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Sign Up for Breaking News Alerts and Daily E-Mail

April 4, 2018, 12:17 pm
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We are adding a new feature for you to receive our breaking news and other news stories outside of social media.

Skook News is now offering two ways for you to receive e-mail alerts for our stories.

The first is for Breaking News.  These are for the stories that we think you will want to know right away.  These alerts are made for fires, road closures, major accidents, water main breaks, etc.

The second is a new daily e-mail that will send every evening recapping the day's stories. 

To sign up for the breaking news,  follow the link below
http://www.skooknews.com/p/breaking-news-alert-sign-up.html

If you would like to sign up for our daily e-mail, follow the link below
http://www.skooknews.com/p/daily-skook-news-e-mail-sign-up.html


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Big Diamond Postpones Season Opener

April 4, 2018, 12:25 pm
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Once again Mother Nature has reared her ugly head forcing Big Diamond Speedway to postpone their 47th annual season opener originally scheduled for this Friday 4/6/18 to Friday 4/13/18.

With the speedway grounds saturated and a very unfavorable weather forecast predicted for the next few days promoter Jake Smulley thought it was best to give the teams and the fans time to amend their upcoming plans for this Friday night along with assuring the teams that a raceable track will be available when the season does get underway.

Revised April Schedule:

Friday, April 13th – The 47th Annual Season Opener. It will be Schaeffer Motorsports night with a 30-lap feature event for the Modifieds paying $4000 to win. The Sportsman cars will race a 20-lap feature paying $1000 to the winner. Roadrunners and Street Stocks will complete the program.

Sunday, April 15th – District 6 Hare Scramble

Friday, April 20th – “Money in the Mountains” No Sweat Service Group Night featuring the Big Block/Small Block Challenge Modified 40-lap feature paying $6,000 to win. The Sportsman, Roadrunners and Street Stocks will also be in action.

Friday, April 27th – 358 Modifieds, Sportsman, Roadrunner and the 600 Modifieds.

The April Enduro has been postponed to a later date.

The above listed events are subject to change. For more information regarding Big Diamond Speedway including points and photos along with the complete 2018 schedule please visit Big Diamond Speedway’s new website at www.bigdspeedway.net

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Schuylkill County Obituaries for 04/04/2018

April 5, 2018, 2:39 am
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Schuylkill County Obituaries for 04/04/2018

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Ellen C. Herbert, 57, of Mahanoy City, PA, passed away Wednesday, April 4th, peacefully, at her residence.

Ellen was born in Camden, NJ on February 28, 1961, of the late Catherine (Curley) and James Schnitzius.

She had graduated from Marian Catholic High School Class of 1979.

She was the wife of Robert Herbert.

Ellen is survived by a daughter, Brittney, of Mahanoy City. She is also survived by her second mother Joann Schnitzius, of Pottsville, three sisters, Patti Schnitzius, of Mahanoy City; Kate Schnitzius-Zucker, wife of Mark Zucker, of Mahanoy City; Mia Caulfield, of East Norritton, a niece and nephew.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Mahanoy City, PA, at 10 AM on Saturday, April 7th, with Rev. Kevin P. Gallagher officiating.

Friends may call Friday 6 to 8 PM and Saturday 9 AM at the Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc.

Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements. Visit www.truskowskyfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book and send sympathy cards.

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Schuylkill County Weather Forecast for 04/05/18

April 5, 2018, 5:09 am
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Schuylkill County Weather Forecast for 04/05/18

Thursday - Clouds and Sun Early; Increasing Clouds with Flurries Possible - High near 40
Thursday Night - Cloudy - Low near 30

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Friday - Snow Showers Early; Cloudy - High in the Lower 50
Saturday - Cloudy - High in the Upper 30's
Sunday - Sun and Clouds - High in the Lower 40's
Monday - Rain and Snow Showers - High in the Upper 30's
Tuesday - Showers Early- High near 40
Wednesday - Sunny - High in the Upper 40's

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Minersville Police Seek Identity of Individual

April 5, 2018, 8:50 am
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Police in Minersville are asking for the public's help in identifying someone.

Minersville Police are seeking the identity of the male in the photo the left.

The photo was taken by surveillance cameras inside the CVS store in Pottsville approximately three weeks ago.

Anyone with information on the identity of this male is asked to contact Minersville Police at 570-544-2333.

All information will remain confidential
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Brick Orders Available for Expansion of Veteran's Memorial in Schuylkill Haven

April 5, 2018, 10:08 am
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Orders for bricks to honor veterans and active servicemen/woman are being accepted for the expansion of the New Veteran's Memorial on Parkway in Schuylkill Haven.

There are two sizes of bricks to choose from: 4x4 ($50) which allows for up to 18 characters of text per line, with a 3 line maximum, or an 8x8 ($125) which allows for up to 18 characters of text per line, with a 6 line maximum.

There are no residency requirements for the purchaser or veteran, and there are no specific military requirements to be able to honor a veteran.

For more information, please message their Facebook Page: Veteran's Memorial on Parkway, or text Ellen at (570) 573-8920.

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Frontier Girls Creating Little Free Libary for Bubeck Park

April 5, 2018, 11:07 am
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Three local children from Schuylkill Haven are collecting New and Gently Used books (for all age levels) to be used in the new Little Free Library that will be placed at Bubeck Park in Schuylkill Haven.


The new library will only hold approximately 20-30 books; however, extra books will be kept to replenish the library as it is needed.

The new library will be dedicated at the beginning of Summer 2018.

For more information, or to donate books, please visit their event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/204617593631782/
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Police Investigating Vandalism at Church Office in Lebanon County

April 5, 2018, 11:24 am
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Tge Pennsylvania State Police at Jonestown are investigating a burglary at the Zoar Lutheran Church office building 560 Freeport Rd, Bethel Township, Lebanon County.


The office is directly across the street from the Zoar Lutheran church. 

Between 04/02/18, 8:30pm and 04/05/18 9:15am, unknown individual(s) entered the church by breaking open a window. The individual(s) then broke into an office door that was located inside the building.

The individual(s) then exited the building and traveled to the east side of the building.

The individual(s) then used spray paint to vandalize a propane tank attached to the building. The spray paint showed what appeared to be a cross and the words "HELL" in orange spray paint. The individual(s) then fled the scene in an unknown direction by unknown means.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Trooper Vinitski at PSP Jonestown 717-865-2194.


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Ashland Store Sells Top Winning Progressive Lottery Ticket

April 5, 2018, 1:07 pm
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A Schuylkill County store sold a progressive top prize-winning ticket worth $112,176.50 for the Pennsylvania Lottery’s Break the Bank Fast Play game on April 4, 2018.

Smokin’ Joe’s, 706 Centre St., Ashland, earns a $500 bonus for selling the winning ticket. Break the Bank, a $5 game, offers progressive top prizes starting at $50,000.

The holder of a top-prize winning Fast Play ticket should immediately sign the back of the ticket, call the Lottery at 717-702-8146 and file a claim at the nearest Lottery office.

Prizes must be claimed and tickets validated before winners can be identified. Fast Play prizes must be claimed within one year of the ticket’s purchase date. Lottery prizes over $5,000 are subject to applicable withholding.

Last fiscal year, Lottery players in Schuylkill County won more than $44.7 million and programs that benefit older residents received more than $18.9 million in Lottery funds.
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Missing Mahanoy City Man Found Safe

April 5, 2018, 3:41 pm
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A man reported missing near Mahanoy City was found safe late Thursday.


According to Mahanoy Township Police Chief Brandon Alexander, after 1:00pm, Thursday, a woman arrived at the police station and reported her 20 year old son was missing and threatened to harm himself.  The man was reported to police to be in the area south of the Mahanoy Area School Complex.

Alexander called in area agencies to assist including the Pennsylvania State Police, West End Fire Department, and Life Flight.

Life Flight aided in the search until a State Police Helicopter arrived to help after 4:30pm.

Around 5:30pm, the man was found safe and transported to an area hospital.

Mahanoy Area students were kept inside the school with additional law enforcement as a precaution during the incident.
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Schuylkill County Obituaries for 04/05/2018

April 5, 2018, 10:10 pm
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Schuylkill County Obituaries for 04/05/2018

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John Mataka, 93, of Pottsville, passed away Wednesday at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill E. Norwegian Street.

John was born in Duncott, July 4, 1924, a son of the late Bertha and Stephen Mateyka.

In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by a brother, George Mataka.

He was the husband of Elaine A. Reedy Mitaka. The couple was married 70 years.

John was a graduate of Pottsville High School. He was a member of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville, and served in the Army in World War II.

He was formerly employed as a dye repairman at Alcoa and was a TV repairman, with co-owner Harvey Reedy.

He played in the Hillside Ranch Boys band.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by sons, Earl Reber, husband of Peggy, and John "Rusty" Mataka and significant other, Colleen Ryan, all of Pottsville; grandchildren, Michael Reber and Amy Brobst, both of Pottsville; great-grandchildren, Kyla and Jaidin Brobst; sister, Marge Siciensky.

Services are private at the convenience of family. The family requests donations to a charity of the donor's choice .

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Michael C. Smyk, Sr., 68, of Mechanicsburg, passed away Wednesday afternoon at his home after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Pottsville, September 25, 1949, son of the late Michael and Helen Reightler Smyk.

Mike was a 1967 graduate of Williams Valley High School and Williamson Trade School.

Mike was a retired Production Engineer from the former Berg Electronics. Following retirement he worked for Dairy Farmers of America.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his dad and brothers; working on cars, doing jig saw puzzles and watching sports.

Surviving are his wife of 45 years, Elizabeth Barket Smyk; a son, Michael C. Smyk, Jr. and a daughter, Crystal A. Smyk both of Mechanicsburg; two sisters, Kay Reiner (Sam), Muir; and Tina Watkins, Florida; three brothers, Frank Smyk (Lori), Tower City; Tony Smyk (Lorna), Hegins; Nicholas Smyk (Martha), Florida. Nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Monday, April 9th at 10 am from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home, Inc. Tower City with Pastor Monica Romberger. Burial will be in Greenland Cemetery, R.D. Tower City; Viewing will be from 9-10 at the chapel. To sign the guest book visit www.dimonfuneralhome.com

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Blair E. Keefer, 88, of Muir, passed away Wednesday morning at ManorCare Nursing Home, Lebanon

Born in Gratz, August 5, 1929, a son of the late Charles and Lillian Shade Keefer.

Blair was a graduate of the former Porter Twp. High School. He was an Army Veteran of the Korean War where he served as a medic.

He was retired from RCA, Lancaster.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Rachel Chyke Keefer.

Surviving are his sister, Alice Carney, Maryland; three nieces.

Services will be private. Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., has been entrusted with the arrangements. To sign the guest book visit www.dimonfuneralhome.com

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Schuylkill County Weather Forecast for 04/06/18

April 6, 2018, 7:13 am
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Schuylkill County Weather Forecast for 04/06/18

Friday - Snow Showers Early; Showers in the Afternoon - High in the Mid 50's
Friday Night - Showers - Low in the Lower 30's

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Saturday - Cloudy - High in the Lower 40's
Sunday - Sun and Clouds - High in the Lower 40's
Monday - Cloudy; Snow Showers Late - High in the Upper 30's
Tuesday - Rain Late - High near 40
Wednesday - Cloudy - High in the Upper 40's
Thursday - Rain Late - High near 50

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Parts of Hometown Without Water Friday Morning

April 6, 2018, 8:06 am
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According to officials, parts of Hometown near Tamaqua are without power Friday morning.


A ruptured water line has been reported as the cause.

The Tamaqua Water Authority is working on repairing the line.

More details when they are available.
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TRAFFIC ALERT: Route 924 in Sheppton Closed Friday Morning

April 6, 2018, 8:36 am
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As of 11:30am, Friday morning, Route 924 through Sheppton is closed.

The close is due to wires being down across the road way.

UPDATE:  (12:55pm) The road is now open again.  A Wide Load knocked down a utility pole bringing down the wires.

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Former Police Chief Found Guilty for Providing False Information While Attempting to Purchase a Firearm

April 6, 2018, 11:20 am
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A former Gilberton Police Chief was found guilty by a jury on felony and misdemeanor charges related to providing false information while attempting to purchase a firearm.

Mark Kessler, 46, of South 2nd Street, Frackville, was charged with violating the sale or transfer of firearms law, a felony in the third degree, and providing unsworn falsification to authorities. In May 2016, Kessler answered “no” to a question on a firearm application asking if he was under indictment for a crime that could carry a sentence of more than a year incarceration. Kessler was under indictment at the time for terroristic threats and harassment, which carried a potential sentence of five years.

A Schuylkill County jury found Kessler guilty of all charges. The jury rejected his testimony that he had simply made a mistaken while completing the forms.

The case was referred to the Office of Attorney General by Schuylkill County District Attorney Michael O’Pake in February 2018. Kessler is well known for posting videos to YouTube that include foul language, political rants and irresponsible firearm use.

“This individual was a former police chief. He knows the law and still chose to blatantly lie on his firearm application,” Attorney General Shapiro said following yesterday’s verdict. “I’d like to thank the Pennsylvania State Police for their assistance in this case and maintaining the Pennsylvania Instant Check System, which is essential to ensuring safe firearm sale in the state.”

Kessler faces a sentence of nine to 16 months incarceration on the felony charge. The case was prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Nathan Boob.

Kessler is scheduled to be sentence May 17, 2018.
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Police Recover Drugs and Possible Pipe Bomb Materials While Serving a Search Warrant

April 6, 2018, 12:33 pm
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Shenandoah Police recover drugs, firearms, and possible pipe bomb making materials while serving a search warrant on Thursday.


According to Shenandoah Police Chief George Carado, a search warrant was served by police on a suspect at 116 South Main Street, Shenandoah after the State Parole found violations on a parolee with prior felony convictions.

While serving the warrant, police recovered 2 rifles, a revolver, methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, THC oil, suboxone strips, and other Schedule 4 prescription pills.

Police also found evidence of possible pipe bomb making materials.

A suspect was taken into custody but has not been identified as the investigation is still ongoing with assistance from the FBI.

Also assisting while serving the search warrant were members from State Parole and the Pennsylvania State Police K9 Unit.

Police say there is no threat to the public.


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Man to be Charged with Hit and Run After Incident on Interstate 81

April 6, 2018, 8:32 pm
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A man is facing hit and run charges after an incident on Interstate 81 on Friday afternoon.

According to the Pennsylvania State Police at Frackville, the incident occurred after 3:00pm on Friday in the Northbound lanes of Interstate 81 around Milemarker 122 in Butler Township.

Police say Dmitry Zhuravel, 21, of Camillus, New York was travelling in the right lane and Michael Beck, 53, of Clark Summit, was travelling in the passing lane.

Zhuravel came upon a slower vehicle ahead of him and switched to the passing lane in front of Beck.

Down the highway further, Beck swerved into the right lane to pass Zhuravel on the right, then swerved back in front of Zhuravel making contact with the corners of their vehicles.

Beck refused to stop while Zhurvel tried getting him to pull over.  Beck continued to make hand gestures to Zhurvel.

An uninvolved passing motorist contacted 911 to report the incident.

Both vehicles traveled to the next exit where both pulled into a gas station where Beck refused to give his information.

At this point, Zhurvael contacted police.

Beck will be charged with hit and run to attended property.
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Schuylkill County Weather Forecast for 04/07/18

April 7, 2018, 6:58 am
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Schuylkill County Weather Forecast for 04/07/18

Saturday - Cloudy - High in the Lower 40's
Saturday Night - Cloudy - Low in the Lower 20's

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Sunday - Sun Early with Increasing Clouds - High in the Upper 30's
Monday - Cloudy - High in the Lower 40's
Tuesday - Showers - High in the Mid 40's
Wednesday - Cloudy - High in the Mid 40's
Thursday - Rain Late - High near 50
Friday - Cloudy - High in the Upper 50's

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Family Displaced After Fire in Shenandoah Saturday Afternoon

April 7, 2018, 1:17 pm
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A family is displaced after a fire in Shenandoah Saturday afternoon.
Just after 2:00pm, Saturday, emergency personnel were called to 110 East Oak Street, Shenandoah for a working structure fire.

When crews arrived they found heavy flames and smoke coming from the second floor of the home.

Crews had the fire under control in just a little more than a half hour and were able to contain most of the fire to the second floor of the home.

The American Red Cross is helping the family of 2 Adults and 2 Children affected by the fire.

Shenandoah Fire Departments and the West End Fire Department from Mahanoy City responded.

A cause was not determined at the time of this posting.






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No Injuries Reported in Crash on Route 61 Saturday Morning.

April 7, 2018, 9:33 pm
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A man escaped uninjured after a crash on Route 61 Saturday morning.

According to the Pennsylvania State Police at Frackville, the crash occurred around 9:30am in New Castle Township when Luis Cruz-Ortiz, 23, of Saint Clair was travelling in the southbound lanes of Route 61 south of Frackville.

Cruz-Ortiz was attempting to pass another vehicle in the right lane and while negotiating a curve lost control. The vehicle hit loose gravel causing it to spin out and strike a guard rail.  After the impact with the guard rail, the vehicle struck an embankment causing the vehicle flip onto it's side.

Cruz-Ortiz was not injured in the crash.

A&F Towing assisted PSP at the scene.
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