylkill Area Community Foundation. All campers must be pre-registered by contacting “Porcupine Pat” at the Conservation District at 570-622-4124, ext. 113 or via email at porcupinepat@yahoo.com

Both camps will be held under the Large Pavilion at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park.

Police Looking for Suspect in Armed Robbery

Police in Carbon County are asking for the public's assistance in apprehending a subject of an armed robbery that took place Wednesday morning.

Thursday, June 16, 2016

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Monday, June 13, 2016

Sunday, June 12, 2016

Saturday, June 11, 2016

Thursday, June 9, 2016

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Monday, June 6, 2016

Sunday, June 5, 2016

Saturday, June 4, 2016

Friday, June 3, 2016

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Wednesday, June 1, 2016