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Mahanoy Township Police Find Man Cutting Fuel Line on School Bus

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Mahanoy Township Police have arrested a man they say was attempting to cut the fuel line of a school bus.


According to Township Police, around 2:00am, while on patrol, Mahanoy Township Police Patrolman Kaid Apel spotted someone laying under a school bus attempting to cut the fuel line.

The man, who was identified as Richard Davis, 38, of Harrisburg was taken into custody and charged with theft by Unlawful Taking - Movable property, Criminal Trespass, institutional vandalism, criminal mischief, Loitering and Prowling at night.




Schuylkill County Obituaries for 10/15/19

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Schuylkill County Obituaries for 10/15/19

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Joan C. Brennan, Dieners Hill, died Monday Oct.14, 2019 at The Gardens at York Terrace, Pottsville.

Born in Pottsville, April 15, 1937 She was a daughter of Ralph and Mary (Sninsky) Shappell.

Joan graduated from St. Clair High School in 1955; she worked for the former Christy Joy Catering, Pottsvilleand was the Judge of Election in East Norwegian Twp. for many years.

She was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, St. Clair,

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a son Gerard Brennan; daughter Joyce Brennan, 2 brothers Robert Shappell and Edward Shappell.

Surviving are her husband of 63 years Gerard V. Brennan, 2 daughters Christine Crouse and her husband Carl of Pottsville; Michele Varley and her husband Jim of Lehighton; 3 sons Shawn F. Brennan and his wife Kathy of Port Carbon; Scott Brennan and his wife Theresa of Pottsville; Christopher Brennan and his wife Danielle of Lehighton; 11 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:00 AM Friday Oct.18,2019 from St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, 250 E. Hancock St. St. Clair. The Rev. Msg. William Glosser will be officiating. Friends may call from 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Friday at the Church. Burial will be in Queen of the Universe Cemetery, Norwegian Twp. Bruce T. Hart Funeral Home, St. Clair, is in charge of arrangements.

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Russell Joseph Triano, 52, of Tamaqua, PA died on Monday, October 14, 2019 in Lansford, PA. He was the husband of Kathy Jean (nee Deisroth) Triano to whom he had been married 29 years. Born in Newark, NJ on March 18, 1967, Russell was the son of Jack and Frances (nee Galas) Triano of Andreas, PA. A member of the 1986 class of Tamaqua High School, he worked for Country Tile until he started his own contracting business, Start to Finish Tile and Remodeling. Russell was a perfectionist in his trade and his life. He liked to ride his Harley and play his drum set. He also enjoyed the company of his dogs and watching the Cowboys play. Russell was a devoted family member. He had been a member of the former St. Jerome Catholic Church, Tamaqua. In addition to his wife and parents, Russell is survived by sons, Joseph R. Triano of Ephrata, PA and Justin A. Triano of Tamaqua; sisters, Mary Ann Slivka and her husband Greg of Nesquehoning, PA and Jeanette Triano Sinn and her husband, Keith of Tamaqua; and nephews and nieces, Gregory Slivka, Jr., Nichole Slivka, and Jacob Triano. Services will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, October 19 at the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home, 500 E. Broad Street, Tamaqua. Interment in Sky View Memorial Park, 108 Lafayette Avenue, Hometown, PA will follow the services. Call 5-9 PM on Friday and 9-10 AM on Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. 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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Charles T. (Chuckie) Oliver, Jr., 64, of Ringtown, passed away Friday, October 11th, 2019.

Chuckie was born in Shenandoah, on March 7, 1955, a son of the late Emily (Snyder) and Charles Oliver, Sr.

He attended Shenandoah and Pottsville area schools. He worked for the former A&E Products/Tyco Industries in Ringtown until the plant closure, then went on to work at the former Amity Acres Farm in Ringtown.

Chuckie was of the catholic fatih and those who knew him, knew his love of spending time with his great grandchildren, enjoying time with his neighbors and his ability to help anyone within his means. Chuckie enjoyed shopping and going to yard sales, and not only playing, but winning on the lottery and scratch off tickets.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, William and Thomas; his mother in-law and father in-law, Alice and Ralph Rumble; a son, Carl Zehner; a sister in-law, Dianne Mummey; a brother in-law, Ralph Rumble and great niece, Brittany Zelinsky.

Chuckie is survived by his loving wife, Jean (Rumble) Oliver, whom he had shared 36 wonderful years with and by a daughter Kelly Moses, of Ringtown; a granddaughter, Courtnye Wasser and two great grandchildren, Alyza Beane and Bennett Beane.

Also surviving are brothers Joseph, Francis and John and sisters, Patricia, Katherine, Jean and Mary, along with nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, October 19th at the Stauffer-Breznik Funeral Home, 412 West Main Street, Ringtown, with the Rev. Craig Zimmerman, officiating. Relatives and friends are invited to a viewing from 9 AM to 11 AM prior to the service.

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These Obituaries are brought to you by

Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory INC.









Shenandoah Valley Senior Scores Perfect Score on Math SAT's

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Kaitlyn Karpovich, a Shenandoah Valley High School senior, is shown being congratulated by Supt. Brian Waite, HS Principal Stuart Tripler and Senior Math teacher Judy Demalis for having scored a perfect 800 in the math portion of the Scholastic Aptitude Test.

According to information supplied by the SAT, less than 3% of the students taking the test accomplish this fete. Kaitlyn is a member of the Shenandoah Valley National Honor Society, Academic Bowl and President of the SV Band. Her future plans are to attend college and major in Astro Physics. Kaitlyn resides in Shenandoah with her father David Karpovich

(Submitted Photo)

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast for 10/16/19

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Schuylkill County Weather Forecast for 10/16/19

Wednesday - Rain, 1 to 2 Inches of Rain Expected - High in the Upper 50's
Wednesday Night - Rain Ending Overnight - Low in the Lower 40's

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Thursday - Cloudy and Windy - High in the Lower 50's
Thursday Night - Cloudy - Low in the Lower 40's

Friday - Cloudy with Increasing Sun - High in the Mid 50's
Friday Night - Clear - Low near 30

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Saturday - Clouds and Sun - High in the Mid 50's
Sunday - Clouds and Sun - High near 60
Monday - Showers - High in the Lower 60's
Tuesday - Showers - High near 60

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This story is brought to you by the

Schuylkill Community Education Council








Hometown Fire Company to Host Evening with Psychic Medium

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The Hometown Fire Company will be hosting an Evening with Psychic Medium Kimberly on Friday, November 22nd at 6:30 pm at the Hometown Fire Company.

Kimberly will contact your loved ones in Spirit and give messages to audience members from the Spirit world. This is a public demonstration of a Mediumship gallery event. 



“I have personally seen Kimberly a number of times over the years for Reiki sessions. During my visits, she also revealed some messages from people in my life that have passed on-from acknowledging names to circumstances. It really blew me away. Most recently, I attended a fundraiser for the Butler Township Fire Company. While no one personally came through for me, it was cool to watch the emotions and acknowledgment from those who had someone that did,” remarks Lori Kane, Vice-President, Hometown Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary.

Tickets are $40. Reservations are recommended. Last event sold out in two weeks. To reserve a spot, call/text (570) 449-1776. Checks can be sent to the Hometown Fire Company, 45 Mahanoy Avenue, Tamaqua, PA 18252.

Pictured-Psychic Medium Kimberly and Lori Kane, Vice-President of the Hometown Fire Company Ladies Auxilary discuss the Fire Company’s upcoming fundraiser- an Evening with Psychic Medium Kimberly (Submitted Photo)

North Schuylkill Teacher Receives Music and Arts Grant

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A teacher at North Schuylkill has been awarded a grant for the district.


Last week, California Casualty awarded North Schuylkill teacher and Art Club Advisor, Kerri Herring, with a $250 Music and Arts Grant.

The grant is designed to foster creativity in schools, such as choir, band, dance, film, theater, computer arts and graphics, or any K-12 curriculum that employs art for learning. Arts and Music programs at four public schools in PSEA Eastern Region are receiving this grant for a total of $1000.



“I’m excited to put these dollars to work for our students. We usually have to fundraise for materials, so this means more time for the club to create art,” said Kerri Herring when receiving the award. Kerry teaches fine art and has been with the district for 20 years.



With the advent of standardized testing and shrinking school budgets, arts programming is being scaled back in many schools. Creativity plays a key role in many different career paths for students after graduation, and the Art Club is trying to fill that role at North Schuylkill.

Submitted Photo




Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway to Cease Train Operations in Jim Thorpe at the End of November

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The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway has announced they will cease train operations in Jim Thorpe in November.


According to a press release from the President of LGSR, Wayne Michael, the train operations will cease on November 25, 2019.

Michael stated that Jim Thorpe Borough Council has recently sought to force LGSR to pay an amusement tax and also brought a lawsuit against the company to recover close to $100,000 in "alleged" back taxes for the years 2016-2018.

"LGSR has made it clear to the Borough Council that it is not an amusement and it will not pay any so-called amusement tax", stated Michael.

"Nonetheless, the Borough Council and the Mayor have made various public statements demeaning LGSR, RBMN and their owner, Andy Muller, Jr. Those statements are false and misleading."

"Instead of responding to every inaccurate statement Mr. Muller has decided to take the passenger operations to towns that welcome the railroad with open arms." added Michael.

“RBMN is in the freight business.  That is where we make our money.  I have offered passenger excursion rides to local communities as a way of thanking them for their support over the years and to educate young and old in the glorious role railroads in this region played in our country’s industrial revolution.  Since it is clear that the Mayor and Borough Council do not care about what we have done to assist Jim Thorpe over the last fifteen years, a period in which Jim Thorpe Borough government has done NOTHING to assist the railroads, I have decided to focus our energies on communities that want to work with the railroads.  While I feel terrible for our loyal employees, our repeat customers, and Jim Thorpe merchants who have supported our excursion trains, there is no reason for us to stay where we are not welcome.” said Andy Muller Jr. stated in a statement.

Refunds will be issued for all people who have already purchased tickets for the Santa trains. Closure of LGSR does not affect RBMN passenger operations from other locations to Jim Thorpe.  RBMN plans to announce soon a new schedule of rides from other communities.

Schuylkill County Obituaries for 10/16/19

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Schuylkill County Obituaries for 10/16/19

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Robert Bruce Gillespie, 69 of Guildford, Australia currently residing in Lost Creek passed away on Monday evening, October 14, 2019 at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, Allentown.
Services will be private at the convenience of the family.

Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, Shenandoah is in charge of the arrangements.

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Binnie A. Fidler, 69, a long-time resident of Pine Grove, passed away on Tuesday, October 8, 2019 in Gainesville, FL, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on August 2, 1950, in Pottsville, to the late Norman and Catherine "Cassie" Wenrich Ditzler.

Binnie graduated as salutatorian of her class from Pine Grove Area High School in 1968. Following high school, she dedicated over 50 years to Guilford Mills, where she held a variety of positions including Quality Control Technician and Lead Auditor. She was a member of St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church.

In the years following her initial cancer diagnosis in 2008, Binnie's hope and optimism did not waiver. She shared her positive, wholehearted approach to life with those around her and served as a source of support for other individuals with cancer. She touched the lives of many and will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her daughter, Andrea Fidler, and her son-in-law, Dihloan Wong of Gainesville, Fl; her brother, Walter "Wally" Ditzler, and sister-in-law, Jeanne "Cookie" Ditzler, of Conestoga, PA; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and her beloved dog, Kosmo.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2019 at the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove. Family and friends are invited to call from 10 to 11 a.m., and the service will begin at 11 a.m. with Pastor Barry Spatz officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Binnie's honor may be made to the American Cancer Society or Haven Hospice (4200 N.W. 90th Boulevard, Gainesville, FL, 32606).
You may send condolences to the family on line at www.hlsnyderfuneralhome.com.

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These Obituaries are brought to you by

Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory INC.











Fire Levels Home Early Thursday near Shenandoah; Four Victims Being Assisted

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A fire destroyed a home early Thursday morning in West Mahanoy Township.


Just before 5:30am, emergency personnel were called to a fully engulfed house fire at 1139 West Center Street in the Brownsville section of West Mahanoy Township.

Emergency personnel at the scene stated they could see the flames as far as Shenandoah as they were responding.

As crews arrived, they found the home completely engulfed.  Crews also fought high winds with embers from the fire blowing towards nearby homes.

A tanker task force was also issued.

By 7:00am, the fire was under control with the home collapsing into a pile a rubble.  A nearby garage was also damaged.

All occupants of the home escaped without injury.

According to the American Red Cross, 4 victims are being assisted lodging, clothing, and food.

A State Police Fire Marshal will be at the scene on Thursday to investigate a cause.














Schuylkill County Weather Forecast for 10/17/19

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Schuylkill County Weather Forecast for 10/17/19

Thursday - Cloudy and Windy - High in the Lower 50's

  • WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM THIS MORNING TO 8 PM EDT
    THIS EVENING...

    * WHAT...West winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts between 45 and 50 mph
    expected.

    * WHERE...Portions of south-central Pennsylvania.

    * WHEN...From 8 AM to 8 PM EDT Thursday.

    * IMPACTS...Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree
    limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
Thursday Night - Cloudy - Low in the Lower 40's

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Friday - Cloudy with Increasing Sun - High in the Mid 50's
Friday Night - Clear - Low near 30

Saturday - Clouds and Sun - High in the Mid 50's
Saturday Night - Cloudy - Low near 40

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Sunday - Clouds and Sun - High near 60
Monday - Sunny - High in the Mid 60's
Tuesday - Showers - High near 60
Wednesday - Showers Early - High in the Lower 50's

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This story is brought to you by the

Schuylkill Community Education Council









Schuylkill County Obituaries for 10/17/19

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Schuylkill County Obituaries for 10/17/19

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Helen A. Dunn, 101, of Frackville, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, October 17, 2019 following a brief illness.

She was born October 6, 1918 in the Upper Askam section of Hanover Township, Wilkes-Barre area, to Frank and Sophie Blaszczak Tanski.

Having skipped 3rd grade, she was graduated a year early from Hanover Memorial High School on June 7, 1935 at the age of 16.

Helen was married July 20, 1942 in St. Mary’s Church, Alexandria, VA to Frank T. Dunn who passed away on November 13, 1997.

Before moving to Frackville, she was employed for 13 years as receptionist in the Pa. State Auditor General’s Office in Harrisburg.

She was a current member of St. Joseph’s Parish where, as the oldest active member, Helen ceremonially locked the doors of the former St. Joseph’s building on Frack Street after the final Mass was celebrated on November 1, 2015.

“Gram” enjoyed a special and close relationship of friendship and love with her grandson, Seth D. Lowe, of Frackville.

She was preceded in death by siblings, Theodore Tanski, Bernice Hahn, Camilla Nevolis, and Frances Prymowicz.

She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law with whom she resided, Mary Ellen and Thomas Lowe, Frackville; daughter Barbara and husband Leo Noels, Kapellen Belgium; grandson Seth D. Lowe and girlfriend Kimberly Zeigenfuse; grandson Kevin Noels and wife Stephanie Van Gijsel, Kapellen Belgium; 2 great-grandsons, Mauro and Carlos Noels; niece Susan and husband Neil Pritchard, Delta, PA; and nephew Carl Hahn, Allentown, PA.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, October 20th at 7 p.m. from the Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Frackville with Fr. Brian Miller officiating. Friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Sunday evening from 5 p.m. until the time of service. Interment will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Hanover Township at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial donations be made, in Helen’s name, to the Frackville Free Public Library at 56 N. Lehigh Avenue Frackville, PA 17931.

Sign the guestbook, leave personal condolences and for further information please visit www.thomasmsullivanfuneralhome.com

Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Frackville is in charge of the arrangements.

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Patricia M. (Jones) Stewart, 68, of Glenside, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 13, 2019 at Chestnut Hill Hospital, Philadelphia.

Patricia was born on December 19, 1950 in Hamburg, Germany, she was the daughter of Major Robert C. and Eleanor C. (Campbell) Jones.

She was a graduate of Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School in Upper Darby. Patricia held many positions in the service industry as a waitress, home health care aide, and crossing guard for William Penn School District. Patricia was a high spirited soul with an infectious laugh and sincere love for her children.

Patricia was preceded in death by her Mother Eleanor, Father Robert and Sister Sandra (Jones) Apelian.

Surviving are two daughters, Kathleen (Stewart) Bacon of Audubon and Sandra (Stewart) Heim of Pine Grove; two sons, Richard C. Stewart, III of Souderton, and Robert Elliott of Philadelphia; 6 grandchildren, Angela Bacon, Leigh Anne Bacon, Isabelle Rumberger, Ethan Causak, Austin Causak, and Mackenzie; a great granddaughter Alice Hamilton.

All Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove is in charge of arrangements and you may send condolences online at www.hlnsyderfuneralhome.com

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Dr. H. Bruce Geiger, 91, of Owl Creek, Tamaqua, PA died on Tuesday, October 15, 2019 in Pottsville, PA.

He was the husband of Jean (nee Miller) Geiger to whom he was married 69 years. Born in Palmerton, PA on July 10, 1928, Bruce was the son of the late Harry and Jennie (nee Mitchell) Geiger. A 1946 graduate of Tamaqua High School, he furthered his education by earning a bachelor’s degree in 1950 from Muhlenberg College, a master’s degree in 1955 from Lehigh University, and a doctorate degree in 1968 from Temple University where he was the director of the aerospace workshop for 9 years. Over the course of his employment, Bruce was a chemistry and physics teacher for 5 years in the Jim Thorpe School District and then a chemistry and physics teacher, a curriculum coordinator, an assistant superintendent, and finally, the superintendent for the Tamaqua School District. He retired in 1993 after 16 years in that position. Bruce was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Tamaqua and a former member of the Tamaqua Rotary Club.

In addition to his wife, Jean, he is survived by sons, Barry Geiger and his wife Linda Jo of Oswego, NY, Brad Geiger and his wife Debra of Buckeye, AZ, and Bryan Geiger and his wife Judy of Orwigsburg, PA and grandchildren, Brook, Mallory, Maxwell, and David.

Bruce was preceded in death by a daughter, Linda Geiger on April 13 of this year. Services will be held at 11 am on Monday, October 21 at the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home, 500 East Broad Street, Tamaqua with The Rev. Peter Muhr officiating. Interment in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Tamaqua will follow the services. Call 9-11AM on Monday at the funeral home. Memorials in Bruce’s name may be made to St. John Lutheran Church in the Heights, 319 South Avenue, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229. 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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These Obituaries are brought to you by

Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory INC.











UPDATE: Schuylkill County Halloween Trick or Treat and Parade Schedule for 2019

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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.  If you have an addition, please e-mail it to skooknews@outlook.com.


Ashland
  • Parade - October 27th, 2019  - 3:00pm -  meet at 2:30 at 21st and Walnut street and will travel down Walnut Street this year to the American Hose Co. Where bags will be distributed. Incase of rain children are to report directly to Fire Co
  • 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
Andreas
  • Halloween Parade - October 16, 2019 at 7:00pm
Big Diamond Speedway

  • Trunk or Treat - October 31st, 2019 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Fountain Springs
  • Haunted Mansion - Former Cardinal Brennan -  October 18, 19, 25, 26 - 7pm to 10pm
  • Sparty's Halloween Party Trunk or Treat - October 29th, 2019 - 6:00pm - North Schuylkill

Frackville
  • Parade - Sunday, October 27, 2019
  • Trick or Treat - October 31, 2019 5:00pm to 8:00pm
Girardville
  • Trick or Treat - October 31, 2019 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm
Gordon
  • Trick or Treat - October 31st, 2019 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Lavelle
  • Trunk or Treat - Hosted by Church of the Nazarene - 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Mahanoy City
  • Trick or Treat - October 31st, 2019 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
  • Parade - Hosted by West End Fire - October 20th, 2019 - Forms at 1:30pm at Catawissa Street, Parade starts at 2:00pm
Mahanoy Township
  • Trick or Treat - October 31st, 2019 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
New Philadelphia
  • Simon Kramer Institute
    • Haunted Hallway - October 19 @ 8:30pm, October 20 - 3:30pm
    • Readings from the Pages of Poe - October 19th @ 7:00pm, October 20th @ 2:00pm
Orwigsburg
  • Parade - October 23, 2019
  • Trick or Treat - October 31, 2019 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Pottsville
  • Parade - October 29th, 2019
  • Safe Trick or Treat - October 31st, 2019 - 4:00pm to 6:00pm
  • Trick or Treat - October 31st, 2019 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Ringtown
  • Haunted Barn - Hosted by Boy Scouts - October 18, 19, 20 - Union Township Building
Rush Township
  • Trick or Treat - October 31st, 2019 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Schuylkill Haven
  • Trunk or Treat - October 16, 2019 - 6:45pm at 23 Meadowbrook Drive, Schuylkill Haven
  • Parade - October 29, 2019 - 7:00pm

Saint Clair
  • Parade - October 23, 2019 - 7:00pm


Shenandoah
  • Parade - October 26th, 2019 
  • Trick or Treat - October 31st, 2019 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
  • Trunk or Treat - Presented by Healthy Shenandoah - 6:00pm to 8:00pm at 3 locations
    • Shenandoah Living Community
    • Shenandoah Community Ambulance Building
    • Shenandoah Elementary School
    Tamaqua 
    • Parade - October 22, 2019 - 7:00pm
    • Trick or Treat - October 31st, 2019 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
    Tremont
    • Parade - October 20, 2019 - 7:00pm - Starts at the West End of Main Street
    • Trick or Treat - October 31st,  2019 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm

    St. Clair Man Hired as Assistant Principal to Statewide Public Cyber Charter School

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    A Saint Clair man has been hired as an assistant principal to the Statewide Public Cyber Charter School.

    As family interest in cyber schools continues to increase across the state of Pennsylvania, Reach Cyber Charter School has appointed five new directors and program heads during the 2019-20 school year to ensure student needs are continuing to be met and additional resources for educational success are being provided.

    “We’re proud to expand our team of highly qualified educators and administrators in order to serve our growing student body,” said Jane Swan, school leader at Reach Cyber Charter School. “Students respond so positively to the individual, personalized learning and flexible pacing we are able to offer, which is a real testament to the talented educators we have supporting our students and families.”

    Serving more than 3,000 students virtually across the state of Pennsylvania, Reach Cyber staff members are certified Pennsylvania-based administrators and teachers specifically training in the nuances of online education. According to Reach Cyber’s 2019 Parent Satisfaction Survey, 96% of parents agree their children are satisfied with the program and 96% agree that their technology tools improve their child’s learning experience.

    Reach Cyber Charter School delivers an award-winning curriculum with STEM enrichment opportunities, engaging electives, technology tools, and online and in-person social experiences for families who want an individualized approach to education. Reach Cyber’s flexible pacing options allow students to choose from a traditional calendar option, year-round option, or for high school students, an accelerated schedule, to best meet their academic and scheduling needs.

    The following staff members are taking on new roles at Reach Cyber this school year:

    Devin Rushanan of St. Clair, joins the Reach Cyber team as an assistant high school principal. Rushanan holds a Bachelor’s in History from Kutztown University, an education social studies certificate from Penn State University, and a Master’s in education leadership from St. Thomas University. With six years of experience working in the cyber charter educational space, Rushanan is excited to bring his talent and expertise to the social studies department and the 10th grade students at Reach Cyber.

    Corey Groff of Mechanicsburg, joins the Reach Cyber staff as the new elementary principal. Groff oversees kindergarten through sixth grade. After ten years as a classroom teacher, he transitioned to an elementary principal position. He then worked as the director of curriculum, instruction, and assessment for three years and spent almost a year as an acting assistant superintendent before moving into his current role as an elementary principal at Reach. Groff is excited about Reach Cyber Charter’s emphasis on STEM and personalized instruction, and is looking forward to leading an outstanding elementary learning community.

    Christine Miller of Harrisburg, joins the Reach Cyber staff as the new secondary principal overseeing grades seven through 12. A graduate of Penn State University and Temple University, Miller has extensive experience as both a teacher and an administrator. Miller has a passion for math and still instructs at Harrisburg Area Community College. In addition to being the secondary principal at Reach Cyber, she also supervises the math team and is working on her superintendent letter of eligibility from Shippensburg University.

    Andy Gribbin of Erie, is taking on a new role as assistant middle school principal this year after previously serving as an eighth grade science teacher at Reach Cyber. In his new role, Gribbin assists the seventh and eighth grade team from an administrative level, using his diverse educational background to help students and families at Reach Cyber meet their goals and reach their potential.

    Nancy Wagner of Gibsonia, formerly Reach Cyber’s middle school principal, is taking on a new role as director of family services during the 2019-20 year. Wagner is a seasoned veteran with 12 years of experience in cyber education. In her new position, Wagner oversees 30 plus family mentors across the state who actively interact with all Reach Cyber students and families to ensure that they are having a positive academic experience and field questions as they arise. She is excited and ready to take on this new role to aid the students and families of Reach Cyber from a different perspective.

    Marian Catholic Senior Chosen to Attend NYC Master Class

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    Olivia Stettler, a senior at Marian Catholic High School, will be attending a three day intensive vocal workshop in New York City with Hadestown stars Reeve Carney (also known for playing Peter Parker in Spiderman the Musical, Dorian Gray in Penny Dreadful and Riff Raff in Rocky Horror Picture Show Live) and Tony Award Nominee, Eva Noblezada (also known for playing Kim in Miss Saigon and Eponine in West End’s Les Miserable) as well as other industry representatives.
    Olivia, 17, was chosen through an audition process to attend the workshop where she will be working one on one with Noblezada, Carney, and other Hadestown cast members as well as casting director Jamibeth Margolis. Over the three day workshop Stettler will get hands on training in vocal and audition technique, learn the business aspect of acting, build her audition song book as well as learn songs and dances from Hadestown the Musical. The musical tells a version of the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, where Orpheus goes to the underworld to rescue his fiancée Eurydice. It is the winner of 8 Tony Awards last year including Best Original Score and Best Musical.

    Olivia has been performing in local theater since the age of 9 and has performed in over 40 shows and has won many vocal awards over the years. She most recently made her directorial debut at Center Stage Theater in Tamaqua where she directed the musical Peter Pan, Jr. She has performed in New York City at a Cabaret featuring teens from the Broadway community, was one of seven people chosen to participate in a master vocal class with Broadway/TV/movie actor Anthony Rapp, known for Broadway shows Rent, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown and If/Then as well as TV and Film including “Dazed and Confused” and “Star Trek” and was one of 18 people chosen for a weekend workshop with world renowned vocal coach and performer, Natalie Weiss.

    She is under the vocal direction of Joelle Witner of Drama in Motion Studio of Performing Arts in Hazleton. Olivia credits her accomplishments to everything she has learned from Witner, including vocals, dancing and acting.

    After high school, Olivia plans to attend college and double major in music education and musical theater.

    Olivia is the daughter of Charles and Heather Stettler of Tamaqua and the granddaughter of Lionel and Kathleen Lawson of Bethany Beach, Delaware (formerly from Tamaqua) and Charles Stettler Sr., Wilkes-Barre.

    (Submitted Photo)

    HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Marian Catholic Forfeits Game Against Mahanoy Area; Colts Cancel Remainder of Season

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    The high school football game scheduled for Friday night when Marian Catholic visited Mahanoy Area will not happen after the Colts forfeited.

    Marian stated that they forfeited the game and canceled the remainder of their season due to a lack of players.

    The team plans to form a team for the 2020-2021 season.

    On Thursday evening, Shenandoah Valley reached out and made an offer to Mahanoy Area.  The Senior Recognition night scheduled for Week 9 at Mahanoy Area will now take place during Week 10 at Shenandoah Valley.

    Blue Mountain Volleyball Wins Schuylkill League Championship

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    The Blue Mountain Volleyball Team won the  2019 Schuylkill League Championship Thursday evening.


    Blue Mountain won the championship 3-0 over the Pottsville Area.

    Congratulations to the Blue Mountain Eagles!

    Photos from the game will be posted Friday.


    Photo by Jocelyn Harach / Danie Mae Photography (https://www.facebook.com/dmaephotography/)

    Lady Tide Soccer Brings Home First Schuylkill League Championship

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    On Thursday night, the Pottsville Area Lady Tide Soccer Team brought home the team's first Schuylkill League Championship.


    Pottsville Area won the game over Blue Mountain 3-0.  This was the fourth time Pottsville has face Blue Mountain in the League Championship but only the first time they have won.

    Pottsville finishes their season 16-3-1.

    A fire truck parade was held Thursday evening to welcome the team back to the city of the Pottsville.

    WEATHER ALERT: Frost Advisory Issued for Early Saturday Morning

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    The National Weather Service has Issued a Frost Advisory for early Saturday morning.

    FROST ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 8 AM EDT SATURDAY...

    * WHAT...Temperatures as low as 33 will result in widespread frost
    formation. A few of the normally-colder spots will freeze.

    * WHERE...Portions of central Pennsylvania.

    * WHEN...From 2 AM to 8 AM EDT Saturday.

    * IMPACTS...Frost could kill sensitive outdoor vegetation if
    left uncovered.

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

    Take steps to protect sensitive plants and vegetation from the
    cold. Potted plants should be brought inside.

    This advisory is in effect for

    Juniata-Southern Clinton-Southern Lycoming-Union-Snyder-Montour-Northumberland-Columbia-Perry-Dauphin-Schuylkill-Lebanon-Cumberland-Adams-York-Lancaster-Including the cities of Mifflintown, Lock Haven, Williamsport,Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, Danville, Sunbury, Shamokin, Bloomsburg,Berwick, Newport, Harrisburg, Hershey, Pottsville, Lebanon, Carlisle, Gettysburg, York, and Lancaster

    Schuylkill County Unsung Heroes to be Featured on ABC Series This Weekend

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    Schuylkill County will be featured on a television series on ABC this weekend about the devastating flooding that hit Schuylkill County last year.


    The show is called "Hearts of Heroes" and is a educational docu-series hosted by ABC's Ginger Zee featuring untold heroic stories of emergency responders in the aftermath of Mother Nature’s most destructive events.

    The show, which is set to air on ABC on Saturday morning at 11:30am, will feature a story of Pine Grove resident Zachary Reichert being trapped in his car and the unsung heroies of Pine Grove North End Fire Department, Benjamin Readinger and Nick Miller, that rescued Reichert. The entire incident was caught on Reichert's cell phone as he used Facebook live to call for help.

    Other footage that will be shown during the story was also filmed by JC Kriesher of Fire & Film and JC Kriesher Photography.

    The show was produced by ABC, Litton Entertainment, and Belfor Property Restoration.

    Preview of the episode is below.

    Reading Blue Mountain and Northern Railroad Announces New Schedule for Santa Train Rides

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    After announcing earlier this week that they would be ceasing operations in Jim Thorpe, the Reading Blue Mountain and Northern Railroad has announced a new schedule for their Santa Train Rides and it includes dates in Schuylkill County.


    On Friday, the company announced the following dates for a "new" Santa Train experience

    Reading Outer Station - November 30th, December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 23, and 24

    Minersville - November 30 and December 1

    Schuylkill Haven - December 7 and 8

    Tunkhannock - December 14 and 15

    Pottsville - December 21 and 22

    All Santa Claus Special Train rides are $15 per adult, $9 per child (3 to 12), and children 2 and under receive a free ticket.

    The ride includes listening to holiday music on a heated decorated coach and each guest will receive a piece of candy and a visit from Santa Claus.

    To purchase tickets ahead of time, please call (610) 562-2102.  Tickets will also be available the day of trips but they will be first come first serve.

    RBMN announced earlier this week that they would be ceasing their Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway in Jim Thorpe as of the end of November.

    Read more about RBMN leaving Jim Thorpe here:

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