67 Year Old Woman Charged with Starting Fire in Pottsville in August

September 18, 2019, 6:13 am

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A Pottsville woman was charged after admitting to starting a fire back in August.


According to Pottsville Police Chief Richard Wojciechowsky, on Tuesday, August 20 2019, around 11:30am, Pottsville Police, Fire and EMS responded to the Pottsville Housing Authority (PHA) property of 1117 West Arch Street for a working structure fire.

Upon arrival first responders encountered visible flames coming from this unit and reports of possible entrapment. Fire personnel and police immediately began to fight the fire and firemen cleared the housing unit determining no one had been trapped inside.

A short time later the tenant resident, Marylou Barrett 67, was identified and interviewed on scene. During the course of this interview Barrett stated she had started the fire in the stairwell of the apartment.

The investigation into the fire origin conducted by Pottsville Fire Chief James Misstishin and PSP Fire Investigator John Burns determined findings consistent with the information provided by Barrett to police.

Based on the investigation a criminal complaint was prepared by Ptlm. Grant Yoder charging Barrett with Arson, Criminal Mischief, Causing or Risking a Catastrophe and Recklessly Endangering Another Person. The damage estimate provided for the incident by PHA was in excess of $100,000.

On September 16, 2019, Barrett was arraigned on the charges by Magisterial District Judge Kilker, Shenandoah, who set bail at $25,000 unsecured and released Barrett pending further court action.

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Sheppton Man Charged with Starting Fire in Oneida on Tuesday; American Red Cross Assisting 8

September 18, 2019, 8:32 am

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A Sheppton man is locked up in Schuylkill County Prison after police say he started a fire that displaced three families on Tuesday.

Around 5:45pm Tuesday, emergency personnel were dispatched to 66 3rd Street, Oneida, for a working house fire.

Upon arrival, the fire was upgraded to a 2nd alarm due to the home being the middle of a three row homes and the additional manpower was needed.

At the 20 minute par check, the fire was reported as under control but not before damaging three homes and displacing 3 families including 8 people.

Assisting the Oneida Fire Department were firefighters from Nuremberg-Weston, Ringtown Valley, Hazle Twp., Harwood, Hazleton City, Mahanoy City (West End, Citizens, Good American), Shenandoah (Rescue Hook & Ladder, Polish American), Sugarloaf and Englewood.

LVHN EMS stood-by on the scene.

According to the Pennsylvania State Police at Frackville, after an investigation by Trooper Shawn Tray, it was found that Dennis Antonelli, 39, of Sheppton became involved in an argument with his girlfriend at 66 3rd Street which lead to him igniting papers on fire in a bedroom.  The fire put 5 people who were home at the time of the fire in danger.

Antonelli has been charged with felony arson and criminal mischief and misdemeanor charges of recklessly endangering another person.

He was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Stephen Bayer and locked up in Schuylkill County Prison unable to post $50,000 (10%) cash bail.

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September 18, 2019, 9:27 am

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Ashland Still to Hold Trick or Treat Night on Halloween

September 18, 2019, 9:51 am

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After some confusion on a flyer that was published, the borough of Ashland will still hold a trick or treat night.


On Monday, the borough of Ashland and Ashland Recreation Committee released a flyer for a new "Trunk or Treat" that will be held the night of Halloween at 7th and Centre Streets.

It wasn't the "Trunk or Treat" that confused everyone, but it was the last line on the flyer that stated "This event replaced town-wide trick or treat".

After we posted the flyer, many borough residents were upset that the borough would not be holding a trick or treat night.

After some clarification, the Ashland Recreation Committee states that the borough will still have a Trick or Treat night on Halloween, Thursday, October 31st.  Residents will still be allowed to hand out candy and that the Trunk or Treat was just another option for residents.

Schuylkill County Obituaries for 09/18/19

September 18, 2019, 10:59 am

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Schuylkill County Obituaries for 09/18/19

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Bernard J. Balkiewicz, 80, of Shenandoah passed away on Tuesday, September 17th at the Shenandoah Senior Living Community.

Born in Shenandoah, he was the son of the late Adam and Mary (Cieslukowski) Balkiewicz. Bernie was also preceded by his brother, Daniel A. Balkiewicz.

Bernie was a graduate of Shenandoah Valley High School and received his bachelor’s degree in education from Bloomsburg University. He was employed by Shenandoah Valley School District for 30 years as a high school English teacher. During his tenure as teacher, he also served as the yearbook advisor for many years.

He is survived by his sister-in-law, Elaine M. Balkiewicz, Wyomissing and by several aunts including Regina Brutto, Shenandoah, Dolores Zagorski, New Jersey, Gloria Choplick, Shenandoah Heights, Florence Balkiewicz, Las Vegas, and Patricia Cieslukowski, Shenandoah Heights. Several cousins also survive.

It was Bernie’s wish to have no funeral service or viewing. A graveside service will be held on Friday, September 20th, in St. Casimir’s Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights at 11am

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society

The Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc. are in charge of the arrangements

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MaryAnne S. Whiteman, 69, of Pine Hill, Cass Township, passed away on Monday at Manor Care.

Born in Pottsville, she was the daughter of the late Nicholas and Anne Zalonis Kupusnick. She was a 1968 graduate of Cardinal Brennan High School. She worked briefly for York Terrace Nursing Home before taking employment at the newly opened Leader Nursing Home, now ManorCare, where she worked for 42 years, retiring last October.

She was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Church, Minersville, where she worked faithfully in church dinners, block parties and numerous other fundraisers. She enjoyed shopping and the notoriety of her baked goods often gained her invitations to various gatherings.

Preceding her in death was a brother, Thomas Kupusnick, in 2003.

MaryAnne is survived by her husband of 45 years, Robert Whiteman; a daughter, Christine Fruit, Slatington; two granddaughters, Amber Sabo and Nova Fruit; three sisters-in-law, Elaine Kupusnick, Cathy Whiteman, and Colleen DiLazzaro; five nieces, Karen Jordan, Tracy Cuthie, Connie Magdeburg, Linda Acker and Deb Reardon.

Visitation with the family will be on Saturday from 8:00 A.M. to 9:15 A.M. at Dutcavich Funeral Home, 200 Sunbury Street, Minersville. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. in St. Michael the Archangel Church, 539 Sunbury Street, Minersville. Interment will be in Annunciation B.V.M. Cemetery, Butler Township. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the church.

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Schuylkill County Halloween Trick or Treat/Parade Schedule for 2019

September 18, 2019, 11:52 am

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Schuylkill County Halloween Trick or Treat, Parade, and Other Events Schedule for 2019

** NOTE:  This list is a work in progress.  As more events are announced they will be added to the list.


Ashland

• Trick or Treat - October 31st, 2019 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
• Trunk or Treat - October 31st, 2019 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm @ 7th Street & Centre Street

Fountain Springs

• Sparty's Halloween Party Trunk or Treat - October 29th, 2019 - 6:00pm - North Schuylkill

Mahanoy City

• Trick or Treat - October 31st, 2019 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Pottsville

• Parade - October 29th, 2019

Rush Township

• Trick or Treat - October 31st, 2019 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Shenandoah

• Trick or Treat - October 31st, 2019 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
• Parade - October 26th, 2019 

Tamaqua 

• Trick or Treat - October 31st, 2019 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Police Announce Parking Restrictions for "Pottsville On Tap"

September 18, 2019, 12:00 pm

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Pottsville Police announce parking restrictions for "Pottsville on Tap" this weekend.

According to Pottsville Police Chief Richard Wojciechowsky, The City of Pottsville “Pottsville On Tap” event will be held on Saturday September 21, 2019 on North Centre Street between West Market Street and Laurel Boulevard from 12:00pm to 6:00pm.

Temporary Parking and travel restrictions will begin in that area at approximately 8:00am and last until approximately 7:00pm.

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September 18, 2019, 7:11 pm

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*** RSSing Note: Article removed by member request. ***
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Skook Sports High School Football Rankings, Statistics, and Player of the Week - Week 4

September 19, 2019, 7:06 am

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Skook Sports High School Football Rankings, Statistics and Player of the Week ... as of Week - 4 !!

Check out more Skook Sports at http://www.facebook.com/SkookSports

NOTE: Waiting on Stats from the Shenandoah Valley Week-2 game !!

Division 1:
1. Tamaqua - 4-0-0
2. Jim Thorpe - 4-0-0
3. Pottsville - 3-1-0
4. North Schuylkill - 3-1-0
5. Blue Mountain - 3-1-0
6. Pine Grove - 3-1-0
7. Lehighton - 2-2-0
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Division 2:
1. Williams Valley - 4-0-0
2. Mahanoy Area - 2-2-0
3. Minersville - 2-2-0
4. Tri Valley - 1-3-0
5. Schuylkill Haven - 0-4-0
6. Nativity BVM - 1-3-0
7. Shenandoah Valley - 0-4-0
8. Marian Catholic - 0-4-0
9. Panther Valley - 0-4-0
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Points Scored:
1. Jim Thorpe - 195
2. Tamaqua - 177
3. Williams Valley - 158
4. Pine Grove - 158
5. Pottsville - 154
6. North Schuylkill - 150
7. Blue Mountain - 120
8. Mahanoy Area - 109
9. Lehighton - 81
10. Minersville - 78
11. Nativity BVM - 69
12. Shenandoah Valley - 48
13. Schuylkill Haven - 42
14. Panther Valley - 42
15. Tri Valley - 40
16. Marian Catholic -12
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Points Scored Against:
1. Jim Thorpe - 7
2. Tamaqua - 23
3. Williams Valley - 42
4. Pine Grove - 43
5. Pottsville - 53
6. North Schuylkill - 64
7. Blue Mountain - 68
8. Minersville - 80
9. Nativity BVM - 87
10. Mahanoy Area - 103
11. Lehighton - 104
12. Schuylkill Haven - 121
13. Tri Valley - 125
14. Marian Catholic - 169
15. Shenandoah Valley - 178
16. Panther Valley - 180
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Points Differential:
1. Jim Thorpe - 188
2. Tamaqua - 154
3. Williams Valley - 116
4. Pine Grove - 115
5. Pottsville - 101
6. North Schuylkill - 86
7. Blue Mountain - 52
8. Mahanoy Area - 8
9. Minersville - (-2)
10. Nativity BVM - (-18)
11. Lehighton - (-23)
12. Schuylkill Haven - (-79)
13. Tri Valley - (-92)
14. Shenandoah Valley - (-130)
15. Panther Valley - (-138)
16. Marian Catholic - (-157)
------------------
Total Offense:
1. Tamaqua - 1590 yards
2. North Schuylkill - 1548 yards
3. Mahanoy Area - 1482 yards
4. Pine Grove - 1475 yards
5. Williams Valley - 1397 yards
6. Blue Mountain - 1394 yards
7. Jim Thorpe - 1390 yards
8. Lehighton - 1208 yards
9. Pottsville - 1170 yards
10. Nativity BVM - 964 yards
11. Minersville - 851 yards
12. Tri Valley - 662 yards
13. Schuylkill Haven - 532 yards
14. Panther Valley - 484 yards
15. Marian Catholic - 381 yards
*16. Shenandoah Valley - 325 yards *missing week 2 stats*
------------------
Total Defense:
1. Jim Thorpe - 118 yards
2. Pine Grove - 450 yards
3. Blue Mountain - 715 yards
4. Tamaqua - 754 yards
5. North Schuylkill - 755 yards
6. Pottsville - 804 yards
*7. Shenandoah Valley - 946 yards *missing week 2 stats*
8. Williams Valley - 989 yards
9. Minersville - 995 yards
10. Lehighton - 1097 yards
11. Nativity BVM - 1132 yards
12. Tri Valley - 1255 yards
13. Mahanoy Area - 1257 yards
14. Schuylkill Haven - 1373 yards
15. Marian Catholic - 1565 yards
16. Panther Valley - 1645 yards
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Rushing Offense:
1. Mahanoy Area - 1401 yards
2. Pine Grove - 1225 yards
3. North Schuylkill - 1178 yards
4. Jim Thorpe - 1164 yards
5. Williams Valley - 842 yards
6. Tamaqua - 821 yards
7. Blue Mountain - 783 yards
8. Lehighton - 683 yards
9. Nativity BVM - 586 yards
10. Tri Valley - 500 yards
11. Pottsville - 439 yards
12. Schuylkill Haven - 413 yards
13. Panther Valley - 234 yards
14. Minersville - 214 yards
*15. Shenandoah Valley - 137 yards *missing week 2 stats*
16. Marian Catholic - 136 yards
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Rushing Defense:
1. Jim Thorpe - 65 yards
2. Pine Grove - 316 yards
3. Pottsville - 359 yards
4. North Schuylkill - 409 yards
5. Blue Mountain - 443 yards
*6. Shenandoah Valley - 447 yards *missing week 2 stats*
7. Lehighton - 507 yards
8. Tamaqua - 582 yards
9. Minersville - 659 yards
10. Williams Valley - 673 yards
11. Mahanoy Area - 756 yards
12. Nativity BVM - 824 yards
13. Marian Catholic - 978 yards
14. Tri Valley - 982 yards
15. Schuylkill Haven - 991 yards
16. Panther Valley - 1341 yards
------------------
Passing Offense:
1. Tamaqua - 769 yards
2. Pottsville - 731 yards
3. Minersville - 637 yards
4. Blue Mountain - 611 yards
5. Williams Valley - 555 yards
6. Lehighton - 525 yards
7. Nativity BVM - 378 yards
8. North Schuylkill - 370 yards
9. Panther Valley - 271 yards
10. Pine Grove - 254 yards
11. Marian Catholic - 244 yards
12. Tri Valley - 229 yards
*13. Shenandoah Valley - 188 yards *missing week 2 stats*
14. Jim Thorpe - 173 yards
15. Schuylkill Haven - 119 yards
16. Mahanoy Area - 81 yards
------------------
Passing Defense:
1. Jim Thorpe - 55 yards
2. Tamaqua - 172 yards
3. Pine Grove - 236 yards
4. Blue Mountain - 272 yards
5. Tri Valley - 273 yards
6. Panther Valley - 304 yards
7. Nativity BVM - 308 yards
8. Pottsville - 314 yards
9. Williams Valley - 316 yards
10. Minersville - 336 yards
11. North Schuylkill - 346 yards
12. Schuylkill Haven - 382 yards
*13. Shenandoah Valley - 499 yards *missing week 2 stats*
14. Mahanoy Area - 501 yards
15. Marian Catholic - 587 yards
16. Lehighton - 590 yards
------------------
First Downs:
1. Blue Mountain - 67
2. Pine Grove - 65
3. North Schuylkill - 64
4. Williams Valley - 62
5. Mahanoy Area - 61
6. Tamaqua - 60
7. Pottsville - 59
8. Lehighton - 57
9. Jim Thorpe - 52
10. Nativity BVM - 42
11. Minersville - 39
12. Tri Valley - 35
13. Marian Catholic - 29
14. Panther Valley - 28
15. Schuylkill Haven - 26
*16. Shenandoah Valley - 19 *missing week 2 stats*
-------------------
Player of the Week and Honorable Mention:
P.O.W.
1. Lucas Sangiuliano(Lehighton-QB)
Passing: 9-11-0 for 153 yards (3 TDS)
Rushing: 11 rush for 55 yards (1 TD)
Defense: 1 INT
----------------
H.M.
2. Nate Boyle(Tamaqua-RB)
Rushing: 7 rush for 122 yards (3 TDS)
Receiving: 2 catch for 54 yards (1 TD)

3. CJ Selby(Jim Thorpe-RB)
Rushing: 5 rush for 130 yards (4 TDS)
NOTE: Game was only 2 quarters, then called !

4. Danny Lawrence(Mahanoy Area-QB)
Passing: 1-6-0 for 38 yards
Rushing: 23 rush for 269 yards (3 TDS)
Defense: 1 INT

5. Jaden Leiby(North Schuylkill-QB)
Passing: 8-12-0 for 76 yards (1 TD)
Rushing: 11 rush for 103 yards (1 TD)
---------------
NOTABLES:
6. Kobe Brish(Schuylkill Haven-RB)
Rushing: 19 rush for 107 yards (2 TDS)
Receiving: 3 catch for 16 yards

7. Josh Chowansky(North Schuylkill-RB)
Rushing: 6 rush for 89 yards (4 TDS)

8. Damon Yost(Pottsville-QB)
Passing: 11-17-0 for 151 yards (2 TDS)
Rushing: 9 rush for 6 yards (1 TD)

9. Bryce Herb(Williams Valley-QB)
Passing: 10-17-2 for 156 yards (3 TDS)

10. Jason Dean(Blue Mountain-QB)
Passing: 13-24-1 for 194 yards (2 TDS)

11. Kevin Schenk(Pottsville-WR)
Receiving: 4 catch for 85 yards (2 TDS)

12. Colin Luckenbill(Pine Grove-RB)
Rushing: 22 rush for 130 yards (2 TDS)

13. Keegan Brennan(Nativity BVM-WR)
Receiving: 4 catch for 142 yards (1 TD)

14. Mason Barnes(Pottsville-WR)
Receiving: 2 catch for 26 yards
Defense: 2 INTS(1 TD)

15. Chase Herb(Tri Valley-RB
Rushing: 22 rush for 100 yards (1 TD)
Defense: 1 INT

16. Gabe Davis(Minersville-WR)
Receiving: 5 catch for 110 yards
---------------

Legislators to Vote on Bill that Would Excuse Volunteer Firefighter Student Loans; Retain and Recruit Responders

September 19, 2019, 9:00 am

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A bill was approved to be voted on in the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives on Wednesday that could excuse student loan debt for volunteer firefighters.

On Wednesday, House Bill 1786 was unanimously approved by the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee.

House Bill 1786 would establish The First Responder Loan Forgiveness Program, which would forgive up to $16,000 in loans to indebted college graduates after they have served four years with an emergency medical services agency, a volunteer fire company or a volunteer rescue company.

The Bill's author, Representative Christopher Sainato (D-9th District/Lawrence County) said  “Retaining and recruiting volunteer emergency responders are among the commonwealth’s greatest challenges today,”

“The numbers are sobering: Last year, the results of a state report commissioned to study the problem found that the number of volunteer firefighters in Pennsylvania declined from about 300,000 in the 1970s to no more than 38,000 in 2018. Compounding the problem, agencies are struggling the most to recruit younger members, which means that the numbers will only continue to decline in the years ahead."

"The consequences are already being felt, as some departments have been forced to reduce services or shut down, while others have had to hire additional paid staff. It’s a problem that threatens to undermine public safety, and surely one that will impact taxpayers if we don’t come up with viable solutions now. My bill would address the problem with an effective recruitment tool that would provide a real-life incentive to young Pennsylvanians struggling with student loan debt.” said Sainato.

The House of Representatives could vote on this bill as early as next week.  If passed, it will also need to be approved by the Pennsylvania State Senate.

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast for 09/19/19

September 19, 2019, 10:23 am

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Schuylkill County Weather Forecast for 09/19/19

Thursday - Sunny - High in the Upper 60's

Thursday Night - Clear - Low in the Mid 40's

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Schuylkill County High School Varsity Soccer Results from 09/18/2019

September 19, 2019, 10:28 am

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Schuylkill County High School Varsity Soccer Results from 09/18/2019

Results from Wednesday, September 18th, 2019

** No Boys Soccer Games were scheduled

Girls

Blue Mountain - 1

Pine Grove - 0

Jim Thorpe - 8

North Schuylkill - 1

Pottsville - 2

Tamaqua - 0

Nativity BVM - 4

Weatherly - 0

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Schuylkill County High School Varsity Volleyball Results from 09/18/2019

September 19, 2019, 10:30 am

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Schuylkill County High School Varsity Volleyball Results from 09/18/2019

Results from Wednesday, September 18th, 2019

Girls

Shamokin - 3

Shenandoah Valley - 0

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Schuylkill County High School Varsity Golf Results from 09/18/2019

September 19, 2019, 10:35 am

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Schuylkill County High School Varsity Golf Results from 09/18/2019

Results from Wednesday, September 18th, 2019

Blue Mountain - 325

Pottsville - 429

Tamaqua - 415

Jim Thorpe - 457

Lehighton - 397

Lourdes Regional - 399

Pine Grove - 400

Marian Catholic - 423

North Schuylkill - 361

Nativity BVM - 450

Schuylkill Haven - 354

Weatherly - 403

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Shenandoah Valley to Crown Homecoming Queen on September 27th

September 19, 2019, 11:30 am

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On Friday, September 27th, 2019, the Shenandoah Valley School District will hold their annual homecoming football game and crown a Homecoming Queen.


Candidates for 2019 are (From Left to Right) Crystal Morales, Jisel Cruz, Jocelyn Hysock, Alyssa Buchanan, Rachael Roguskie, Emily Papa, Victoria Mata, Vicky Donovan, Abby Conroy, Amaya Aftuk, (Speakers) Rebecca Adorno, Paige Konnick

(Submitted Photo)

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Man Charged with Robbing Bank in Pottsville Thursday Morning

September 19, 2019, 11:55 am

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A man is custody and has been charged for robbing a bank in Pottsville Thursday morning.

According to Pottsville Police Chief Richard Wojciechowsky, on Thursday, September 19, 2019, around 9:00am officers were dispatched to the BB&T Bank, 9 North Centre Street, for a reported robbery.

Upon immediate arrival officers were informed that a male had entered the bank when it opened and given a note to a teller demanding money and had then left the bank on foot with the cash.

A description of the male was provided and his direction of travel from the bank was also reported by bank employees.

Bank video surveillance was quickly collected to further provide identity information on the actor and he was located by Pottsville Police Sergeant Mark O’Toole in the unit block of South Second Street a short time later and taken into custody without incident.

The male was positively identified as being Rikki Jay Williams 24, formerly of Pottsville, with no current known permanent address. The currency stolen from the bank was recovered from Williams along with a small amount of methamphetamine.

Williams was subsequently interviewed by Det. Joseph Welsh at which time Williams admitted to having gone to the bank and giving the employee a handwritten note demanding money “or he would kill them.” Williams also admitted to reaching for his waistband at that time to make the bank employee believe he had a weapon.

A criminal complaint was prepared by Welsh charging Williams with Robbery, Terroristic Threats, Theft, Receiving Stolen Property, Persistent Disorderly Conduct, and Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Williams was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Reiley who set bail at $50,000 and committed to the Schuylkill County Prison pending further court action.

Schuylkill County Obituaries for 09/19/19

September 19, 2019, 1:30 pm

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Schuylkill County Obituaries for 09/19/19

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Gene Neil Hirsch, 70, of Tuscarora, PA died on Tuesday, September 17, 2019, at home. Born in Coaldale, PA on May 16, 1949, he was a son of the late Robert L. and Elizabeth J. (nee Schmauch) Hirsch. A 1967 graduate of Tamaqua High School, Gene had worked for the Bethlehem mines driving a Euclid truck. He served 2 tours in Vietnam as a Lance Corporal in the Marine Corps. During his service in the military, Gene earned an RVN Cross of Gallantry, a Combat Action Ribbon, a Meritorious Unit Citation, and a Vietnam Campaign Medal. He is survived by a son, Brent Faust; brothers, Robert L. Hirsch of Cressona, PA, Karl E. Hirsch and his wife Mary Lou of Berwick, PA, and Dane L. Hirsch of Havre de Grace, MD; sisters, Eileen L. Kester and her husband Ed of Tamaqua, PA, Donna K. Krapf and her husband, Glenn of Baltimore, MD, and Lisa D. Campbell and her husband Rick of Williamsport, PA; and many nephews and nieces. A memorial service will be announced. Online condolences may be made at www.zgfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.

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Lamont Harvey Witmer, 70, formerly of Orwin, passed away at Wednesday at the Tremont Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Born in Tower City, September 22, 1948, a son of the late Leroy Sr. and Charity Krise Witmer

Lamont was last employed by the former Grimes Poultry Production.

He could often be found walking his beloved dog Puddin or sitting at the garage with his buddies.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers, Leroy Jr. (Skip) and Larry Witmer; a niece, Amy Meehan.

Surviving are his sister, Linda L. Meehan, Tower City.

Linda would like to thank the staff and the administration of the Tremont Health & Rehab who took such great care of Lamont and treated him as family for the past five years since his stroke.

If you wish to make a donation in memory of Lamont, please make it to the Tremont Health and Rehab, Activity Fund, 44 Donaldson Road, Tremont, PA 17981.

The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. is handling the private funeral arrangements. To sign the guest book visit www.dimonfuneralhome.com

These Obituaries are brought to you by

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North Schuylkill Inducts New Members into Student Council

September 20, 2019, 6:30 am

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North Schuylkill's Junior/Senior High School recently held its annual induction ceremony.

Dr. Robert Ackell, North Schuylkill Superintendent, installed the 2019-20 Student Council officers and Student Council President, Alexa Prosick, inducted both the newly-elected representatives and current representatives.

Pictured are Row 1 (left to right): Sierra Wishnefsky, Mackenzie Menuchak, Sarah Campbell, Joseph Campbell, Bryce Cuthie, Claire Kowalonek.

Row 2: Kacandra Joy, Gabrielle Holmes, Treasurer Madison Welker, Kirsten Heiser, Natalie Urbanowicz, Secretary Alivia Snyder, President Alexa Prosick.

Row 3: Cassandra Teter, Quinn Fisher, Taylor Zahodnick, Samantha Robbins, Madeline Hall, Joyanne Hornberger, Kailee Lucas, Faith Groody.

Row 4: Julian Urbanowicz, Eden Frantz, Lindsey Petritsch, Mike Spotts, Zachary Chowansky, Arbre Salem, Johannah Taylor, Keegan Curry.

Row 5: Amaya O'Donnell, Jared Ossman, Zachary Piampi Vice-President Tyler Eldson, Jaden Leiby, Savannah Gawrylik, Mike Reilly, Logan Burke. Missing from the photo are Lindsay Griffin and Paige Heiser

(Submitted Photo)

Five Charged for Selling Methamphetamine in Schuylkill County

September 20, 2019, 7:44 am

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After an investigation by the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force, five people have been charged from an investigation into the sale of methamphetamine in Schuylkill County.

The investigation was led by Detective Jeffrey Bowers of the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force with assistance from officers from the Minersville Police and the New Philadelphia Police.

As a result of the investigation, Bowers charged Edward J. Bassininsky Jr., 48, of Pottsville, April Harley, 43, of Tremont, Adrien Lynn Steinmetz, 55, of Pottsville, Chanda Kruskoski, 41, of Schuylkill Haven, and Lance Haluska, 48, of Branchdale.

The five charged sold the drugs at separate locations:

Bassininsky was found to have been selling methamphetamine on three separate occasions from his home on Phoenix Park Road, Pottsville as well as at the Mobil Gas Station on Pottsville Street in Cressona.

Steinmetz and Kruskoski were found to be a participant in the sale of drugs at the Mobil Gas Station with Bassininsky.

Harley was found to be selling drugs on Center Avenue in Schuylkill Haven.

Haluska was found to be a participant in the drug sale with Bassininsky at Kings Village, Minersville.

On Thursday, September 19, 2019, Bassininsky, Steinmetz, and Kruskoski were taken into custody and arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Stephen Bayer or Magisterial District Judge David Rossi.

Bassininsky is locked up in Schuylkill County Prison unable to post cash bail totaling $250,000 issued by MDJ Rossi and MDJ Bayer.

Steinmetz and Kruskoski are locked up in Schuylkill County Prison unable to post cash bail each set at $50,000 by MDJ Bayer.

Arrest warrants have been issued for Lance Haluska and April Harley.

Edward Bassininsky Jr.

Chanda Kursnoski

Lance Haluska

Adrien Steinmetz

April Harley

Pine Grove Man Dies in Early Morning Crash in Tremont Township

September 20, 2019, 7:55 am

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A Pine Grove man died early Friday morning in a crash in Tremont Township.


According to the Pennsylvania State Police at Schuylkill Haven, the crash occurred around 5:15am on Route 209 near the intersection with Swatara Avenue.

Police say Dylan Dallago, 27, of Pine Grove was driving west on Route 209 when for an unknown reason veered off the right side of the road, struck a tree and spun into another tree.

Dallago was pronounced dead at the scene.

The crash is still under investigation by police.