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Minor Injuries Reported in Mahanoy Township Crash

June 27, 2020, 12:49 am
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One person suffered minor injuries in a crash in Mahanoy Township early Saturday.

The crash occurred around 12:45am, when the driver of a sedan drove off the roadway and struck several trees on Morea Road.

Mahanoy Township Police were assisted by Ryan Township EMS who evaluated the victim and was said to have only suffered minor injuries.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation by Mahanoy Township Police.



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Neighboring Girardville Brings Supplies to Gilberton Flood Victims

June 27, 2020, 11:08 am
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On Friday evening, Girardville Borough officials dropped off donated supplies for the victims of the Gilberton flooding.

As Gilberton continues the cleanup from flooding two weeks go, the neighboring borough of Girardville dropped off some much needed items Friday evening to help victims move forward.

The items included cleaning supply kits that included gloves, mops, brooms, cleaners, etc. that the victims will be able to use in cleaning up their property.  Canned and boxed food, rags, and clothing was also donated to help replace anything the victims may have lost.

Mayor Zangari announced the drive and has been collected the items at Girardville Borough Hall since Monday, June 22nd, 2020. .  Many organizations including Lowe's and Advanced Auto had reached out and donated to help the cause.

"We are three miles down the road, they are our neighbors, we will do what we can to help our neighbors.  We know if we were in this situation, they would do the same for us" said Zangari.

Zangari also said many of these items may not be needed now but might be needed a month from now.  

Girardville Police as well as the Street Department assisted with the delivery of the items.

Donations are still being accepted at the Girardville Municipal building until July 2nd, 2020 with a 2nd drop off at a later date.  A furniture drive will also be announced.

Anyone wishing to make a monetary donation can do so online through
http://www.GoFundMe.com/GilbertonBorough


















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Power Outage Reported near Tamaqua

June 27, 2020, 2:19 pm
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A power outage affecting hundreds of home has been reported Saturday afternoon.

Around 4:00pm, Saturday, a power outage occurred south of Tamaqua affecting almost 500 homes according to PPL.

Outages have been reported in Tamaqua and Schuylkill Township in the area of Tuscarora.

The cause has been listed as a tripped circuit or blown fuse and power is expected to be restored by 6:30pm.
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Skook News Obituaries for 06/27/2020

June 27, 2020, 9:29 pm
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Skook News Obituaries for 06/27/2020


Obituaries for Schuylkill County and the surrounding areas.

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Anna L. (Annie) Spece passed away peacefully on June 26, 2020 surrounded by her loving family.
Born on September 18, 1943 in Albany, KY, she was the daughter of Joseph and Martha Troxell Weston.

Ann was preceded in death by her husband Tom and her daughter Sharron Van Arkel.

She is survived by her daughter Stephanie Schwartz and her husband Don, her son Thomas Spece Jr. and his wife Andrea, grandchildren, Peightyn Schwartz, Brandyn Spece, Bryana Spece, and Christian and Amanda Updike. She also has 3 great grandchildren.

Ann spent most of her youth in Monticello, KY before moving to Chicago, IL. She was a waitress at a truck stop, where she met her husband Tom, whom she was married to for 55 years and eventually moved to Pottsville to start their family.

Ann learned to cook at age 5 and enjoyed cooking and learning coal region recipes with her own southern touch. Ann made the most of her many talents as she loved to sew, read, paint, work on wood projects, and write poetry. She also opened her own business, Annie's Little Orphans, where she made and repaired dolls from her home.

Ann was also a teacher's aide at the IU 29 in Marlin for over 16 years. While there, she strived to make a difference for others and eventually became regional president of the PSEA Teachers Union.
Ann was an incredible advocate for Native American rights and fought for the removal of Indians as mascots and spoke at many levels of education about the cause. She traced her heritage back to the Tennessee River Band of Chickamauga Cherokee Indians and attended many pow-wow's.

With the help of her daughter Stephanie, they helped coach a Special Olympics dance team. She also delighted crowds at Martz Hall as the original "BB Sting" who was the Pottsville Stingers Professional basketball team's official mascot.

She loved fishing, the outdoors, and watching her children and grandchildren play sports. She often spoke of her last game she attended where she was able to watch her granddaughter, Peightyn, win a District 11 Softball Championship last spring. She will be greatly missed by all.

Following Ann's request, there will be no services. Ann and her husband will be buried at Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, Pa. 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.hlsnyderfuneralhome.com



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LeRoy S. Stoudt, 86, of Pine Grove, passed away on Thursday, June 25, 2020 in St. Joseph's Hospital, Reading.

Born on January 11, 1934 in Pine Grove, he was a son of the late Samuel and Ruth Stager Stoudt.
He was an Army veteran.

LeRoy worked in construction as a Heavy Equipment Operator.

Preceding him in death was his wife, Marie Shomper Stoudt, a grandson Jason Umbenhauer, a step son, Ralph Geist, and a sister, Betty Ann Kreiser.

Surviving are a son, Dennis and wife Marsha Stoudt of Pine Grove; three daughters, Linda and husband Robert Shott, Karen Stoudt, both of Pine Grove, Patti and husband Ray McNeill of Douglas, MA; grandchildren, Brandon, Bobby, Jimmy, Angel, Mike, Cory, Matt and Tiff; many great grandchildren; a step daughter, Diane Umbenhauer of Schuylkill Haven; a brother, Robert Stoudt of Pine Grove; two sisters, Mary Jane "Cookie" Swartzlander of Pine Grove and Eva Mae MacGallicher of Ephrata; his girlfriend Trena Cannell of Iowa.

Graveside Services and interment will be held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery at the convenience of the family. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the American Diabetes Association, P. O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023 in his memory.

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

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Jeannette Hamm, 91, formerly of Port Carbon, passed away on Wednesday at Rosewood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Born on May 4, 1929 in Schoentown, she was a daughter of the late James and Elsie Crowe Gettis. She attended Port Carbon schools.

Preceding her in death were her husband, William J. Hamm, Sr., former director of Schuylkill County Veteran Affairs Office, two sons, Edward Hamm and William J. Hamm, Jr.; two siblings, Elsie Paulis and James Gettis.

She is survived by three children, Robert Hamm, Minersville, Victoria Milillo, Schuylkill Haven, and Deborah Weiss, Orwigsburg. She is also survived by another daughter, Diane Strenkoski Hutnyan, Pottsville; nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held at the family’s convenience at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.

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William S. “Bill” Dower, 81 of Shenandoah passed away on Thursday, June 25, 2020 in Front Royal, Virginia.

Bill was born on May 5th, 1939 in Shenandoah Heights and was raised in Shenandoah by the late Beatrice and Harry Dower.

Bill served in the United States Marine Corps and was proud of his service to his country.

He retired from the trucking industry after more than 25 years of dedicated service.

Bill was a good-natured, kind person who loved spending time with family. He was very fond of dogs and enjoyed watching action movies and playing video games.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 32 years, Elizabeth (McGuire) Dower and his stepdaughter, Nancy Yablonsky.

Surviving are two sons, Daniel Dower and William Dower, both of New Jersey; two step-sons, Mike George and his wife, Ingrid, of Front Royal, Virginia, and Frank George of Shenandoah; granddaughter, Felicia Carter and her husband John of Shenandoah Heights; his beloved sister, Mildred “Millie” Haglund of Greensburg; additional grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Religious services will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at 10:00 am at Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 South Jardin Street, Shenandoah with Monsignor Ronald C. Bocian officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in Annunciation BVM Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights. A viewing will be held on Wednesday morning from 8:30 am until 10:00 am at the funeral home. All CDC and PA Department of Health COVID-19 guidelines will be observed.

Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, Shenandoah is in charge of the arrangements.
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Michael J. Kohr, 53, of Tower City, formerly of Tremont, passed away unexpectedly Friday, at the home he shared with his companion, Heather Hause Eichert.

Born in Pottsville, September 22, 1966, a son of the late Ernest and Catherine Connelly Kohr.

Mike attended Pine Grove Area High School. He was of the Catholic Faith.

He was last employed by Quality Stone, Tower City.

Mike is a member of the Tower City and Pine Grove American Legions; Williamstown and Pine Grove V.F.W. He enjoyed collecting antiques.

Surviving are his three children, Samantha Kohr, Minersville; Chad Kohr, Pine Grove and Zachary Kohr, Minersville; two grandsons, Heath and Bentley; his wife he was separated from, Lorrie Renninger Kohr, Hegins; a step-son, Matthew Fidler, Pine Grove. Numerous friends.

A Celebration of Mike's life will be held Thursday, July 2nd at 7:00 pm from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home, Inc., Tower City with Pastor Annette Shutt. In lieu of flowers donations should be made to the Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc, 644 E. Grand Avenue, Tower City PA 17980 to help with expenses. To send condolences to the family please visit www.dimonfuneralhome.com
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Helen R. Mucha, 94, of Shenandoah, passed away on Thursday evening, June 25th at the Broad Mountain Health & Rehabilitation Center, Frackville.

Born in Shenandoah on October 12th, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Stanley and Rozalia “Delacott” Jedruch.

She worked for many years at the Mahanoy City Cigar Factory as well as a housewife. Helen was a lifelong member of the former St. Casimir’s Church, Shenandoah.

Preceding her in death was her husband, Paul Mucha in 2006, 2 brothers, Edward and Joseph Jedruch, and 3 sisters, Loretta Yasinowich, Stella Komosinsky, and Sophie Klonduck. Helen was the last member of her immediate family.

Surviving are 2 sons, Ronald Mucha with his wife Anna Marie, Frackville, and Jerry Mucha, Shenandoah. Nieces and nephews also survive.

A visitation for family and friends will take place on Tuesday, June 30th from 8:30am to 10am at the Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, 40 N. Jardin St, Shenandoah. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30am in Divine Mercy Parish, 218 W. Cherry St, Shenandoah officiated by Msgr. Ronald Bocian. Burial will follow in St. Casimir’s Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights.
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These Obituaries are brought to you by

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Inaugural LGBTQ+ Festival Advocates Unity, Tolerance, Inclusion, Peace, and Love

June 28, 2020, 8:39 am
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While wearing their pride colors and carrying rainbow flags, hundreds of people visited Pottsville Lions Club Amphitheater at Gen. George A. Joulwan East Side Park on Saturday for the Inaugural LGBTQ+ Festival.

Within a two week period, organizers were able to plan and hold an event that met the qualifications required due to the "Green" COVID-19 pandemic and allow hundreds to attend to advocate, celebrate, and learn about the LGBTQ+ community.

As people entered the event, security counted and limited the number to 250 people inside the park.  Once that limit was reached, additional attendees were required to wait until someone else exited before another could enter. 

Mikaela Gavaletz, of Pottsville, the director of the event, starting planning only two weeks prior in hopes to bring the community together and be entertained.

"The people that I know here in Schuylkill County pointed me in the right direction of the people I needed to talk to and the City [of Pottsville], was more than welcoming and ready for this." said Gavaletz.

Gavaletz said the message for the entire event was "Unity, Tolerance, and Inclusion".

The event included keynote speakers and entertainers from Schuylkill County and the surrounding counties.

Keynote speakers included Maria Sanelli, a professor from Kutztown University, author, Education Consultant and Director of the Frederick Douglass Institute and Dani Kilcullen, a 14 year old representative speaking on behalf of the Trans Youth Community.

Matt Haslam, a Schuylkill County resident and a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ Community also spoke representing the Powered By Rainbows, The Pennsylvania Equality Project and the Schuylkill County LGBTQ Club.

Haslam spoke on the problems that LGBTQ youth face.

"The fact that our kids have to come to a YouTube channel and to the internet to know they are normal instead of their parents or their schools telling them how loved and accepted they are; that’s a big problem we see first-hand every day"said Haslam.

Haslam also spoke on LGBTQ hate crimes that occur every day across the country and even in Schuylkill County.

"One church in Pine Grove put up a rainbow flag outside their parish just last year. That flag was burned and torn by criminals. It was then replaced and then burned again. So, the church replaced it again in a higher spot to ensure its safety." said Haslam.

Haslam also said more needs to be done in terms reporting hate crimes, " The FBI reports that a majority of things which could be classified as a hate crime, aren’t reported to any office higher than your local police station. And for the hate crimes which are reported, 17.6% of them in 2017 were against LGBTQ people and that percentage has only risen in the 3 years since then."

Haslam said though, he has hope, "LGBTQ people are everywhere but until now, we didn’t celebrate our Pride in Schuylkill County. And after today, we can all say that we were a part of history. And better yet, we’re on the right side of that history."

Between keynote speakers for the event, the over 500 attendees that visited the park throughout the day danced in the rain and were entertained by over a dozen different drag queens and kings that had the crowd dancing right along with them.

Moving beyond Saturday, Gaveletz said she hopes to make it an annual event and also form a non-profit to help the parents of trans youth in the community.

Video of the Festival will be made available through Haslam's YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrSVc3he0AQD_CEqOIVdvyg
Photos and Story by J. Reed




















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Clinic "Kicks It" for High School Football Players

June 28, 2020, 6:33 pm
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On Sunday afternoon, a special football clinic was held in Ashland for High School football players from around the area.

The clinic was organized and coached by "Kick It", owner and operator, Coach John Zima.  

The Kick It Program provides individual and group kicking and punting coaches for middle school, high school, and college athletes.

Sunday's clinic, which was held at Memorial Field in Ashland was open to athletes from 8th Grade through 12th Grade.

The clinic covered the fundamentals of special teams kicking for kickoffs, field goals, and punting.

Twelve athletes took part in the clinic from as close as North Schuylkill and as far as Bucks County.

Coach Zima has coached hundreds of athletes through his program covering Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Maryland and has coached several nominated All State and Big 33 kickers and punters.


















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Skook News Obituaries for 06/28/2020

June 28, 2020, 9:13 pm
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Skook News Obituaries for 06/28/2020


Obituaries for Schuylkill County and the surrounding areas.

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Dolores Ann Verse, 96, passed away Saturday at Rosewood Nursing Home, Schuylkill Haven.

Dolores was born on Sunbury St in Minersville on April 27, 1924 to the late Jennie F. (Nichael) Ferns and John I Ferns, proprietor of the Hollywood bar in Minersville and a former Schuylkill County Detective.

Graduating from Minersville High School in 1942, Dolores attended the University of Pennsylvania and then graduated in June 1944 from New York’s fashion Institute of Technology with a degree in Fashion Merchandising. Spending WWII in New York City, “the town that never sleeps” she worked at Lane Bryant and the Pennsylvania Railroad, routing troops coming home on leave in addition to doing fashion modeling. After the War she became showroom manager for General Curtain, one of the leading suppliers of draperies to store chains at the time.

On June 10, 1946 Dolores married her high school sweetheart the late

Leo C. (Wierzchosky) Verse, also of Minersville. Daughter Val, was born in 1959.

Following Leo’s death in 1967, Dolores worked at the Schuylkill County Registration Bureau at the Court House. In 1969, she took a position in the Business Office at Rest Haven where she worked until her retirement in 1992 having served Schuylkill County for a total of 25 years.

After living many years in Schuylkill Haven, Dolores moved the family home to Sunbury St in Minersville in 1983. She was determined to do it her way for as long as she could…….and she did, making almost daily trips to the Fairlane and Frackville Malls where she became a fixture until becoming partially disabled in 2004.

If anything, no one can deny that Dolores loved to shop. But perhaps more than that, she loved her collection of “Kissing Figures” which she began in the 1950’s and at the end numbered over 1100.. During this period she also suffered the loss of her older brother, Col. John R. Ferns of Princeton, N.J.

After a severe fall in 2009 which permanently confined her to a wheelchair, Dolores became a resident of Rest Haven, now Rosewood, in Schuylkill Haven, the place where she had worked for so many years. She loved the activities, particularly Bingo, becoming annoyed any time she was late.

She is survived by a daughter, Val verse, of Chesterbrook, Pa., “adopted son” Dave Anderson also of Chesterbrook, Pa. and grand-cat Poof Verse.

A Funeral Service will be held Thursday at 11AM at the Donald J. Butler Funeral Home, 328 Sunbury St. Minersville. Relatives and friends may call at the Funeral Home form 8AM until the time of the service. Interment will be in Mt. Peace Cemetery, Minersville.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer remembrances of Dolores in the form of contributions to the Hillside SPCA, P.O. Box 233, 51 SPCA Road, Pottsville, pa. 17901. Contributions will also be accepted at the Funeral Home.

To offer condolences to the family or to light a candle in Dolores’s memory, visit us at www.donaldjbutlerfh.com

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Wanda Fishburn, 78, of Ashland, passed away June 28th at the Schuylkill Center, Pottsville. Visit www.Fritzfuneralhome.com. The Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home will announce funeral arrangements.

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Tractor Trailer Overturns Spilling Paint Along Interstate 81 in Lebanon County

June 28, 2020, 9:56 pm
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Early Sunday, a crash on Interstate 81 left a mess in Lebanon County.

According to the Pennsylvania State Police at Lebanon, the crash occurred around 6:00am in the northbound lanes of Interstate 81 near mile marker 86 near the Indiantown Gap Exit.

Troopers say the crash occurred when a bird flew into the cab of a Sherwin Williams tractor trailer driven by Khayri Wallace, 31, of Baltimore.

Wallace lost control of the tractor trailer overturning it in the median spilling paint.  The tractor trailer came to a rest on it's driver's side.

Wallace reportedly suffered minor injuries in the crash and was taken to Hershey Medical Center.

The tractor trailer was towed from the scene by H & S Trucking Service.

Interstate 81 northbound was closed in the area of the crash during cleanup.

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Ringtown Library Announces New Innovative Program to Engage Families to Get Outdoors and Read

June 29, 2020, 11:43 am
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On Monday, the Ringtown Area Library unveiled it’s first ever StoryWalk© for all to enjoy.

StoryWalk® is an innovative and delightful way for children and adults to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. Laminated pages of a children’s book are attached to stakes and installed along a walking path, in a park, or in our case in a grassy area along the border of St. John’s Lutheran Church parking lot located behind the church at 106 W. Main Street, Ringtown. 

The StoryWalk® concept was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and has developed with the help of Rachel Senechal of Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalks® have been gaining in popularity and are popping up in communities all across the country. 

The Ringtown Area Library was awarded a grant from the Schuylkill Area Community Foundation to bring this concept to northern Schuylkill County. The library plans to display at least 3 different stories in 3 different locations around the Ringtown Valley during the course of this summer. 

Most stories feature an active element to encourage kids and families to act out the motions of the story. Follow the library’s Facebook page for updates on when and where upcoming StoryWalks® will occur. 

Each story will be available for a period of 1 to 2 weeks to allow families ample time to get out and enjoy this active literacy outreach effort. 

Currently, families can enjoy "Bounce: from June 29th through July 3rd and again from July 6th – 11th.

Photos and Information Submitted by the Ringtown Area Library.

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TRAFFIC ALERT: Pottsy Hill Closed Monday Afternoon Due to a Disabled Tractor Trailer

June 29, 2020, 12:00 pm
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As of 3:00pm, Monday, The Pottsy Hill is closed near Mahanoy City.

East Spruce/Mahanoy City Road was closed around 2:50pm, Monday, for a disabled tractor trailer that blocking one of the lanes.

Mahanoy City Fire Police and Fire Department have been called to close the road and Mahanoy Township Police are at the scene.
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Pursuit Involving Tractor Trailer Begins near Frackville; Incident Ongoing near Hazleton

June 29, 2020, 1:53 pm
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A pursuit involving a tractor trailer began near Frackville on Monday afternoon.

Very little details are available as of 4:30pm, but a pursuit involving a tractor trailer began near Frackville.  The suspect was able to detach the "Western Express" trailer on Route 61 southbound in West Mahanoy Township near Frackville.

The suspect fled northbound on Interstate 81 and exited near McAdoo.  The chase led into Carbon County and back towards Hazleton.

As of 4:30pm, the suspect was being held up in Hazleton.

As for the trailer, law enforcement was West Mahanoy Township Police and State Troopers were standing by with the trailer along Route 61.

We will update you as information is confirmed and is available.
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Geisinger St. Luke’s Medical Office Building Now Open in Orwigsburg

June 29, 2020, 3:30 pm
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The Geisinger St. Luke’s medical office building on the Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital campus is now open, offering additional space to continue providing care closer to home for residents of Schuylkill and Berks counties.
The medical office building officially opened its doors Monday morning. Located at 1165 Centre Turnpike, Orwigsburg, the 37,216 square foot, 3-story building is the latest investment in patient care for the area.

The specialty services in the building complement those at Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital. The building’s first level includes imaging and walk-in X-ray services; spine and pain care; sports medicine; and orthopedics services. The second level includes cardiology, gynecology, and pulmonary and critical care services. The doctors and advanced practitioners offering these services are employees of the Geisinger St. Luke’s joint venture.

“As more of our neighbors choose Geisinger St. Luke’s for their care, we’re continuing to invest in technology and services to advance care and better our community’s health,” said Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital President Gabe Kamarousky. “The specialty services inside the medical office building are going to make it easier for our patients to manage health care closer to home.”

A state-of-the-art 3-D breast imaging system from GE Healthcare is among the technology available in the medical office building. Housed inside a SensorySuite to ease anxiety, the mammography system allows women to adjust compression during their mammogram, providing more control and offering a more comfortable experience. Walk-in X-ray services are available now, with the additional imaging services beginning in early July.

Appointments are now available for all services in the medical office building. Call 272-639-5130 or visit geisingerstlukes.org for more information.
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CRIMESTOPPERS: State Troopers and Butler Township Police Asking for Help Locating Schuylkill County Man Missing for Two Weeks

June 29, 2020, 3:59 pm
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The Pennsylvania State Police Troop L – Frackville and Butler Twp. Police are investigating the missing person of Josh Phillippy from Main Street, Ashland, the Village of Lavelle, Butler Township.

Phillippy was last seen on Tuesday 06/16/20 around 11:30pm. Phillippy is believed to be driving a 1996, purple, GMC Jimmy with a red hood. A registration plate is unknown. 

Phillippy left the residence leaving behind his cellphone and wallet. 

Phillippy is described as 22 years old, 5’10” weighing 190lbs, Brown eyes, with Collar Length Brown Hair, and Muscular build.

Phillippy was last seen wearing blue jeans and a maroon in color “Bethel” fire department t-shirt and brown boots. 

Phillippy has multiple tattoos; peace sign on back, playboy bunny on left shoulder and “Hunter Leo Phillippy” on right arm. 

Any persons with information regarding the whereabouts of Phillippy are asked to contact the PSP Frackville Station, 570-874-5300 and speak with Tpr. Tray or you can call the Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers if you have information on this crime, any serious crime, or wanted person, call the Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers Toll Free at 1-800-4PA-TIPS (8477) or online at https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=107 All callers remain anonymous and could be eligible for a CASH REWARD for information that leads to an arrest, the solving of a crime/cold case or the location of a wanted fugitive or missing persons. All information is accurate as of 06/29/2020.


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Suspect Dead in Pursuit that Began in Schuylkill County and Led to Standoff in Hazleton

June 29, 2020, 7:05 pm
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The suspect in a pursuit that began in Schuylkill County on Monday is dead after a standoff in Hazleton.

Pennsylvania State Trooper and Public Information Officer Anthony Petroski confirmed late Monday that the suspect is deceased.

The incident began Monday afternoon near Frackville where the pursuit began with the suspect in a tractor trailer, who led police north on Interstate 81, through McAdoo and eventually into Hazleton.

The pursuit ended at the intersection of Beech and Vine Street, in Hazleton where the standoff began between police and the suspect.  

By 8:00pm, Monday, gunshots could be heard from the scene, but no information was available on who was firing the shots.

State Police are continuing to investigate the incident.  The identity of the suspect has not been released at this time.

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Skook News Obituaries for 06/29/2020

June 30, 2020, 6:36 am
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Skook News Obituaries for 06/29/2020


Obituaries for Schuylkill County and the surrounding areas.

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Georgine A. O’Brien, 69, of Minersville, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday at her home.

Born on January 18, 1951 in Pottsville, she was the daughter of the late George and Ann Kellman Kairitis. She was a 1968 graduate of Minersville Area High School and attended Goldey-Beacom College. She first worked in the local garment industry, and later worked at the former Hamburg Center.

She was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Church, Minersville. She was also active with the Sunny Rod and Gun Club, Brier City.

Preceding her in death was her brother, Joseph Kairitis, in 1996.

Georgine is survived her husband of 32 years, Eugene F. O’Brien; two children, Shawn O’Brien, Minersville, and Kelly Lipshaw, Port Carbon; three grandchildren, Taylor O’Brien, Devin Lipshaw and Kaylin Lipshaw; a nephew, Jacob “Jake” Kairitis, Heckscherville, and a niece, Michelle Kairitis O’Brien, Minersville; three great-nephews.

Arrangements are incomplete.

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Crystal L. Rausch, 50, of Pottsville, passed away suddenly Saturday, June 20, in Foster Township.

Born Dec. 27, 1969, in Pottsville, she was a daughter of Mary L. (Lengle) Donton, Orwigsburg, and Milton Rausch.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Russell and Helen Rausch.

Crystal is survived by two daughters, Nicole Rose, of Ada, Ohio, Jessica, wife of William Rovinsky, of Marion Heights; a son, Dakota Rausch, of Marion Heights; grandchildren Zander, Jordan, Aubree, Kinsey, Remy, Layla and Harley; brothers, Cory Rausch, husband of Jayne, Auburn, and Frank Donton, husband of Jamie, Auburn; sisters, Cathy Rausch, New Ringgold, and Rebecca Carpenter, wife of Brian, Harleysville; nieces and nephews.

Services and interment will be held privately.

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State Police Major Case Team Investigating Officer-Involved Shooting After Pursuit through Schuylkill, Luzerne Counties and Standoff

June 30, 2020, 6:50 am
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The Pennsylvania State Police Troop N Major Case team is investigating the officer-involved shooting that occurred after a pursuit and standoff in Hazleton late Monday.

According to the Pennsylvania State Police at Hazleton, on June 29th, 2020, the US Marshal Eastern District of Pennsylvania and Technical Operations Group were tasked with attempting to locate and arrest a Wade Russell Meisberger, 48, from Whiteland, IN for a homicide probation violation.

The task force members executed a traffic stop of a tractor trailer believed to be transporting suspect as it entered Interstate 81 from Exit 124 in West Mahanoy Township near Frackville.

The truck stopped, the driver exited, and the passenger remained in the vehicle.  The officers confirmed the passenger was the suspect they were looking for, however he refused to exit the vehicle and fled the traffic stop.

Troopers from the Pennsylvania State Police from Frackville and Hazleton became involved the pursuit that followed through many communities in Schuylkill and Luzerne Counties.

Attempts to disable to fleeing tractor trailer failed and the suspect eventually fled into Hazleton to an area near the Beech Street Hockey Rink in the city where he became stuck in a grassy area.

Officers created a perimeter around the truck and requested assistance from the Pennsylvania State Police Special Emergency Response Team.

During the 3-hour standoff, the suspect refused to surrender and intermittently fired weapons toward State Troopers.

Around 9:00pm, the suspect was shot and killed by a police officer.

The Pennsylvania State Police with assistance from the Luzerne County District Attorney's office are continuing to investigate the shooting.


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Pennsylvania L& I Extends Unemployment Compensation Benefits for 13 More Weeks

June 30, 2020, 9:10 am
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On Tuesday, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Jerry Oleksiak announced that people who exhaust their regular unemployment compensation (UC) and federal Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) may now qualify for 13 additional weeks of payments through the state's Unemployment Compensation Extended Benefits program.

Extended Benefits (EB) are additional UC benefits payable to qualified workers whenever the state's unemployment rate reaches a certain level determined by law. The last time the EB program was triggered in Pennsylvania was 2009.

The current EB period began May 3, 2020, but benefits are not payable until an individual has exhausted PEUC benefits. EB payments will begin with the week ending July 4, 2020 and are payable only for weeks of unemployment during an EB period.

Important information about the EB program follows and will be sent by mail to all individuals who potentially qualify for the additional benefits.

Eligibility

You may be eligible for EB if:
  • You are totally or partially unemployed;
  • You have exhausted your regular state benefits on your most recent UC claim, or your most recent UC benefit year has ended; and
  • You have received the maximum amount of PEUC that you were eligible to receive.
Additional eligibility information is available here.

How to Receive EB
  • If you collect the maximum amount of PEUC that you are eligible to receive, an EB Notice of Financial Determination will be mailed to you.
  • You must complete your weekly EB online certification in order to claim EB for weeks that you are totally or partially unemployed.
  • Each EB online certification corresponds to one specific week, as indicated on the web form. Individuals who opt to use paper claim forms should only use the form that is specifically dated for the week of unemployment you are claiming.
  • If you do not receive your Financial Determination within two weeks after you receive your final PEUC payment, call the UC Service Center at 1-888-313-7284.
EB Weekly Benefit Amount
  • EB weekly benefit payments are the same as regular UC.
  • The total amount of EB that you may receive is 50 percent of the amount of regular UC you were financially eligible to receive on your most recent claim. Example:
  • If you were financially eligible for 26 weeks of regular UC, you may receive up to 13 weeks of EB.
  • There is an additional wage test for EB eligibility, so not all individuals will financially qualify.
  • EB may only be paid for weeks ending during an EB period.
  • If you are entitled to Trade Readjustment Allowances, you may receive fewer weeks of EB.
Information posted from a Pennsylvania Labor and Industry Press Release
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Investigation Finds that Schuylkill County Commissioner Violated 3 County Policies

June 30, 2020, 11:29 am
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The Schuylkill County Solicitors office has released the findings of an investigation into "serious" allegations against Schuylkill County Commissioner George Halcovage.

Last Friday, in a statement released by Schuylkill County First Assistant County Solicitor and Risk Manager Glenn T. Roth Jr. Esq., "We have received serious allegations against Commissioner Halcovage. We have just completed our investigation. Many of the allegations appear credible. We expect to make a public statement next week."

On Tuesday afternoon, the Solicitors issued a brief press release concerning the allegations.

In the press release, dated June 3rd, 2020, it stated that on the morning of Friday, May 22nd, 2020, the Schuylkill County Human Resources Director, Deborah Twigg, received serious allegations against Commissioner Halcovage including claims of sexual harassment concerning several female County Employees.  

The County was notified that one employee in particular retained counsel and the County was directed that all questions should be directed to her attorney.

After receiving the allegations, County Administrator Gary Bender was notified and the Human Resources Office was immediately directed to conduct an internal investigation into the allegations in accordance with the County’s Policies and Procedures. 

Interviews into the allegations were reportedly conducted that day.

The County then informed Commissioner Halcovage that the allegations were made against him. 
Commissioners Hess and Hetherington were also notified of the allegations. 

After the initial interviews took place, the Administrator directed Human Resources and the County’s First Assistant County Solicitor/ Risk Manager, Glenn Roth, Esquire to conduct the remainder of the interviews. 

The press release also stated that "The County took certain steps to accommodate the Employees to ensure that they felt comfortable in the workplace including directing Commissioner Halcovage to not have contact with the Employees. "

Commissioner Halcovage informed the Human Resources Office that he had retained an attorney and an interview took place with Commissioner Halcovage and his attorney on June 10, 2020. 

On June 16, 2020, HR Director Twigg and Solicitor Roth interviewed the County employee making the most serious allegations along with her attorney. 

A follow-up interview with Commissioner Halcovage and his counsel occurred on June 23, 2020. 

During the interviews of Commissioner Halcovage, he was questioned regarding specific allegations made against him by the Employees. 

"While many of the allegations made by the Employees were denied by Commissioner Halcovage, it is apparent, based on the County’s internal investigation, that Mr. Halcovage has violated the Sexual Harassment Policy #2005-18 (Revised September 2013), the Conduct and Disciplinary Action Policy #2005-19; and the Physical and Verbal Abuse Policy #2007-02 (Revised March, 2007).

It was noted that no complaints were made against Commissioner Halcovage by any of the Employees prior to May 22, 2020. 

According to the press release, as with any other allegation  involving County personnel, the County conducted its internal investigation through the Human Resources Office.  The investigation was said to have been conducted as expeditiously as possible but took some time given the number of interviews that needed to be conducted and that there were multiple attorneys involved. 

Also according to the press release, neither County Administration nor other county commissioners may discipline a fellow county commissioner or remove him from office absent criminal conviction or impeachment. Given that this incident does involve personnel, involves multiple attorneys, and may proceed to litigation, the County may not provide specific details of the allegations made by the Employees or the specific findings of the internal investigation.

It also noted that if this investigation involved a County department head, the department head would be suspended immediately pending investigation followed by a recommendation of employment termination.

Commissioner Halcovage was not available for comment on the matter.
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Two Shenandoah Police Officers Injured After Man Charges at Them

June 30, 2020, 12:38 pm
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A man is custody and two Shenandoah Police officers suffered minor injuries after an incident Tuesday morning.

According to Shenandoah Police, on Tuesday, June 30th, 2020 around 10:15am, police were dispatched to the 100 block of West Washington Street for a disturbance. Officers were advised of a male walking around in the area screaming.

As police responded, officers located a male identified as Randy Gelbutis, 50, of Shenandoah, at the intersection of North Jardin and West Washington Streets carrying a large table lamp in his one hand and was yelling at officers.

Officer gave Gelbutis verbal commands to drop the lamp where he complied and put the lamp down in the street.

Gelbutis then began to yell random words and charged at the two Shenandoah Officers.

Gelbutis then grabbed the lamp from the ground and threw it at the officers.

The Shenandoah Officers called for back up to help take Gelbutis into custody as he continued to fight by kicking and biting the officers as they attempted to take him into custody.

Police officers from West Mahanoy Township, Ringtown, Frackville, Mahanoy City, and Mahanoy Township arrived and assisted Shenandoah Police.

Gelbutis was charged with 2 counts Aggravated Assault, 2 Counts Simple Assault, Reckless Endangering another person, Resisting Arrest, Public Drunk, Disorderly conduct and arraigned by Magisterial Judge Kilker who set bail at $25,000 straight cash.  He was then locked up in Schuylkill County Prison unable to post bail.

Two Shenandoah Police officers received minor injuries during the arrest.

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Shenandoah Ice Cream Parlor Raises $2,500 for Jaden Leiby

June 30, 2020, 2:01 pm
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On Tuesday, the Chill Out Ice Cream Parlor and Snack Shop, Shenandoah, donated the money it raised during a campaign to Jaden Leiby.

Jaden Leiby, who was the senior Quarterback for North Schuylkill at the time, had been seriously injured during a high school football game in October of 2019. The accident has left Leiby wheelchair-bound through his recovery.

Since then, Leiby has graduated high school, but while a student and football player, he would make at least one stop a day after practice at Chill Out for ice cream in Shenandoah.

The owners of Chill Out, Anna Marie and Bob Decusky, wanted to give back to Jaden and help him through his recovery.

In early June, they held a special campaign where anyone who bought their "Camp Fire" Sundae, the proceeds would be donated to Leiby.

According to the Decuskys, 402 sundaes were sold, plus monetary donations, the campaign raised $2,500.

On Tuesday afternoon, a check was presented to Leiby by the Decuskys, their daughter Melissa Wentz and her two sons Chase and Bryce, and Chill Out employees Abby Conroy, and Abbey Digris.

During the check presentation, Jaden's brother Jake Green, sister Rachel Green, and Jaden's girlfriend Haylee Dyszel joined.

"Jaden and his friends came here all through high school.  These courteous kids struck our hearts." said Anna Marie Decusky.

"Our grandson loves to see Jaden.  He doesn't even call him Jaden Leiby anymore, he just calls him Jaden Strong." added Decusky.

Leiby says he feels good and continues his rehab at home 6 days a week with help.

"I've been feeling better, working hard everyday" said Leiby.

Leiby says he loves Chill Out and appreciates their support.

"Last summer, we were here almost everyday after football.  Maybe even twice a day.  And it wasn't always about the ice cream.  They put a smile on your face everytime you walked in and they were nice people to talk to you.  When she [Anna Marie] came up to me and told me about the fundraiser, my jaw dropped.  They are honestly the nicest people around.  I was very surprised and just very thankful that they did this." added Leiby.

Story and Photos by J. Reed



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