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Schuylkill County Obituaries for 07/06/17

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Schuylkill County Obituaries for 07/06/17

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Thomas Joseph Baldini, Jr., 66 formerly of Summit Hill, passed away, Monday, July 3, 2017, in Scranton.

Born Thursday, April 26, 1951 in Coaldale, Pennsylvania. the son of the late Thomas Joseph Baldini, Sr., and Ethel (Ellis) Baldini.

Surviving are son, Thomas J. Baldini, III of Scranton; daughters, Heather Baldini of Summit Hill, Courtney Baldini of Easton , Kendra A. Baldini of Tamaqua, and Ashley Baldini of Lehighton; brother, Robert Baldini and his wife Nancy of Arizona; 5 grand children.

Founder of Tommy's Italian restaurants a regional group of restaurants in Carbon, and Schuylkill Counties, he also operated Baldini's Italian Bakery of Summit Hill for many years. Tommy, graduated from Panther Valley High School.

Private arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com
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Virginia C. Stehr, 84, of Pitman, passed away Tuesday, July 4, 2017 at Mount Carmel Nursing Home, Mount Carmel.

Virginia was born in Lavelle, PA on December 11, 1932, a daughter of the late Margaret E. (Paul) and W. Clayton "Soy" Weikel.

She graduated from the Ashland High School in 1950. She worked along side her husband on the family farm producing and marketing fruit, vegetables, and poultry. Virginia and Kenneth formed Kenny Stehr and sons in 1951.

She was a member of Zion E.C. Church and the Mahantongo Fire Company both of Pitman.

She enjoyed reading, collecting dolls,crocheting and cooking lunch for her family. Virginia loved to interact with the customers visiting the farm in Pitman, and enjoyed supervising the pick your own berry patch.

She was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth M Stehr, who passed away June 26, 1997, and two sisters Nancy Runge and Trudy Hubler Morgan.

Virginia is survived by five sons Terry L., husband of Carol Stehr, of Klingerstown; Richard K., husband of Joanne Stehr, of Stevens; Kevin R., husband of Missy Stehr, of Schuylkill Haven; Henry L., husband of Stacey Stehr, of Pitman; Brett A., husband of Amy Stehr, of Pitman; 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchild.

Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family with interment at Zion E.C. Cemetery Pitman.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Alzheimer's Association, Greater Pennsylvania, 2595 Interstate Drive, Suite 100, Harrisburg, PA 17110.

The Stephen R. Rothermel Funeral Home, Klingerstown, has charge of the arrangements. To sign the online guest book please visit www.srrfh.com.

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Rose Marie Love, 68, of Brooklyn, NY and Tremont, passed away on Monday, July 3, 2017 at the Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.

Born on April 7, 1949 in Pottsville, she was a daughter of the late Russell E. and Ellen E. "Betty" Bettinger Love. She was also preceded in death by her aunt Esther Loeb, who raised Rose as a daughter.

Rose will always be remembered for helping people out and loving her family. She loved Christmas and loved giving gifts to her family and friends. She was a very kind hearted person.

She is survived by a daughter April Scandariato of Brookylyn, N.Y and Pottsville, a sister Joann W. Love and companion Gerry Frantz of Pine Grove; three brothers, Bob and wife Donna Love of Pine Grove, Jim Love of Lincoln, Wayne Love of Pitman; nephews, nieces and cousins.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2017 at 1:00 P.M. at the Schuylkill Memorial Cemetery Chapel, Schuylkill Haven, Pa for family and friends. There will be a visitation on Saturday, July 8, 2017 from Noon until time of service. Interment will follow in Schuylkill Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to either the Hillside SPCA, P.O. Box 233 Pottsville, Pa. 17901 or the Ruth Steinert SPCA, P.O. Box 332 Schuylkill Haven, Pa. 17972 in her memory.

You may send condolences to the family online at our website www.hlsnyderfuneralhome.com

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Randy Troutman Sr., 62, Centre St., Ashland, passed away Tuesday afternoon, July 4th 2017, at his residence. Born in Fountain Springs April 25, 1955, he is the son of Sonia Marhon Troutman, Ashland, and the late Darrell Troutman. He attended North Schuylkill High School, and was employed for the Ashland Foundry as a fork lift operator and maintenance worker until his retirement.

Randy was of the protestant faith, and a member of the United Steel Workers, local # 14372, Ashland

Survivors in addition to his mother:

Wife: Donna Finneran Troutman, married 34 years

Daughter: Melissa Ermert and her fiancé Richard Harris, Gordon

Daughter: Maryellen Troutman and companion Chris Lighthiser, Ashland

Son: Randy Troutman Jr. and his wife Ronica, Valley View

Brother: Robert Troutman and his wife Ginny, Wilburton

Sister: Barbara wife of Allen Pennypacker, Mowry

Randy’s grandchildren, Cade Ermert and Eliza Troutman were his pride and joy.

Nephews, Aunts and Uncles

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service, Saturday at 11 AM in the Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, 1323 Centre St., Ashland. Officiating will be Rev. John C. Wallace, pastor of the First United Methodist Church, Pottsville. The viewing will begin at 9 AM until service.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 610 Community Way, Lancaster, PA 17603. Visit www.Fritzfuneralhome.com

The Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, Ashland, is in charge of arrangements.

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Police Looking for Girl Who Went Missing Two Weeks Ago

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Police in Schuylkill County are looking for a girl that has been reported missing for two weeks.

Mahanoy City Police say Hanna Jessman left her house on Thursday, 6/22/17, and has had no contact with family since.

Anyone with information please contact the Mahanoy City Police at 570-773-2313

10th Annual Coal Miner's Heritage Festival This Sunday

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The 10th Annual Coal Miner’s Heritage Festival is set for Sunday July 9, 2017 from 10 AM to 5 PM, on the grounds of the No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum in Lansford, Carbon County. 

 This unique, fun and educational event celebrates northeastern Pennsylvania’s coal region history, culture, art, crafts, food, and music. The event is presented by the No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum in Lansford and draws throngs of people each year to the popular event. Admission to the festival grounds and parking are free.

Underground tours of the No. 9 Coal Mine will be available throughout the day for a nominal charge. No. 9 is the world’s oldest deep mine having been opened in 1855 by the Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company and closed in 1972. The guided underground mine tours last approximately forty-five minutes and are available throughout the day Visitors will ride into the mine in the safety of mine cars pulled by an original mine locomotive. The nearby No. 9 Coal Mining Museum, housed in the original 1920’s era miner’s wash shanty, houses one of the largest collections of anthracite coal mining artifacts, tools, photographs and memorabilia in the coal region.

Many unique attractions and exhibits are offered as part of this year’s Coal Miners Heritage Festival. In keeping with the theme, the coal miner’s competition is always a favorite event. Anyone over the age of sixteen is invited to participate in the coal shoveling competition where competitors shovel a pile of coal in the shortest time. In past years, this had been a very competitive event drawing participants from all over the region. Trophies will be awarded to the winners. The coal shoveling competition will begin at 2:00. Lehigh Anthracite will offer bus tourd of their mining operations at 12, 2 and 4 pm. Seating is very limited on each tour, so tickets will be sold on Sunday on a first come, first served basis at the bus.

Exhibitors and vendors will fill the grounds surrounding the museum offering a variety of handmade or festival sale items. Dedication of the new Veterans Garden and a flag raising ceremony will take place at 10:30. AM. A new Coal Miners mural on the front of the former dynamite bunker will also be dedicated.

Many interesting and fun exhibits will highlight coal region heritage and culture. The old time ‘Wash Day’ demonstrations will show the evolution and chore of washing clothes by hand in the coal patch towns. There will also be an exhibit and explanation of Civil War period medicine that was used to treat the wounded. Other exhibits include 19th century death, mourning and funeral customs, local historical society exhibits, a select sample of antique vehicles from the early 1900s, Mine Safety and Rescue displays, a restored vintage mine lokie, an operating antique coal screen, a display of old time moonshine making equipment, and the miners ‘bath day’ display. Lehigh Anthracite will exhibit one or two pieces of the strip mining equipment.

A variety of great music typically found in the coal region will be featured throughout the day. Featured is famed coal region folk musician and storyteller Van Wagner, the WMGH Polka Program live broadcast with Polka Joe Manjack, and DJ Shawn Frederickson will play other classic coal region music throughout the day. Coal region re-enactors will stroll the grounds in their authentic ‘patch town’ outfits, performing skits, telling stories, and sharing tales throughout the day.

A variety of homemade, coal region ethnic foods and festival favorites will be featured including halupki, halushki, pierogies, ham and bean soup. fresh tapped birch beer, french fries, cheese steaks, meatball subs, deep fried corn on the cob, hot dogs, cheeseburgers, shaved ice, funnel cake, deep fried Oreos, lemon and orangeade, cotton candy, penny candies, baked goods, and more.

Free children’s entertainment will be offered including the popular old time coal sack races with prizes for the winners, and the Kiddie Korner with games, rock painting, and more for the children. Buster the Clown will be on hand making balloon animals, and doing face painting.

You can still register as a vendor or crafter by contacting Dale at dalefreud@gmail.com or by phone at 610-597-6722. For mine tour info call 570-645-7074.

Schuylkill County Man Convicted of Sending 9 Year Old in Massachusetts Sexually Explicit Messages

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On Thursday, a Schuylkill County man was convicted for sending sexually explicit messages to a 9 year old in Massachusetts.

According to www.masslive.com, Robert Rang, 28, of Coaldale was found guilty on Thursday of using PlayStation and text message to try and engage in sexual activity with a 9-year-old boy from Massachusetts.

Rang reportedly started contacting the boy in 2014 after meeting him online through PlayStation games.

Rang communicated with the boy through text messages and telephone in addition to PlayStation. He also sent the child gift cards to make PlayStation-related purchases.

He also asked the child to send him naked pictures but the boy refused.

The boy's grandmother contacted police after she found the messages on his iPod.

Sentencing is scheduled for September.

More on the story from Masslive.com

PA Attorney General and 18 Other States Sue Education Secretary Devos

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On Thursday, Attorney General Josh Shapiro and 18 other Attorneys General sued Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and the U.S. Department of Education for abandoning federal rules to protect college students from abusive loan practices by higher education institutions that were set to go into effect on July 1.


The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Washington, challenges the Department of Education’s action in abruptly rescinding its Borrower Defense Rule, designed to hold higher education institutions accountable for cheating students and taxpayers out of billions of dollars in federal loans. The rule was finalized in November and followed the collapse and bankruptcy of Corinthian Colleges – a for-profit chain that committed multiple violations of state and federal law in advertising, enrolling and financing to students.

“Rolling back student loan protections harms Pennsylvania college students and their families,” Attorney General Shapiro said. “With a rising number of students burdened by college loan debt or in default, this is exactly the wrong time for the Department of Education to abdicate its responsibility to protect students from deceptive practices by these for-profit schools. If Secretary DeVos and her Department won’t protect our college students, I will.”

Pennsylvania has over 200 colleges and universities and trade schools, and approximately 100 other for-profit educational institutions. The average student loan debt for a Pennsylvania college graduate is currently $34,798 – the third-highest average debt in the country.

The regulations at issue provide protections for federal student loan borrowers against abusive practices by schools and colleges, including for-profit companies, and assist in enforcing state consumer protection laws. Additionally, they allow student loan borrowers to have their debt forgiven if they were victims of deceptive practices by their school or college, such as misrepresenting job placement rates at the school or other abusive practices.

Secretary DeVos announced earlier this year the Department was reevaluating the Borrower Defense Rule. DeVos also stated the Department’s intent to delay large portions of the rule without soliciting or receiving any comment from stakeholders or members of the public.

The Department simultaneously announced its decision to issue a new rule to replace the Borrower Defense Rule, citing pending litigation in the case California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools (CAPPS) v. Betsy DeVos. The lawsuit filed today argues that, “the Department’s reference to the pending litigation is a pretext for repealing the Rule and replacing it with a new rule that will remove or dilute student rights and protections.”

On June 14, Attorney General Shapiro and a coalition of Attorneys General filed a motion to intervene in the CAPPS case in order to defend students and taxpayers. CAPPS is a trade association representing many for-profit education institutions.

“These safeguards for students to protect them from abuse by for-profit higher education institutions are being abandoned by the very federal agency that should be enforcing them,” Attorney General Shapiro said. “We’ve filed this lawsuit to protect students in our Commonwealth and country and hold these institutions accountable for deceiving students for their own gain.”

Today’s suit asks the court to declare the Department’s delay unlawful and order the Department to implement the Borrower Defense Rule.

In addition to Attorney General Shapiro, the other attorneys general joining the lawsuit include Massachusetts, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, Vermont, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

Mahanoy City Community Day and Fireworks This Saturday

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Mahanoy City's Community Day is this Saturday.

Do you like ethnic food?  If so, you may want to stop by Mahanoy City's Community Day this Saturday, July 8, 2017 from 10am until 2pm.

Many local businesses will have food stands serving all of your favorite ethnic food along with other vendor stands.


A town yard sale will also take place.

Later in the evening, the Mahanoy City Borough and Mahanoy Area School District will display a fireworks show from the Mahanoy Area School Grounds.  Fireworks will start dusk.

An hour prior to dusk, a free concert will be performed by the Upper School Band at the school's stadium.

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast for 07/07/2017

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Schuylkill County Weather Forecast for 07/07/2017

Friday - Morning Showers and Storms in the Afternoon - High in the Low 80's
Friday Night - Storms Early then Cloudy
Saturday - Clouds and Sun, Stray Shower or Storm Possible - High near 80
Sunday - Sunny - High near 80
Monday - Sunny - High near 80
Tuesday - Showers and Storms - High in the Mid 80's
Wednesday - Cloudy - High near 80
Thursday - Clouds and Sun with Storms - High in the Low 80's

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Police Asking for Help Finding Missing Teen from Schuylkill County

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Police are asking for help finding a teen that has been missing from Schuylkill County since May.


According to Pottsville Police, Aiden Reppert was last seen on May 21, 2017.

Police say Aiden left the Friendship Home, located at 351 S. 2nd Street in Pottsville and did not return.

He may still be in the local area or he may have traveled to Schuylkill Haven.

Aiden is described to have brown hair, hazel eyes, weigh 160 lbs, and is 5' 5" tall.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts or may have seen Aiden, should call the Pottsville Police at (570) 628-3792



St. Charles Borromeo Church Summerfest Kicks Off Friday

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On Friday and Saturday, St. Charles Borromeo Parish will host Summerfest in Ashland.


The event runs Friday (7/7) and Saturday (7/8) from 5:00pm to 10:00pm in the 1100 Block of Walnut Street in Ashland.


Friday's live band, R.A.T.L, will play from 6:30pm to 10:00pm

DJ Double Play will provide music Saturday from 5:00pm to 10:00pm.

The event will also include Food (Hamburgers, Hotdogs, Sausage Sandwiches, pierogies, pigeons/halupkies, pizza, bleenies, funnel cakes, baked goods,etc), Soda & Water, and Beer, a Basket Auction,  Money Chances, and Games.

Schuylkill County Police Log for 07/07/2017

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Schuylkill County Police Log for 07/07/2017

Two Arrested on Drug Charges

West Mahanoy Township Police have charged two individuals after an incident on May 10th in the Altamont Section near Frackville. 

Police were dispatched to the area for a report of a male causing a disturbance and undressing in the roadway. 

During the course of the incident, the male was found to be under the influence of a controlled substance, and in possession of a controlled substance. 

The male also resisted arrest. 

The male was found to be in the company of a female, who was also found to be under the influence of a controlled substance and in possession of a controlled substance.

Patrick Boyer, Hegins, was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Resisting Arrest, Disorderly Conduct, and Public Drunkenness. 

Brittany Bainbridge, Frackville, was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Public Drunkenness. Both will have to answer to these charges before MDJ Hale, Frackville.

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Meth Found During Incident

Frackville Borough Police have filed charges on Alexis Vermillion for an incident that occurred on May 12, 2017.

Borough Police were called to the Econo Lodge for suspicious activity. Located outside of Vermillion’s room was a white envelope with Methamphetamine in the envelope and a room key.
Police then entered the room and located multiple items of drug paraphernalia.

Vermillion is charged with one count of possession of a controlled substance, and one charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. All charges will be answered by MDJ Hale, Frackville.

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Two Charged After Aggressive Driving Incident

On Tuesday, June 23, 2017 at approximately 8:30 p.m., the Orwigsburg Police Department received several complaints in regards to two vehicles racing through the Cresswell Acres development. 

Witnesses stated that they saw a red minivan and red SUV racing each other eastbound on Margaret Avenue at an extremely high rate of speed. Both vehicles then narrowly made a left turn onto Jacks Lane at which time the SUV passed out minivan. The vehicles subsequently turned right onto Faith Avenue before exiting the Borough eastbound onto SR-443. One witness, who was walking with his wife and children in the area, stated that he and his family had to step back off the roadway for fear of being struck by the recklessly operated vehicles.

A subsequent investigation by the Orwigsburg Police Department revealed the identity of the vehicles involved as well as their respective operators. Numerous traffic citations have been filed against Justin Burke and Norman Trinkley, both of West Brunswick Township.

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Schuylkill County Weather Forecast for 07/08/2017

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Schuylkill County Weather Forecast for 07/08/2017

Saturday - Clouds and Sun, Stray Shower or Storm Possible - High near 80
Saturday Night - Clear - Low in the Mid 50's
Sunday - Sunny - High near 80
Monday - Sunny - High near 80
Tuesday - Showers and Storms - High in the Mid 80's
Wednesday - Cloudy - High near 80
Thursday - Clouds and Sun with Storms - High in the Low 80's
Friday - Showers and Storms - High in the Mid 70's

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Upcoming Schuylkill County Road Work

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Upcoming Schuylkill County Road Work

Municipality: Rush Township
ROAD NAME: Fairview Street
BETWEEN: PA 54 AND PA 309
Type of Work: Drainage
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: 07/10/2017 Est. Completion Date: 07/14/2017
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

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Municipality: West Mahanoy & Mahanoy townships

ROAD NAME: Morea Road
BETWEEN: Frackville Borough Line AND Mahanoy City Borough Line
Type of Work: Brush Cutting
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: 07/10/2017 Est. Completion Date: 07/14/2017
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

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Municipality: Reilly, Frailey, Hegins & Hubley townships

ROAD NAME: PA 25 (Main Street)
BETWEEN: US 209 AND Dauphin County Line
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime
RESTRICTION: Lane restrictions for seal coating ("tar and chip") work. Expect delays and please use caution driving through the work zone.

START DATE: 07/10/2017 Est. Completion Date: 07/14/2017
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 6:00 AM To 6:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

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Municipality: West Mahanoy Township & Gilberton Borough
ROAD NAME: PA 924 (Gold Star Highway)
BETWEEN: Frackville Borough Line AND Shenandoah Borough 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: 07/10/2017 Est. Completion Date: 07/14/2017
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

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Municipality: Wayne & North Manheim townships, Cressona
Borough
ROAD NAME: Panther Valley Road
BETWEEN: Sweet Arrow Lake Road AND Wilder Street
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: 07/10/2017 Est. Completion Date: 07/14/2017
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

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Municipality: Wayne & South Manheim townships
ROAD NAME: Summer Hill Road
BETWEEN: PA 183 AND Berne Drive
Type of Work: Drainage
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: 07/10/2017 Est. Completion Date: 07/14/2017
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? NO

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Municipality: Tamaqua & Coaldale boroughs
ROAD NAME: US 209
BETWEEN: PA 309 AND Manila Grove Drive
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: 07/10/2017 Est. Completion Date: 07/14/2017
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? NO

Legislation Increases "Steer Clear" Law Penalties

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Legislation that would increase fines and penalties for repeat violators of Pennsylvania’s “Steer Clear” Law has been signed into law.

Senator John Rafferty (R), who chairs the Senate Transportation Committee,  and sponsored SB 288, is intended to crack down on those repeat offenders who violate the “Steer Clear” Law. This common-sense law that has been in effect since 2001 requires drivers to slow down and move into a lane not adjacent to an emergency response area, when possible. If motorists cannot move over because of traffic or other conditions, then they must reduce their speed.

“The ‘Steer Clear’ Law is intended to save lives and prevent accidents, but unfortunately, the number of incidents is continuing to increase dramatically,” Rafferty mentioned. “According to PennDOT, from 2013 to 2015, total charges rose by more than 85 percent. The steeper fines and license suspension included in this legislation should act as a deterrent against repeat offenders, while also providing another opportunity to educate drivers on the ‘Steer Clear’ Law.”

Rafferty’s legislation will:
- Maintain a fine of not more than $250 for a first offense.
- Set a maximum fine of $500 for a second offense.
- Establish a maximum fine of $1,000 for a third or subsequent offense.
- Introduce a 90 day license suspension for a third or subsequent offense or if the violation resulted in serious bodily injury to or death of another person.

“This law is being strengthened to coincide with the seriousness of each violation to help protect law enforcement, tow truck operators, highway workers and other emergency personnel who put themselves in harm’s way,” Rafferty noted. “It is the motorists’ responsibility to slow down and move over when they encounter an emergency response area on roadways in this Commonwealth.”

The bill was unanimously passed by both the Senate and the House of Representatives.



Schuylkill County Police Log for 07/08/2017

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Schuylkill County Police Log for 07/08/2017

Two Face Drug Charges

Frackville Borough Police have filed charges Audrey Stofanik and Billy Jack Price for an incident that occurred on May 09, 2017.

Borough Police were called to assist Deputy Sheriffs with an eviction notice. Police were able to gain entry in to the residence, and observed multiple -packets of heroin, multiple syringes located throughout the house, along with pills in unmarked bottles.

Stofanik and Price are both charged with one count of endangering the welfare of a child, two counts possession of a controlled substance, eight-teen counts possession of misbranded substances, seven counts possession of drug paraphernalia, and one count of recklessly endangering another person. All charges will be answered by MDJ Hale, Frackville.

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Schuylkill County Teen Dies in Crash in Berks County


Schuylkill County Football Shirts Now Available

Brett Kressley Wins First-Ever Stevenson Memorial At Big Diamond Speedway

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For once, Mother Nature gave race fans at Big Diamond Speedway a break.

An early-evening shower could not stop Big Diamond Speedway from celebrating the 37th running of the Stevenson Memorial on a night when the track remembered not only Georgie and his father George, but the loss of five of the speedway’s racing family members over the past few weeks.

Brett Kressley scored his first win of the season and his first-ever win in the Stevenson Memorial in the Steel & Metal Service Center 358 modified feature which earned him a $4,000 pay day for the 30-lap event.

Other winners on Friday night were Shawn Light (U.S.S. Achey sportsman), Shawn Mulhall (Savage 61 roadrunners) and Chris Heller (No Sweat Service Group street stocks).

This Friday it will be Insinger Performance Night with the 358 modifieds, sportsman and roadrunners along with an Enduro Dash 50. Also on the Friday will be the Leindecker Race Engines Sportsman Challenge and the Pro Shine Roadrunner Challenge.

The gates will open at 5:30 p.m. with warm ups at 7:30 and racing starting at 8. General admission for Friday is $15, seniors $13 and kids 12-and-under and active military with an valid ID are free.

In the 30-lap 358 modified feature, Kressley took the lead at the start at the race from his pole position as he and outside pole sitter Ray Swinehart jumped out to an early lead on the field.

On a lap 3 restart, Frank Porreca’s car did not fire right away resulting in an 11-car pile-up on the frontstretch which brought out a 15-minute red flag as the track crew did an excellent job in getting the race back underway in a short time. All drivers in the accident were OK.

When the race resumed, Kressley once again took off from the field while a four-car battle for the second was begging to shape up behind him which include two-time winner Craig VonDohren.

By lap 8, Kressley began to extend his lead over the field and five laps latter he was working lapped traffic.

VonDohren would track down runner-up Swinehart during those laps and then worked to his inside of Turn 4 by lap 15.

At this point, Kressley’s lead was more than a straightaway as VonDohren took over the second spot at the start of lap 16.

From there, VonDohren had clear track while Kressley worked lapped traffic, allowing VonDohren to cut the lead down to a straightaway by lap 22.

Kressley would see his big lead erased when the caution came out for Swinehart on lap 26 who lost his right front wheel in Turn 2.

Kressley was able to maintain the lead on the restart as Ryan Godown drove under VonDohren for second in the apex of Turns 1 and 2 before VonDohren raced back under Godown for second on the backstretch.

Kressley would go on to score the win and became the fifth different winner of the season by .540 seconds over VonDohren with Godown settling for third.

Jeff Strunk came from 18th to finish fourth while 15th-place starter Duane Howard finished fifth.

“The track was real nice and fast tonight and luckily we had a pretty good starting position,” Kressley said. “The restarts are not always my best thing and I’m learning as we go race-by-race. I saw Ryan (Godown) and Craig (VonDohren) right behind me so I knew that I couldn’t make a mistake.”

Sixth through 10th were Rick Laubach, John Willman, Mike Lisowski, Shawn Fitzpatrick and Kevin Beach Jr.

Heat for the 29 358 modifieds were won by Swinehart, Godown and Kressley while Frank Yankowski won the consolation event.

In the 20-lap sportsman feature, Ken Eckert would lead the first two laps of the $1,000-to-win event before Chuck Fayash passed him in Turn 2 for the lead on lap 2.

On a lap 3 restart, Light would move around Eckert for second and then begin to work on race leader Fayash.

Light would battle with Fayash for numerous laps staying within striking distance before working to Fayash’s outside going into Turn 1 on lap 17 for the lead.

Light would then have to endure three more cautions over the final few circuits which allowed Doug Hendricks to close in.

Hendricks and Light were side-by-side the entire way around the track on the lap 18 restart before Light managed to pull ahead as the pair raced off of Turn 4.

Light then held off Hendricks at the line by .342 seconds for the win with Wayne Witmer, Eckert Jr., and Fayash, rounding out the top five.

Light said that he did not second-guess himself by giving Hendricks the inside starting spot on the final restart.

“I knew that he was going to go to the inside and that he was going to pinch me down so I figured that I would get the option of trying to pinch him down and he pushed me up,” Light said. “I figured that when we went down to Turn 3 on that last lap that I would hold it (the throttle) wide open and hoped to God that it would stick and it did.”

Sixth through 10th were Matt Stangle, Ray Woodall Sr., Daryl Dissinger, Mike Burrows and Nate Mohr. Twin qualifying heat races were won by Eckert Jr. and Tyler Reber.

In the 20-lap roadrunner feature, Mulhall would led wire-to-wire to score his first career win.

“It was about time that I got one,” he . “I didn’t look at the scoreboard until the checkers fell so I didn’t know who was behind me.”

While Mulhall was alone out front by lap 6, there was a torrid battle going on for second place which grew to seven cars in a pack vying for the runner-up spot.

Kyle Wingle was all over Mulhall a few laps later for the lead when the complexion of the race change as Mike Reichert who was running in the middle of the seven-car pack got a bit out of shape which sent everyone scrambling to avoid the almost spinning car.

This opened the door for Kris Ney and Kody Sites to move forward.

Sites would pass Wingle on the backstretch for second on lap 18 but he was unable to close the gap on Mulhall who would go on to score his first-ever win with a non-stop time of 7 minutes, 44.150 seconds.

Wingle would hold on for third while Reichert recovered from his near spin to finish fourth with Ney rounding out the top five.

Sixth through 10th were Devin Trexler, Terry Kramer, Dave Long Jr., and Dustin Wolfgang. Twin qualifying heat races were on by Jim Kost and Mulhall.

In the 20-lap street stock feature, sixth-place starter Heller took the lead on the fourth attempt at a start and then held off Jason Geesaman to score the win.

“I got help up by the lapped car a little bit and I figured if I could run the middle and make Jason pinch down to the bottom, that I could hold him off,” Heller said. “It’s hard to run out front and not know how hard to push it and I pushed it as hard as I can and I almost wrecked 10 times.”

Chris Deer finished third while Elvin Brennan III was fourth and Eric Tripp rounded out the top five.

Sixth through 10th were Bobby Kupp, Joey Brennan, Leroy Long, Dean Hine and Kevin Heckman. Twin qualifying heats were won by J. Brennan and Geesaman.

Truck Pulls Coming to the Schuylkill County Fair

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For the sixth time at the Schuylkill County Fair we will have truck pulls.

Local pullers will get their chance on Monday, July 31st. Monday night local diesel and gas truck pullers may compete for the bragging rights of being Schuylkill County Fair truck puller for 2017. This night is for both diesel and gas powered trucks which is different from past year’s event on the track. A diesel truck is a work vehicle, designed to haul cargo or pull trailers, right? That perception has been changed by gear heads. Schuylkill County Fair invites all diesel pickups or SUVs to test their skills and horsepower on the track. Entrants may come from all over the area. The Quarter-mile widened track with good times translate to bragging rights. Clocking locked turbo-diesel can reach 81.0 mph in 16.9 seconds. However, once you add a fuel chip, custom exhaust, locking differentials, and aftermarket air filters, times drop into the low 12-second range. Inject propane and/or nitrous oxide with bigger injectors, unrestricted exhaust systems, and twin turbo-chargers, and things can get very fast. Come to the fair and see who will walk away with the pulling bragging rights. This is sure to excite the crowd who gather to watch the pulls on Monday. First night of pure truck pull excitement.

Tuesday, track activities will be all about Lucas Oil/ East Coast National Pull where the Dirt Churning 466 Hot Farm Tractors, Limited Pro Stock Semi’s, and East Coast Diesel-Pro Diesel Four Wheel Drive Trucks will light up the track. New to the lineup this evening is the Modified Tractors. The track committee decided to bring in the modified tractors this evening to honor the man that

started it all at the track, Curt Luckenbill. Curt Luckenbil a number of years ago when the fair was getting started on this property, curt Lucken bill was into pulling modified tractors and suggested that the fair look into these types of events.

Registration for both nights of truck pulls begins at 4PM and pulls will begin approximately at 7 PM.

The track for pulling, which has been used for Antique Tractor Pulling, has been improved by lengthening and re- resurfacing. If rain occurs, it will not dampen the fun. The track will be covered with a tarp to protect it. Keeping the track covered will make for a great evening of tractor pulls. The pulling sled is rented and read to go from Crouse.

Truck pulling is a fine mixture of horsepower, traction, and chassis setup on a 4 WD vehicle that is attached by a heavy chain to a weighted sled. The further your truck pulls the sled, the more stress and pressure it will experience along the track. By the end of the track, even the most powerful trucks will be stopped cold by extremely large forces created by the awesome amount of weight bearing down upon the sled. Some trucks will break under the pressure, and you may witness drive-shafts and axles twisting into scrap metal as man and machine go to war, just to see who can get the best hook! It is adrenaline, testosterone, and excitement. It is a sport that can engulf the entire family, and offer fun and excitement that can be rivaled by very few.

Wednesday evening at 7 PM there will be the return of the much anticipated Celebrity Tractor Pull. This is to be followed by Side by Side Drag races. This is Side by Side Drag Racing of diesel trucks. Diesels dirt drag racing for bragging rights of who owns the fastest truck in the area. Don’t blink or you might miss who crosses the finish line first.

The Schuylkill County Fair Association is pleased to sponsor these thrilling event at the 2017 Fair. Specific rules for the Truck Pull may be found on the Schuylkill County Fair web site, www.schuylkillfair.com under the Pull tab. No pun intended. For more detailed information may be found at www.schuylkillfair.com/exhibits/ in a PDF under Department 22. Contact people for further information include Matt Halabura at (570)449-4133, mhalabura@verizon.net or Fran Vidzicki at (570) 691-5866, elemkt@gmail.com

For more information about the Schuylkill County Fair visit the fair’s web site at www.schuykillfair.com. Schuylkill County Fair is where the country scene make blue ribbon dreams come true.

Schuylkill County Obituaries for 07/08/17

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Schuylkill County Obituaries for 07/08/17

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George A. Bohr, 41, of Rock Rd., Pine Grove, passed away on Friday, July 7, 2017 at home.
Born on January 9, 1976 in Pottsville, he was a son of Shirley Butler Bohr of Pine Grove and the late Samuel E. Bohr, Sr.

He was a 1995 graduate of Pine Grove High School and attended the Schuylkill IU29.
He was a member of the Ten Pin in Pine Grove, Pine Grove Fish & Game and the H. H. & L. Fire Co.  
He was also a Pittsburgh Steelers Fan.
Surviving, in addition to his mother are two brothers, Samuel Bohr of Tremont and James and wife Misty Bohr of Pine Grove; a niece, Saphire Bohr Jefferson; two nephews, John Bohr and Trystian Fessler.
Memorial Services will be held on Thursday, July 13, 2017 at 6:00 P.M. at the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove with Pastor Kenny Smith officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc. 139 S. Tulpehocken St. Pine Grove, PA 17963 in his memory.
You may send condolences to the family online at our website www.hlsnyderfuneralhome.com
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Joseph A. Kutskiel, 100,  of Shenandoah and formerly of Swatara Village in Pine Grove, passed away on Thursday, July 6, in the Ridgeview Healthcare and Rehab. Center, Shenandoah.

Born on June 10, 1917, in Shenandoah, he was a son of the late Peter and Anna Machinsky Kutskiel .

Joseph was an Apprentice Seaman in the U.S. Navy during W.W. II .He had been a self- employed contractor.

He was a Life member of United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners Union of America; AARP; .

Preceding him in death in addition to his parents were his Spouse, Sallie A. Urban Yadlosky Kutskiel, on May 1, 1999; a Brother, Peter Kutskiel and a Sister, Anna Meluskey.

He is survived by his Niece, Marianne Bobbin of Shenandoah and a nephew, Richard Meluskey of Franklinn Square, NY.

Graveside Services and interment will be held on Tuesday, July 11, at 11:00 A.M. in Sky View Memorial Cemetery, 108 Lafayette Avenue, Tamaqua.

H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove, is in charge of arrangements.
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Schuylkill County Weather Forecast for 07/09/2017

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Schuylkill County Weather Forecast for 07/09/2017

Sunday - Sunny - High in the Mid 70's
Sunday Night - Clear - Low in the Mid 50's
Monday - Sunny - High near 80
Tuesday - Showers and Storms - High in the Mid 80's
Wednesday - Cloudy - High near 80
Thursday - Clouds and Sun with Storms - High in the Low 80's
Friday - Showers and Storms - High in the Mid 70's
Saturday - Sun and Clouds - High in the Upper 70's
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