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Schuylkill County School Districts to Close for Two Weeks

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The School Districts of Schuylkill County along with Schuylkill County Emergency Management announced Friday that the county's school districts will close for two weeks due to the coronavirus threat.

The closure will begin Monday, March 16th, 2020 with a tentative return date of Monday, March 30th, 2020.




This will include the districts of:
  • Blue Mountain
  • Mahanoy Area - 
  • North Schuylkill - 
  • Minersville
  • Pine Grove
  • Pottsville
  • Saint Clair
  • Schuylkill Haven
  • Shenandoah Valley
  • Tamaqua Area - 
  • Tri-Valley
  • Williams Valley
  • Schuylkill Intermediate Unit and Technology Centers
  • Diocese of Allentown Schools
  • Gillingham Charter
  • Nativity BVM
  • Marian Catholic

As of this writing, no cases of coronavirus have been diagnosed with Schuylkill County.

School districts in other counties including Lackawanna and Wayne announced closures as well.

UPDATE:  Governor Wolf has just announced that all schools will be closed for 10 business days.

Governor Wolf's Statement:

We understand that these are trying times and recognize the impact of the coronavirus on our students and communities.

First and foremost, my top priority as governor – and that of our education leaders – must be to ensure the health and safety of our students and school communities.

As such, I am ordering that all schools in the commonwealth close for the next two weeks.

Be aware that no school district will be penalized if it fails to meet the 180 day or school hours requirements.

The Department of Education will work with intermediate units and other stakeholders to support school districts with any continuity of learning plans they may be pursuing.

Also, the Pennsylvania Department of Education announced today that it received a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to allow eligible schools to serve meals to low income students in a non-congregate setting, such as a drive-through or grab and go, during this closure. We will also work with schools to assist them with those plans.

We appreciate your collaboration as we work together to deal with this difficult issue.

More on this as it develops.

Lehigh Valley Health Network Establishes Coronavirus Patient Testing Centers Throughout the Region

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On Friday afternoon, the Lehigh Valley Health Network has announced that they are remaining vigilant on the impact of the coronavirus or COVID-19, including establishing designated, stand-alone COVID-19 assessment and testing centers throughout the region.


“We are taking extraordinary steps to deliver the smart, comprehensive care people need through new ways to screen, assess and test,” said Brian Nester, DO, MBA, FACOEP, LVHN’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are reassuring the community that they can continue their routine and essential appointments and care while staying safe.”

At the same time Nester is urging if someone has a doctor’s appointment or procedure already scheduled, keep it. LVHN hospitals and practices are operating as usual.

For those who think they have COVID-19 or may have been exposed to someone who does, stay home. LVHN is providing free COVID-19 screenings online and by phone. Call the MyLVHN Nurse Information line at 1-888-402-LVHN or complete an LVHN Video Visit by downloading the MyLVHN app.

"We want to screen community members via these technologies so that they can remain in their own home and only need to leave if testing is needed. This screening helps reduce the spread of COVID-19, and it helps keep our doctors’ office open and available to provide other important care. " LVHN said in a press release.

Nester says that during the screening, if LVHN’s medical professionals determine a patient has COVID-19 symptoms, they will be directed to one of LVHN’s eight standalone COVID-19 Assess and Test locations. Patients will qualify for a test ONLY if they have symptoms (fever, cough and shortness of breath). The test detects active disease and cannot determine if a patient has been exposed. It is important tests are reserved for those who need them most.

You must receive guidance via the nurse line, video visit or your doctor to be assessed and, possibly tested. If you do not have insurance, you will receive a bill but you won’t be required to pay.

Testing Locations that are open NOW

LVHN COVID-19 Assess and Test–MacArthur Road
2741 MacArthur Road, Whitehall, PA 18052
Daily: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

LVHN COVID-19 Assess and Test–Stroudsburg
1655 W. Main St., Stroudsburg, PA 18360
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

LVHN COVID-19 Assess and Test–Palmerton
528 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, PA 18071
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

LVHN COVID-19 Assess and Test–Macungie
6451 Village Lane, Macungie, PA 18062
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

LVHN COVID-19 Assess and Test–Richland Township
320 W. Pumping Station Road, Suite 3, Quakertown, PA 18951
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

LVHN COVID-19 Assess and Test–Hazleton
140 N Sherman Court, Hazleton, PA 18201
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

LVHN COVID-19 Assess and Test–Cressona
35 Sillyman Street, Cressona, PA 17929
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m

Health Network Labs manages and processes the tests, and results are available within four days. If you need care for another condition, you can continue to visit any other ExpressCARE location or Lehigh Valley Physician Group (LVHN) practice.

LVPG practices located near the Assess and Test locations have been relocated to help ensure the safety of our patients and colleagues. Here are the practices that have been temporarily relocated and their temporary locations

LVPG Family Medicine–MacArthur Road
3691 Crescent Court East Whitehall, PA 18052

LVPG Family Medicine–Macungie
6900 Hamilton Blvd. Trexlertown, PA 18087

LVPG Family Medicine–Richland Township
3080 Hamilton Blvd., Suite 250 Allentown, PA 18103

LVPG Pediatrics–Richland Township
3800 Sierra Circle, Suite 100 Center Valley, PA 18034

LVPG Obstetrics and Gynecology–Richland Township
Providers will see patients at numerous other LVPG Obstetrics and Gynecology locations

LVPG Family Medicine–Nazareth
2401 Northampton Street Easton, PA 18045

LVPG Internal Medicine–Cressona
6 South Greenview Road Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972

LVPG Pulmonology–Pocono
600 Commerce Blvd. Stroudsburg, PA 18360

Tips to protect yourself and your family

· Keep your essential doctor appointments, tests and procedures.
· Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
· Avoid touching your face.
· Avoid large crowds.
· Carefully consider your travel plans, and follow government travel guidelines.
· Practice social distancing by staying at least six feet away from others. If you are over 80, this is especially important.

Other actions LVHN is taking to keep you safe

· Temporary hospital visitation policy. If you are sick, please do not visit any of our LVHN hospitals. Children under age 12 are not permitted in the hospital to visit. We are asking that patients pre-identify two people who can visit while they are in the hospital.

· Pre-surgery screening. We are screening all patients for scheduled surgery for COVID-19 the day before surgery. If the patient has symptoms and is deemed as possibly infected, we would reschedule their elective procedure so not to put them and others at risk.

· Limiting nonclinical personnel in the hospital. This includes employees who are not located at our hospitals, vendors, consultants and volunteers

Road Work Announced for Schuylkill County - 03/16/2020 through 03/20/2020

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Road Work Announced for Schuylkill County 

Various road projects announced for March 16th, 2020 through March 20th, 2020

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Union Twp.
Road name:  Barnesville Road
Between:  Hollow Road and Pattersonville Road
Type of work:  Pothole Patching
Work being done by:  PennDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of restriction:  Daytime
Restriction:  Lane restriction with flagging.
Start date:  3/16/20
Est completion date:  3/20/20
Restrictions in effect (time of day):  07:00 AM To 03:00 PM
Will rain cause delays?  No
Change/Update: 

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New Castle Twp.Road name:  PA 61
Between:  Darkwater Road and Hancock Street
Type of work:  Crack Sealing
Work being done by:  PennDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of restriction:  Daytime
Restriction:  Lane restriction.
Start date:  3/16/20
Est completion date:  3/20/20
Restrictions in effect (time of day):  07:00 AM To 03:00 PM
Will rain cause delays?  No
Change/Update: 

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Kline Twp.Road name:  PA 54
Between:  Lake Road and Tippetts Road
Type of work:  Drainage
Work being done by:  PennDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of restriction:  Daytime
Restriction:  Lane restriction with flagging.
Start date:  3/16/20
Est completion date:  3/20/20
Restrictions in effect (time of day):  07:00 AM To 03:00 PM
Will rain cause delays?  No
Change/Update: 

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Foster / Frailey Twps.Road name:  Interstate 81
Between:  Exit 112 (PA 25) and Exit 119 (Highridge Park Road)
Type of work:  Other
Work being done by:  PennDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of restriction:  Daytime
Restriction:  Lane restriction both directions.
Start date:  3/16/20
Est completion date:  3/19/20
Restrictions in effect (time of day):  07:00 AM To 03:00 PM
Will rain cause delays?  No
Change/Update:  Patching / Crack Sealing / Brush Cutting

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Cressona Boro. / Wayne Twp.Road name:  PA 183/Chestnut Street
Between:  Berks County Line and PA 61
Type of work:  Crack Sealing
Work being done by:  PennDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of restriction:  Daytime
Restriction:  Lane restriction.
Start date:  3/16/20
Est completion date:  3/20/20
Restrictions in effect (time of day):  07:00 AM To 03:00 PM
Will rain cause delays?  No
Change/Update: 

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West Penn Twp.Road name:  PA 309
Between:  Clamtown Road and West Penn Drive
Type of work:  Drainage
Work being done by:  PennDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of restriction:  Daytime
Restriction:  Lane restriction both directions.
Start date:  3/16/20
Est completion date:  3/20/20
Restrictions in effect (time of day):  07:00 AM To 03:00 PM
Will rain cause delays?  No
Change/Update: 

Schuylkill County Obituaries for 03/13/2020

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Schuylkill County Obituaries for 03/13/2020

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Andrew “Andy” Bugdanavage, 74, of Tamaqua, PA, passed away Wednesday, March 11, at St. Luke’s University Hospital, Fountain Hill.

He was the husband of the late Linda Bugdanavage, who passed in 2001.
Andy was born in Mahanoy City, PA on July 22, 1945, a son of the late Helen (Recklitis) and Walter Bugdanewicz.

He was a member of St. John XXIII Catholic Church.

Andy was a retired SSG with the U.S. Army. He worked for many years for Keystone Lamp Manufacturing Corp. before moving on to Insteel Wire Products in Hazleton.
After retirement, he filled his time working for Child Development, Inc. and helping with maintenance at his church.

Andy is survived by a daughter, Nikki Hadesty, and her husband Jay “Mick”, of Hometown; and a son, Todd Bugdanavage, and his wife Natasha of New Ringgold; grandchildren, Morgan Hadesty, Starr Gerber, Brooklyn Bugdanavage and Hunter Bugdanavage. He is also survived by two brothers; Walter Jr. Bugdanavage, of Pottsville; Vincent “Billy” Recklitis, of Shenandoah, and several nieces and nephews.

Andy was preceded in death by his son Andrew Jr. Bugdanavage; and sister Victoria Slatick.

Funeral 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

A Funeral service will be at 11 o'clock Am. on Tuesday March 17, 2020 from the funeral home. The family will receive friends from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 from the funeral home.

Interment will be in Sky-View Memorial Park, Tamaqua, on Friday March 20, 2020 at 11 o'clock A.M.. Military honors to be bestowed.

Memorials in Andy's name to"
American Hose Fire Company
39 Mauch Chunk Street
Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com

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Walter R. Yonosky Jr., 83, of Stevens Pa., formerly of MarLin, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 10th at Providence Place, Pottsville. Walter was born in Pottsville on October 2, 1936, a son of the late Walter Sr. and Josephine (Berefski) Yonosky.

He was the widower of Judith Marie ( Murray) Yonosky, who passed away June 2, 2016. He was a graduate of Pottsville High School Class of 1954. He was of the Catholic faith and was a parishioner of Mother of Perpetual Health in Ephrata. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He retired from Rockwell in Reading. He was an avid marksman and often could be found at competitive shoots at the range. He was a past member of the United States Revolver Association, PA Rifle & Pistol Association, and the Berks Pistol Club Inc. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, brother and friend to all and will be sadly missed.

He is survived by his son, Christopher Yonosky of Denver Pa., sisters, Joan, wife of James A. Goodman and Eileen DeStefano, widow of Richard DeStefano, nieces and nephews.

A Religious Service will be held 11:00 am Tuesday March 17th at the Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville. All are respectfully invited to attend a visitation from 10:00 am until the time of service. Interment with Military Honors will be in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations made in Walter’s name to the charity of choice.

Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville, entrusted with the arrangements.

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Theresa A. Rizzo, 90, of Shenandoah Heights, passed away Wednesday, March 11th at the Lehigh Valley Medical Center, Hazleton.

Born on January 16th, 1930 in New York, Theresa was the daughter of the late Joseph and Estelle Ingenito.

Preceding her in death, besides her parents, was her husband Joseph “Zip” Rizzo in 2008.

Surviving family include 1 daughter, Anna Maria Stoerrle and her husband William of Bethlehem, Pa. 2 grandsons, Sean Michael and fiance Stephanie and Adam Christopher and girlfriend Christine, and several nieces and nephews.

Theresa was a 1947 graduate of Shenandoah Catholic High School and then worked as a secretary at PP&L for many years. She served on the Auxiliary Guild of Cardinal Brennan High School and was a member of the former Our Lady Mt. Carmel Church being very active in the church functions. Theresa enjoyed cooking, baking, crocheting, going to sporting events, playing games, watching old movies, and truly loved spending time with her grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 17th at 11:15am in Divine Mercy Parish, 218 W. Cherry St, Shenandoah officiated by Msgr. Ronald Bocian. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday evening, March 16th from 5pm to 8pm at the Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, 40 N. Jardin St, Shenandoah and again on Tuesday morning from 9am to 11am at the funeral home. Burial will follow services in the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights.

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Clifford R. Fetterman, 75, of Ringtown, passed away Thursday, March 12, 2020 at his residence.

Cliff was born in Shenandoah, on September 2, 1944, a son of the late Blanche (Zimmerman) and Claude Fetterman.

He was a graduate of the former Ringtown High School, and spent most of his life working on his family's farm in Ringtown. He also worked as a spreader for a short time at the former Ringtown dress factory.

He was a member of St.John's Lutheran Church, and enjoyed stamp collecting.

Cliff is survived by two brothers, Ronald Fetterman and his wife Sandi, of Ringtown, and Roger Fetterman, and his wife Evelyn, of Hatboro.

He is also survived by a nephew, Tim Fetterman, and nieces, Darlene Manjone and Melissa Zawislak, along with their families.

A Memorial service will be held at a later date which will be announced.

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These Obituaries are brought to you by
Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory INC.



Driver Using Cell Phone Takes Out Pole in Norwegian Township

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Cell phone usage was to blame for a crash in Norwegian Township on Thursday.


According to the Pennsylvania State Police at Schuylkill Haven, the crash occurred on Thursday, March 12th, 2020 around 3:10pm on East Maple Avenue in Norwegian Township.

Police say Edward Rich, 64, of Pottsville, was driving and using his cell phone and left the roadway.  His Nissan Murano struck a utility pole.

The vehicle sustained disabling damage and the pole sustained major damage.  Rich was not injured.

Hatter's Towing assisted police at the scene.

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast for 03/14/2020

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Schuylkill County Weather Forecast for 03/14/2020

Saturday - Clouds and Sun, Increasing Clouds in the Afternoon - High near 50


Saturday Night - Rain and maybe some Snow in the Evening - Low near 30

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Sunday - Cloudy early, Clearing in the Afternoon - High in the Upper 40's
Sunday Night - Clear - Low in the Mid 20's

Monday - Clouds and Sun - High in the Upper 40's
Monday Night - Rain and Snow Showers - Low in the Mid 30's

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Tuesday - Showers Early - High in the Lower 50's

Wednesday - Sunny - High in the Mid 40's

Thursday - Rain and Snow - High in the Upper 40's

Friday - Showers - High near 60

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This posting is brought to you by the Shenandoah Senior Living Community


Schuylkill County Obituaries for 03/14/2020

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Schuylkill County Obituaries for 03/14/2020

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Frank T. Yashin, 69, of Frackville passed away, Thursday, at Lehigh Valley Medical Center, Cedar Crest, Allentown.

Born in Pottsville, he was a son of the late Frank Yashin and Lenore DiPietro Yashin.

He was a graduate of the former Frackville High School, class of 1969.

Frank worked in heating and plumbing; he previously worked for Jack Rich, Inc., Frackville and Draper and Yost, Tamaqua. He retired as caretaker and maintenance worker for the First United Methodist Church, Frackville.

He especially enjoyed being with his grandson Anthony, teaching him how to play the drums and sharing his hobby of Lionel trains.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Loretta B. O’Connor Yashin, Frackville; his daughter Katrina Marie Marx and grandson Anthony Frank Marx; Port Carbon; several cousins and many friends.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday morning at the Albert L Gricoski Funeral Home, Frackville with Rev. Petro Zvarych of St Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, officiating. Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday evening with Parastas at 7 p.m. and again from 9 a.m till time of service Tuesday morning at the funeral home. Interment will be in St John Ukrainian Cemetery, Englewood / Frackville.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in in Frank’s name to Birthright, 10 N. Lehigh Ave., Frackville, PA 17931.

Albert L. Gricoski Funeral Home, Frackville, has charge of arrangements.

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These Obituaries are brought to you by
Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory INC.



State Police Investigating Missing Person Cold Case in Lebanon County from 2000

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On Saturday, a search was conducted in Lebanon County as part of a missing juvenile cold case that is almost 20 years old.


Saturday's search was conducted in the area of Awol Road west of Silvertown Road, north of Awol Road in Union Township Lebanon County and was conducted using Pennsylvania State Police Cadets and members of the Jonestown Station.

The search was part of juvenile's disappearance in 2000.

Police say on December 12th, 2000, it was reported to the State Police at Jonestown that Eric Wayne Pyles, 12, had not returned home after getting off the school bus.

State Troopers along with other outside agencies searches for Pyles but he was never located.

On the day of his disappearance, Pyles was last seen to be wearing black sneakers, blue jeans, gray sweatshirt with a deer picture on the front, blue flannel jacket, and was carrying a Redskins book bag.

State Police at Jonestown are asking anyone with information to come forward.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to call the Jonestown Barracks, Criminal Investigations Unit at (717) 865-2194.

Game Commission Conducting Controlled Burn on Sunday near Tamaqua and Hometown

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On Sunday, the PA Game Commission will be conduction a controlled burn in Rush Township, Schuylkill County.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission will be conducting a 70-acre controlled burn (aka prescribed fire) on State Game Lands 227 in Rush Township, Schuylkill County on February March 15th, 2020.

The burn is being conducted to to improve the fire dependent oak trees found on SGL 227.

Smoke may be visible from the boroughs of Tamaqua and Hometown. Smoke may also be visible while travelling on I-81, SR 309, and SR 54 between the hours 10:00am and 5:00pm.

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This post is brought to you by

Realty World, Wendy Knorr, Ashland, PA

16 New Positive Cases of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania; Statewide Stands at 63

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On Sunday, Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine held her daily briefing in Harrisburg and announced 16 new cases of COVID-19, the coronavirus, in Pennsylvania.


The new confirmed positive cases were: one in Allegheny County, one in Bucks, two in Cumberland County, one in Delaware County, one in Lehigh County, one one in Luzerne County, three in Monroe County, four in Montgomery County, and two in Philadelphia.

This brings the statewide total to 63.

As of March 15th, 2020, at 1:00pm, no positive cases have been announced within Schuylkill County but adds our neighbors to the north, Luzerne County.


Senator Argall Temporarily Closes Pottsville, Hamburg, and Harrisburg Offices; Mahanoy City Office to Remain Open

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On Sunday, Senator Argall(R-29 Schuylkill/Berks) announced he would be temporarily closing three of his offices.
In a news release from his chief of Staff, Christine Verdier, it stated "In accordance with Department of Health recommendations to combat the coronavirus outbreak, Senator David G. Argall will be closing his district offices in Pottsville and Hamburg as well as his Harrisburg office. This decision was made to help protect the health and safety of local residents and staff members. "

Anyone with government related issues or concerned is asked to contact their Mahanoy City office by calling 1-877-327-4255 or by contacting them through his web site www.senatorargall.com.


Anyone with questions regarding COVID-19 should contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH or consult the state Department of Health website, https://health.pa.gov.

Port Carbon Police Arrest Man for Trespassing, Stalking, and Harassment

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Last week, the Port Carbon Police arrested a man after a trespassing incident.

According to Port Carbon Police, on Monday, March 9, 2020, at around 7:15 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 100 Block of Market Street in Port Carbon for a trespassing complaint. Additional information indicated that a male was on the property looking in the windows and later forced his way inside the residence.

Police arrived at the scene to find that the suspect had since left the area and rode away on his bicycle. 

Police searched the area, but were unable to locate the suspect, who they later identified, Michael Flickinger, 44, of Pottsville.

On Wednesday, March 11, 2020, officers located Flickinger and he was taken into custody without incident.

Flickinger was charged with criminal trespass, stalking , and harassment. Flickinger was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge David Plachko and locked up in Schuylkill County Prison unable to post $35,000 straight cash bail.

Port Carbon police were assisted by te Pottsville Bureau of Police.

Girardville Saint Patrick's Day Parade Cancelled

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On Sunday, a decision was officially made to cancel the 2020 Girardville St. Patrick's Day Parade.

According to parade officials, the 2020 Saint Patrick's Day has been cancelled and will not be rescheduled.

On Thursday, Pottsville's St. Patrick's Day Parade was also cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 concerns.

An official announcement will be made on Monday.

Stay tuned for more updates from Skook News.

Schuylkill County Obituaries for 03/15/2020

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Schuylkill County Obituaries for 03/15/2020

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Michael Wanchick, Jr., 84, passed away peacefully at Seton Manor Nursing Home on Friday, March, 13, 2020.

Michael was born on November 28, 1935 and is the son of the late Michael and Mary (Asember) Wanchick.

He graduated from Pottsville High School, was a former member of St. John’s Slovak Lutheran Church in St. Clair and a current member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Pottsville.

He was employed for many years by Van Heusen in several capacities before owning and operating his own company and garment factory. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed polka dancing.

Michael is survived by a daughter, Deborah, wife of M. Lee Ballenger of Texas, and a sister, Mary Ellen Meagher of Arlington, VA, an aunt, Sue (Dunheimer) Felker of Port Charlotte, FL, Paul Ashembrier and wife Delight of Pottsville, and many cousins, a nephew, nieces, and Godchildren.

The family wishes to extend sincere gratitude to the nurses, doctors, caretakers and staff at Seton Manor for all their exceptional care.

Services will be held 11AM Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at the James E. Humphrey Funeral Home with Pastor Chris Rothharpt of Trinity Lutheran Church officiating. Family and friends are invited to a visitation from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

The family would prefer remembrances in the form of contributions be made in memory of Michael Wanchick to Trinity Lutheran Church, 300 West Arch Street, Pottsville, PA, 17901.

Please share your memories and condolences with Michael's family by signing the guest book at www.jehumphreyfuneralhome.com
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These Obituaries are brought to you by
Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory INC.



UPDATE: Girardville Saint Patrick's Day Postponed Until Further Notice; Possibility of Rescheduling

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An update from Girardville Saint Patrick's Day committee in regards to the event.

The Girardville Saint Patrick's Day Parade was scheduled for Saturday, March 28th, 2020 but due to the ongoing concerns of the COVID-19 virus, parade officials have decided to pull the plug FOR NOW.

According to Joe Wayne, president of the Girardville Ancient Order of Hibernians Jack Kehoe Division 1, "We are going to postpone the parade for now and reassess" said Wayne.

"With the schools closing up until the day before the parade, that's too close, plus what if it goes on longer.  So we will postpone for now" added Wayne.

Wayne also said the concern became greater once neighboring counties were announced to have positive cases of the virus.

"We want to keep our parade participants, those coming in from out of town, and borough residents safe." Wayne said.

Wayne said that the parade committee will meet on Wednesday to further assess and will take it day by day on when and if the parade will be rescheduled or fully cancelled.

Story by J. Reed

Free Lunches Available through Schuylkill County Schools

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The following School Districts have announces free lunches that are available for students around Schuylkill County.
Mahanoy Area - Beginning Wednesday, March 18, 2020, free lunches will be served to our 18 years and younger community at two locations: The Mahanoy Area Transportation parking lot (where buses are parked) and the East End Park from 11:30am-12:30pm. This will be a grab and go type delivery. There will be no congregating to eat and you must exit the property as soon as you are given the lunch. No one is permitted on school grounds while we are closed.

Anyone 18 years or under is able to receive a free lunch...not just Mahanoy Area students.

Pine Grove -  in partnership with Metz Culinary Management will be offering ALL Pine Grove Area School District students a free Grab-N-Go style bagged lunch beginning Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Students do not need to qualify for free or reduced lunch status to participate. 

Free lunches will be distributed from the North End Volunteer Fire Company Parking Lot in Pine Grove as well as the Tremont Borough Building from 11:00am to 1:00pm.

Saint Clair Area School District -  WILL be serving lunches during the 2 weeks we are not in session in the following areas: 
Arnot’s Addition - Cherry Street Parking Lot (11:30am to Noon)
Cumbola - (11:00am to 11:30am)
Middleport - Teener League Field (12:30pm to 1:00pm)
New Philadelphia - Outside Fire House (11:45am to 12:15pm)
Saint Clair School (11am to Noon)

Shenandoah Valley - Grab and go-style lunches will be distributed at the elementary parent drop off area from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. beginning Wednesday

Lunches will include a sandwich, fresh fruit and vegetables and a milk carton. 

Fairlane Village Mall Announces Hour Changes

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The Fairlane Village Mall announces changes to their hours that will be in effect until further notice.

According to the mall, starting Tuesday, March 17th, 2020, the inside access to the mall will change to 10:00am until 6:00pm for Monday through Friday and 10:00am to 5:00pm on Sunday.

These hours only pertain to inside access to the mall, anchors stores will operate on their own independent schedules.

CORONAVIRUS: 13 Additional Positive Cases in Pennsylvania, Zero in Schuylkill County; 76 Statewide

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On Monday, the Department of Health confirmed 13 new positive cases of the COVID-19 virus.


The new cases included:

- 2 in Allegeny County
- 1 in Bucks County
- 6 in Montgomery County
- 2 in Monroe County
- 2 in Philadelphia County

As of March 16th, 2020 at 12:45pm, no cases have been announced within Schuylkill County.

The current tally as of this posting from the Department of Health is


DIocese of Allentown Bishop Cancels Public Masses to Limit Spread of Coronavirus

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On Monday, Bishop Alfred Schlert of the Diocese of Allentown announced that they have decided to cancel all public masses effective immediately.

The cancellations were made to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus.

 The Diocese of Allentown comprises five counties: Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton, and Schuylkill.

According to a press release, the Bishop acknowledged the strong devotion the people have to the Holy Eucharist, and has not made this decision lightly, but rather through prayerful discussion and in cooperation with public health officials.

Priests will continue to offer private Masses for the intentions of the faithful. They will continue to be available for confessions, but schedules may vary. Churches will remain open for extended periods of private prayer. Weddings, funerals and baptisms will continue, but attendance will be limited to family members.

For those that feel strongly about the attending mass, the press release stated that "The Bishop understands this strong connection that individuals have to their faith, but believes that it is in the best interest of all parishioners, and of the public at large, to further limit large gatherings. This is especially true for those of advanced age, or of compromised health, who are most vulnerable."

“This is a time for our priests to be with their people, and to be even closer with them, even though this change seems to distance them from their flocks,” said Bishop Schlert. “Let me assure you that priests will continue to be available to the faithful, and will be creative in the ways they serve the people entrusted to their care.”

Last week, the Bishops of Pennsylvania jointly lifted the obligation for the faithful to attend Saturday Vigil/Sunday Mass during the Coronavirus crisis.

Information Received from a Diocese of Allentown Press Release

Gilberton Man Leads Police in Pursuit on ATV in Pottsville

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A Gilberton man lead police in a pursuit on an ATV in the city of Pottsville on Sunday.


According to the Pennsylvania State Police at Schuylkill Haven on Sunday, March 15th, 2020 around 3:00am, State Troopers attempted to initiate a traffic stop on an ATV, being driven by Tyler Diefenderfer, 19, of Gilberton, in the area of North 16th Street and East Walter Griffiths Avenue.

Diefenderfer made a U turn and accelerated attempting to out run troopers but was arrested and taken into custody at the intersection of Peacock Street and East Walter Griffiths Avenue.


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