Minersville Area's Abby Adams Scores 1,000th Assist
Skook News Obituaries: October 7th, 2020
Robert W. Edwards, 94, of Schuylkill Center Pottsville , PA, formerly of Summit Station passed away Tuesday, October 6th, at Schuylkill Center, Pottsville.
He was the widower of Helen(Fessler) Edwards who died in 2002. Also preceded in death by a son Robert A. who died in 2020.
Graveside services will be held 10:30 am on Friday, October 9th at Summerhill Cemetery with Kenneth McDowell officiating.
Patricia A. Barro Dobilas Boran, 79 of Pottsville passed away Tuesday October 6, 2020 at Seton Manor Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.
Born October 2, 1941 in Washington D.C., she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Adele Butcavage Dobilas.
She was a member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville, Schuylkill County Quilters Guild, and volunteered at the Pottsville Free Public Library.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Patrick J. Boran.
She is survived by her daughters, Patricia A. Lanz wife of Todd and Denise M. Boran-Comeau, and grandson, John A. Comeau. She is also survived by her feline friends, Suzie & Boots.
Funeral services will be held 11AM on Saturday, October 10, 2020 at Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home, 515 W. Market St., Pottsville. Family and friends may call from 9AM until the time of the service at the funeral home. Interment will be held at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven.
Please visit SchlitzerAllenPugh.com to leave a condolence for the Boran family.
Anthony J. "Tony" Benedict, Sr., 86, of Pottsville, passed away on Monday morning in his residence with his family by his side.
Born in Palo Alto, on August 31, 1934, he was a son of the late Nunzio and Mary (Pignattelli ) Benedict.
Tony was a graduate of St. Stephen's High School, Port Carbon and a member of Grace Evangelical Free Church, Cressona.
He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Era.
Tony, also known as Mr. B., was a well known self-employed businessman in the Pottsville Community. He was co-owner of the Bur-Ben, in "Downtown" Llewellyn for several years; a manager at the Necho Allen Hotel for 10 years; and then in 1977 he purchased Pottsville Moving and Storage ; retiring in 2005.
He was a former member of the Pottsville Rotary Club and Pottsville Club.
Tony was an avid golfer. He loved his God and family.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a sister, Ada Tassone.
Tony is survived by his wife, Joan (Jelus) Benedict, to whom he was married 59 years;
two sons: Anthony J. Benedict Jr., of Tempe, AZ; and Marc Benedict, of Pottsville.
Funeral Services with military honors will be held on Saturday, October 10th at 11:00 a.m. at Lord-Bixler Funeral Home, Inc., 1818 Mahantongo St., Pottsville, with Rev. Randy Ott officiating. A viewing will be held from 9:30 a.m. until time of service in the funeral home.
Interment in Charles Baber Cemetery will be private at the convenience of the family.
The family request contributions in Tony's memory be sent to: Hillside SPCA, P.O. Box 233, Pottsville, PA 17901 or Grace Evangelical Free Church Memorial Fund, 1010 Graeff St., Cressona, PA 17929.
Lord-Bixler Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be expressed at lordbixler.com
Timothy G. Tobin, 80, Gilberton, passed away peacefully Monday October 5th at Geisinger Medical Center.
Born in Turtle Creek, PA, he was a son of the late Richard and Alta Bateman Tobin. Although driving truck was a passion of his, traveling and exploring each state on the way, was a bonus to his job. In addition to driving truck, he worked as a mechanic, a foreman for various coal companies and he was a part of the construction of the Lehigh Tunnel.
Tobin was a United States Army Veteran. He dedicated his life to his family and was active in his children and grandchildren’s sports careers. He was involved in the Frackville Little League and Mountaineer Football programs.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Marie McCabe Tobin in 1999 and his sister Ida Rudy.
He is survived by his four children: Annette and her husband John Purnell, Numidia; Timothy J. and his wife Sharon Tobin, Fountain Springs; John and his wife Kelly Tobin, West Reading; Jeanette Tobin, Gordon; his two brothers: Jack Tobin, California and Jerry Tobin, Oregon; his five grandchildren: Spencer and Caleb Tobin; Madison, Jaxson and Jenson Purnell; several nieces and nephews.
Private funeral services and interment with military honors will be held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made, in Tim’s name, to the Potocki-Lupski Syndrome Outreach Foundation (PTLS) at PO Box 250245 Plano, TX 75025.
Dolly M Klouser, age 85, formerly of Grove Drive, Hegins, passed away Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at the home of her daughter in Pitman.
She was born on Monday, February 25, 1935, in Hegins, a daughter of the late Clarence Knorr and the late Alverta Snyder Knorr.
She was a graduate of the former Hegins Twp High School.
Dolly was a seamstress in area garment factories and then worked for the former Penn Reel, Hegins, until her retirement.
She was a member of Friedens United Church of Christ, Hegins.
Dolly enjoyed sewing, shopping, and spending time with her family. She was very grateful for the care she received from the staff at Davitas of Frackville, the STS staff, and all of the nurses and aids that gave her excellent care.
Her husband, Eugene L Klouser, passed away in 2000. She was also preceded in death by her parents; by four brothers, Marlin, Leroy, Robert, and Elwood Knorr; and six sisters, Myrtle Herring, Hilda Stutzman, Vilolet Knorr, Pearl Bruso, Peggy Schneck, and Betty Depres.
She is survived by a daughter, Brenda J Knock and her husband Keith of Pitman; three grandsons, Shaun Stehr and his wife Tina of Orwigsburg, Chad Stehr and his wife April of Frackville, and Derek Stehr and his wife Amanda of Hegins; a granddaughter, Tiffany Stehr of Pitman; two step grandsons, Matthew Knock and his wife Lauren of Weatherly and Mark Knock and his companion Rebecca Clatch of Drums; eleven great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at Friedens United Church of Christ, Hegins, on Wednesday, October 14, 2020, at 11:00 am, with Rev. Michael C Klahr officiating.
A viewing will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Wednesday at the church.
Burial will be made in Friedens Cemetery, Hegins.
Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Valley View, is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences can be left for the family at www.buffingtonreed.com.
Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill Announces Visitation Limitations Due to Rise in COVID-19 Cases

LVH-Schuylkill is open and continues to accept patients. However, the safety of our patients and staff is our priority. That is why we also are conducting COVID-19 testing among our staff, physicians and others who interact with staff to ensure the safety of our patients, staff and the community.
Effective Thursday, October 8 at noon, we are limiting visitation to only the following visitors:
• Visitation of a patient nearing the end of life
• One coach or partner per patient on labor and delivery unit
• One parent/Guardian at a time for pediatric patients
• One visitor to accompany patients for hospital discharge
• One visitor for patients undergoing same-day surgeries and procedures
• One visitor per patient in the Emergency Department
• No child under age 12 is permitted to visit in the hospital.
For all outpatient appointments, one visitor is permitted to accompany a patient for an outpatient appointment, procedure, same-day surgery or LVPG office visit. We will make reasonable accommodations for pediatric visits, provided any sibling visitors are in good health. Visitors allowed by exception must be in good health and are subject to a health screening.
LVH–Schuylkill leadership is not aware of any confirmed caregiver-to-patient exposure because of the use of required PPE precautions. However, patients who had contact with any staff member who has tested positive for COVID-19 are being offered testing.
Mrs. T's Celebrates National Pierogy Day in Shenandoah
In it's 12th year, Mrs. T's Pierogies and Ateeco Inc. marked the holiday with a raising of the Pierogy Flag at Shenandoah Borough Hall.
Typically, pierogy fans are allowed to attend the event but due to COVID-19, the company opted not to publicize the event but still wanted to keep the tradition alive in Shenandoah.
Mrs. T's did give away 10,000 boxes of pierogies starting at midnight on Thursday to customers that went to their web site. All 10,000 boxes were gone by midday Thursday.
Those attending the event included President of Ateeco Inc. Tom Twardzik, his brother Tim Twardzik, Tim's wife Carol and son Ryan and dog Watson, and Mrs. T's staff members Chris Dende, Alyssa Burney, and Meghan Heim.
Dende emceed the flag raising and spoke about Mrs. T's founder, Ted Twardzik, and how 68 years ago had the vision of starting the company after seeing people standing in line at a church festival and how the pierogie always brings people together.
After the flag raising, Tom Twardzik said "National Pierogy Day is such a wonderful day for us. We are having so much fun with this which is really what it is about. It's great to have people think of us and smile."
We also asked Twardzik what he thought his mom and late dad would say today on how far the company has come and he said "My dad always knew we were blessed with support and so many people getting behind it. Many people work so hard to keep the tradition of making really good pierogies."
Twardzik referenced his mother and stated "She loves being the reigning Mrs. T's. She really does. She is proud of what her husband was able to accomplish and what her sons were able to do with the help of ALOT of people".
Blue Mountain and North Schuylkill Announce Quarantines After Tests Come Back Positive for COVID-19
Recently the Blue Mountain School District and North Schuylkill School District announced students and staff will be quarantined after a positive case of COVID-19.
With the increase of positive cases climbing in Schuylkill County, school districts are doing their due diligence to keep families informed after COVID-19 cases come back positive within their student body and staff.
On Wednesday, Blue Mountain announced that a Middle School student had tested positive the day before. Through extensive contact tracing conducted by administration, the nursing department, and the Pennsylvania Department of Health resulted in 23 people being placed under quarantine.
On Thursday, Blue Mountain announced another positive test after a staff member that works in all three elementary schools tested positive Wednesday, October 7, 2020. The district said the staff member had limited interaction with students. Extensive contact tracing conducted by administration, the nursing department, and the Pennsylvania Department of Health resulted in 8 students being placed under quarantine.
Also on Thursday, the North Schuylkill School District also announced a positive test at their high school. Extensive contact tracing conducted by administration, the nursing department, and the Pennsylvania Department of Health resulted in 39 students being placed under quarantine.
Both districts have not announced any changes to their schedules as a result. Stay tuned for more information.
Skook News Obituaries: October 8th, 2020
June Lorraine Stutzman, age 91, a resident of Green Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation of Pottsville, passed away peacefully Wednesday, October 7, 2020 surrounded by her family.
She was born on April 30, 1929 in Spring Glen, a daughter the late of Thomas and Tillie Welker Wolfgang.
June was a graduate of the former Hubley Twp High School .
Burial will be made in St. Mark's Cemetery, Spring Glen.
Timothy G. Ditzler, 59, of Grist Mill Rd., Schuylkill Haven, passed away on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at home surrounded by his family.
Born on December 9, 1960 in Del Rio, TX, he was a son of Janet Brown Ditzler of Pine Grove and the late George Ditzler.
He was a 1978 graduate of Pine Grove High School and attended South Schuylkill Technology Center.
Timothy was a Corporal in the Marine Corp.
He was lead of the carpentry shop at the Lebanon VA Medical Center.
He was an avid fisherman, loved woodworking, working on cars, spending time with his family and walking on the beach with his wife.
Surviving, in addition to his mother, are his wife of 40 years, Linda Ilgenfritz Ditzler; a daughter, Bonnie and husband Chad Korell of Auburn; two sons, Andru and wife Stephanie Ditzler of Auburn, Andreas and wife Krystal Garcia of Virginia; four grandchildren, Isabella and Julia Korell, Aedyn and Carter Ditzler, all of Auburn; a sister, Belinda and husband Christopher Shade of Pine Grove.
There will be a viewing on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 from 9:00 A.M. until 11:30 A.M. at the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove. Funeral Services will be held at the convenience of the family with Chaplain Douglas Etter officiating. Burial will be in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the McGlinn Cancer Center, 420 S. 5th Ave. West Reading, Pa. 19611 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
Allen E. "Buddy" Sweigert Jr., of Myrtle Beach, SC, formerly of Cressona, PA, passed away at Myrtle Beach, SC, on July 1st, 2020.
Allen was born in Pottsville, PA, on January 22, 1947, a son of the late Catherine S. (Kline) and Allen E. Sweigert, Sr.
Al retired from Schuylkill Haven Borough after 26 years of service as a meter reader. He was also a member and bartender at the East Ward Social Club in Schuylkill Haven.
He was a graduate of Blue Mountain High School Class of 1965 and a member of St. Marks, United Church of Christ in Cressona.
He was a very quiet yet caring man. He loved his Baseball and was an avid collector of Baseball Cards. He could tell you stories and interesting trivia on any player on any card in his collection. He loved making homemade wine with his father and donating 90% to community friends. He was devoted to community sports and umpired for many decades absolutely refusing any sort of payment. He volunteered driving cancer patients to their chemo sessions and befriending them so they were not alone.
Allen is also survived by a brother, John S. of Kingsland, Georgia, one niece Jessica Sweigert of Tower City, PA and one nephew Jeremy Sweigert of Lafayette, Louisiana.
A graveside service will be conducted by Pastor Kevin Fruchtl on Monday, October 19th at 11 a.m. at Cressona Cemetery, Cressona.
Russell E. Dewald, 86, of Auburn, passed away Thursday, October 8th, at home.
Born in Pottsville on March 19, 1934, he was a son of the late Verlin & Ada (Staller) Dewald.
He was the widower of Charlotte L. (Readinger) Dewald, who preceded him in death in 2007.
Russell was a graduate of Schuylkill Haven High School, Class of 1952.
He was an active and faithful member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ Summer Hill, Auburn.
Russell also belonged to Schuylkill Lodge #138 F&AM for 64 years, and was a 32nd Degree Mason - Reading Consistory.
He had been formerly employed by Claude Stoyer Pontiac, and Ebinger Iron Works. Russell retired as crew leader from Omnova Solutions, Inc., Auburn.
He is survived by three children: son, Dean A. Dewald, of Auburn; and two daughters, Dawn, wife of William Mattes, of Middletown; and Gail, wife ofErnest Jones, of Harrisburg; as well as two grandchildren, Emily, & Michael, and a great-granddaughter, Charlotte.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at St. Paul's United Church of Christ Summer Hill with Pastor Kenneth McDowell officiating on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.A viewing will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.
Interment will follow at Summer Hill Cemetery, Auburn.
Schuylkill County Weather Forecast: October 9th, 2020
Schuylkill County Weather Forecast: October 9th, 2020
Fire Crews Respond to 2 Multi-Alarm Fires Minutes Apart in Girardville and Delano Township
Fire crews were called to 2 multi-alarm fires in Girardville and Delano Township midday Friday.
At 11:50am, Friday, emergency personnel were called to the area of North 2nd Street and Mahanoy Avenue in Girardville for a working house fire.
The fire was upgraded to a 2nd alarm calling in additional units.
Crews were able to get to the home quickly and had the fire under control within minutes of arrival.
Not long later, around 12:10pm, Friday, emergency personnel were called to 82 Trenton Road, Delano Township, near Park Place for a working house fire.
As crews arrived, the home was reported to fully involved and a 2nd alarm was issued along with a tanker task force.
As of 12:45pm, firefighters have since cleared the scene of the Girardville incident with some units moving to the Delano Township incident.
More details available.
Girardville Fire
Photos of the fire in Delano
Delano Township Incident
Schuylkill Technology Center Announces Practical Nursing Student of the Month
WATCH LIVE: Battle in the Backyard: Nativity BVM at Minersville Area
Schuylkill County Friday Night High School Football Final Scores - 10/09/2020
Friday Night High School Football Final Scores from October 9th, 2020
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Blue Mountain - 28
Tamaqua - 0
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Jim Thorpe -
Lehighton -
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Tri-Valley - 40
Mahanoy Area - 7
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North Schuylkill - 48
Marian Catholic - 0
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Nativity BVM - 42
Minersville - 7
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Williams Valley -
Panther Valley -
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Pottsville -
Pine Grove -
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Schuylkill Haven - 62
Shenandoah Valley - 6
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Skook News Obituaries: October 9th, 2020
Born on June 11, 1955 in Pottsville, she was a daughter of the late Ralph and Alice Schach Wenrich.
She was a 1974 graduate of Pine Grove High School and a member of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, Ravine.
Claudia worked for Hershey Foods and enjoyed baking with her mother.
Preceding her in death were a brother, Frank "Skip" Wenrich and two nephews, Daniel Wenrich and Jarrod R. Witmer.
Surviving are a brother, Mark and wife Sallie Wenrich of Fredericksburg; two sisters, Peggy and husband Richard Stager, Jill and husband Bruce McHenry, both of Pine Grove; a sister-in-law, Charlotte Wenrich of Maryland; 11 nieces and nephews, Jeremy Stager, Jaime Witmer, Janelle Nelson, Deb Barr, Tim Wenrich, Sheila Reed, Kevin Dilworth, Tricia Heffron, Tiffani Tobin, Scott Benfer and Kevin Benfer; 18 great nieces and nephews, Lyla, Terra, Mya, Kellon, Teagan, Stephanie, Stacey, Brandi, Callie, Abby, Brent, Anthony, Anna, Collin, Luke, Jarrod, Jameson, Aly; 10 great great nieces and nephews Brett, Lilly, Leo, Lacey, Logan, Lucy, Jay, Caius, Canaan, Bailen.
Graveside Services and interment will be held on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at 11:15 A.M. at St. Matthew's Lutheran Cemetery, Ravine, with Pastor Claude Schach officiating. There will be a viewing on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. at the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, c/o Richard Wolfgang 240 Tremont Rd., Pine Grove, Pa. 17963 in her memory.
You may send condolences online at www.hlsnyderfuneralhome.com
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Irvin G. Umberger, 76, of Minersville, passed away on Thursday at Schuylkill Center.
Born in Pottsville, he was a son of the late Elvin and Dorothy Davis Umberger. He was a 1962 graduate of Pottsville High School. He was formerly employed by Penn Steel, Hamburg, and Moen, Pine Grove. He was also a former franchisee for Charles Chips.
He was an Army veteran of the Vietnam Conflict, having served a total of seven years, including service in both Vietnam and Korea. He was active in the American Legion, first in Valley View, then later in Minersville. He was a former chairman of the World War Two Veterans’ Trip Committee.
He enjoyed camping and was fond of tinkering and working as a home repair “handyman”.
Preceding him in death was a daughter, Candi Umberger; four siblings, Donna Umberger, in infancy, Ronald Umberger, Galen Umberger and Elvin Umberger, Jr.
He is survived by his wife of 34 years, the former Carla Shadle; five children, Mary Sylvester Evans, Pottsville, Gavin Umberger (spouse, Jennifer), Pottsville, Autumn Umberger, Vietnam, Craig Umberger, Minersville, and Kyle Umberger (companion, Katlyn Jackson), Cressona; four grandchildren, Stephanie, Stephen and Travis Evans, and Emma Umberger; five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three siblings, Dawne Sattizahn (spouse, John), Pine Grove, Robert Umberger, Silver Spring, Maryland, and Wayne “Spanky” Umberger (spouse, Eugenia), Center Port; nieces and nephews.
Services are private.
Joyce L. Murray, 90, of Harrisburg, formerly of Tower City, passed away Thursday, October 8, 2020 at her home.
Born in Williamstown, August 15, 1930, a daughter of the late Ralph and Mary Whitcomb Snyder.
Joyce along with her husband, were the owners of the former Murray's Mini Market, in Clarks Valley, Tower City. After moving to Harrisburg, Joyce worked for the local CVS for many years.
She was a former member of the Muir Four Square Gospel Church and attended the Hershey Free Church. Joyce could often be found reading and sitting by her pool. She enjoyed spending time with grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, of 69 years, John "Jack" Murray, 2016; brother, Ralph "Buddy" Snyder; two sisters, June Cooper and Ruth Snyder.
Surviving are her daughter, Linda, wife of Allen Matthews, Oregon; her son, John Murray III, husband of Denise, Tower City; three granddaughters, LaRae Matthews, Kirsten Young and Chivon Gerres; several nieces and nephews.
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family from the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home, Inc., Tower City with Rev. Maureen Duffy-Guy. Burial will be in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. Memorial donations in Joyce's name should be made to the Trinity United Church of Christ, 446 E. Grand Avenue, Tower City PA 17980. To send condolences to the family visit www.dimonfuneralhome.com
John M. (Diz) Hutsko, 72, of Black Heath , passed away Monday, October 5th, at Lehigh Valley Hospital Cedar Crest .
Fire Damages Girard Mansion in Girardville on Friday
On Friday, a fire damaged the Girard Mansion in Girardville.
Around 11:45am, fire crews were dispatched to a house fire at the Girard Mansion located at the intersection of North 2nd Street and East Mahanoy Avenue in Girardville.
As Girardville Fire Chief Frank Zangari arrived on scene, he found a working fire in a 2nd floor room, and quickly upgraded the fire to a 2nd alarm calling in additional units from surrounding communities.
The Rangers Hose Co. Engine was the first on the scene and "blitzed" the 2nd floor front window, and Chief Zangari said the rest worked just like a sprinkler.
Chief Zangari said thanks to the quick response and work by firefighters, the fire damage was contained to "room and contents" of the 2nd floor room, with some water damage on the first floor.
The fire was marked under control in about 15-20 minutes from the initial call.
Chief Zangari said the cause of the fire was electrical, with the root of the cause being an overloaded due to a space heater.
One person was taken to the hospital, but was later released after evaluation.
"We put guys up on the roof, there were no holes cut or walls busted. The firefighters did a great job preserving the history of the building. The firefighters followed the directions to a 'T'. The potential for an enormous fire with enormous property loss was there." said Zangari.
The Girard Mansion is one of the oldest buildings in Schuylkill County being built in 1816, according to Chief Zangari.
The building is currently owned by Don Kuntz who recently purchased it from Victor Prep.
As units cleared the scene from Girardville, some transferred to a 2nd Alarm fire on Trenton Road in Delano Township.
Schuylkill County Weather Forecast: October 10th, 2020
Schuylkill County Weather Forecast: October 10th, 2020
Monday Night - Showers - Low in the Lower 50's
North Schuylkill Crowns 2020 Homecoming Queen and Princess
On Friday night, at halftime of North Schuylkill's home game against Marian Catholic, the Spartans crowned their 2020 Homecoming Queen and Princess.
The 2020 Homecoming Court included:
- Joslin Stitzer, escorted by Logan Burke
- Nevaida Rau, escorted by Nick Perneta
- Morgan Koutch, escorted by Conner Groody
- Maddie Welker, escorted by Mike Reilley
- Sarah Wagner, escorted by Dylan Sippie
The Senior Class voted and chose Maddie Welker as Homecoming Queen and Morgan Koutch as Princess.
Both were crowned by the 2019 Queen and Princess Alexa Prosick and Lindsey Petrisch.
Submitted Photos / North Schuylkill School District
State Police Investigate Stolen Firearm in Pine Grove Township
The Pennsylvania State Police at Schuylkill Haven are investigating the theft of a firearm in Pine Grove Township.
According to police, on Wednesday, October 7th, 2020, around 6:50pm, Troopers were dispatched to a home on Sweet Arrow Lake Road in Pine Grove Township to investigate a stolen firearm.
Police did not release any other details on the incident or the firearm that is missing.
State Police ask anyone with information pertaining to the crime to call Trooper Zachary Railing at (570) 754-4600.
Ashland Police Arrest Girardville Man Wanted for Two Incidents Earlier This Year
Late last month, Ashland Police took a man into custody that was wanted for an incident earlier this year.
On September 17th, 2020, Ashland Police Officer Daniel Weikel charged Joseph Yackera, 37, of Girardville for an incident on May 20th, 2020 where he damaged a home and a vehicle on Chestnut Street in the borough.
Yackera was also charged with another incident that occurred on September 11th, 2020 where he smashed through a locked front door of the same home on Chestnut Street and damaged multiple items inside the home.
On September 30th, 2020, around 4:15pm, Yackera was taken into custody by Ashland Police and arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Reiley on charges of criminal trespass, criminal mischief, and other charges.
Yackera was remanded to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post $10,000 straight cash bail.
Big Diamond Speedway Diamond Nationals - Night #1 Race Results
It was a very successful return for night one of the 2020 Diamond Nationals sponsored by Red White and Blue Autos at Big Diamond Speedway. It has been at least 10 years since the last time the Diamond Nationals have been run here at the speedway and last night saw great fields of cars in all divisions.
The Insigner Performance 358 Modifieds main event saw Jeff Strunk take his third checkered flag of the season. The USAC Wingless Sprint cars ran a pair of twenty lap feature events with Alex Bright and Kenny Miller III splitting the mains. The Limited Late Models made their 2020 season debut with Andrew Yoder charging to the win. The Hellers Street Stock division made their final appearance of 2020 with Kody Sites taking the win and championship.
Jeff Strunk and Rick Laubach led the 24-car field to green in the 30-lap Insigner Performance Modified feature with Laubach outgunning Strunk on the start to take the lead on lap one. Strunk who has been strong every week in the Butch Getz owned No. 15 worked his way past Laubach to retake the lead on the bottom coming out of turn four. The only caution of the race was thrown on lap five as Jim Britt spun to the infield in front of the starters stand.
Back to green and Strunk motored away from Laubach as Ryan Krachun was making a charge towards the front. Krachun worked his way past Matt Stangle and Dillon Steuer to take over third. Strunk was long gone at this point and stretched his lead to almost a straightaway over Laubach. Strunk ran into lapped traffic on lap 19 but it did not slow him down at all as he easily sped to the $4,000 win Laubach had his best finish of the year coming home in second Steuer was able to get back by Krachun for third after Krachun almost spun after getting caught with a lapped car. Krachun ended up fourth with 2020 track champion Mike Gular rounding out the top five.
“We got lucky tonight with Butchie’s (owner Butch Getz) daughter Dana drawing the pole for us,” cited a happy Strunk in victory lane. “That was a huge help to start out front tonight, the first lap I wasn’t sure what we had. The car seemed a little tight, but I think we just needed to get some heat in the right front tire. The car worked really good tonight after that, and I can’t thank Butch and his family enough for this. The lapped cars were good tonight and didn’t race me once they saw me. We’ve had a good season here, that flat tire we had a few weeks ago sort of took as out of the points race but I have to say congratulations to Mike (Gular) and their team on their championship, they have been fast all year and deserved it. Thanks to fans for coming out to support the track and hopefully we can get another victory tomorrow night.”
The first of the Rapid Tire USAC wingless sprint twin 20’s saw Chris Allen taking the lead at the start with Carmen Perigo doing the chasing. Allen continued to lead the way as the pair worked their way through lapped traffic. Allen seemed to have the race in hand and heading to the win when Ryan Watt hopped a wheel and went flipping heading into turn three to bring out the red flag. Watt’s Tim Hogue owned No. 39 ended up way outside the track causing a lengthy red as the crews worked to recover the car. Thankfully, Watt was okay with the exception of a sore arm. Unfortunately, the same could not be said of the car which was destroyed. When the race resumed Alex Bright was able to get by Perigo for second and one lap later went by Allen to take the lead and the win over Allen, Perigo, Bill Unglert and Steven Drevicki.
The second twin 20 saw Christian Bruno take the lead with Kenny Miller III taking over the top spot on lap three. 2020 points champion Steven Drevicki was on the move early on as he worked his way towards the front. A caution on lap eight would bunch up the field with Miller staying in the lead on the restart. Drevicki is on the move flying around the outside as he moves into second. The closing laps of the race saw Miller III and Drevicki battling for the lead with Drevicki pulling out all the stops but to no avail as Miller III hangs on to take the win. Drevicki, Alex Yankowski, Alex Bright and Bruno complete the top five.
The Limited Late Model feature saw Andrew Yoder charge past Chase Billet to take the lead around the outside on lap 13 and despite a couple of restarts that closed up the field went to take the win over Billet, Devon Hart, Ben Whitaker and Troy Miller.
The Hellers Gas Street Stock feature event saw Ryan Smith to the lead on lap one with fifth place starter Kody Sites taking over the top spot on lap 2 Sites would go on to lead the remainder of the race to take the win over Smith and Butch Heisel.
Full results from 10/9/2020 - Diamond Nationals Day 1
Insinger Performance Modifieds - The feature was won by JEFF STRUNK and followed by Rick Laubach, Dillon Steuer, Ryan Krachun, Mike Gular, Matt Stangle, Louden Reimert, Alex Yankowski, Billy Pauch Jr, Frank Cozze, Doug Manmiller, Brandon Grosso, Mike Lisowski, Brad Brightbill, Briggs Danner, Alan Barker, Jordan Henn, Dan Hineline, Doug Hendricks, Jim Britt, Shawn Light, Nick Rochinski, Duane Howard and Ryan Grim.
Did Not Qualify - Bobby Gunther Walsh, Eric Biehn, Scott Albert, Corey Renninger, Ryan Beltz, Steve Young, Anthony Raisner, and John Willman.
The Modified Heat Races were won by Rick Laubach, Duane Howard, and Matt Stangle.
The Modified Consi Race was won by Doug Hendricks.
Did Not Start - Craig Whitmoyer
GME Steering 2nd Place Award - Rick Laubach
Rod End Supply Award Winners (3rd - 14th) - Dillon Steuer, Ryan Krachun, Mike Gular, Matt Stangle, Louden Reimert, Alex Yankowski, Billy Pauch Jr, Frank Cozze, Doug Manmiller, Brandon Grosso, Mike Lisowski, and Brad Brightbill
Ultra Shield Award Winners (15th - 17th) - Briggs Danner, Alan Barker, and Jordan Henn
Rapid Tire USAC East Coast 360 Wingless Sprint Cars -
A-Main #2 - The feature was won by KENNY MILLER III and followed by Steve Drevicki, Alex Yankowski, Alex Bright, Christian Bruno, Kyle Spence, Chris Allen, Carmen Perigo, JR Berry, Troy Betts, Joey Amantea, Bruce Buckwalter, Colin White, John Stehman, Kyle Lick, Nash Ely, Jason Cherry, Mike Thompson, Heidi Hedin, Jacob Balliet, and Bill Unglert.
A-Main #1 - The feature was won by ALEX BRIGHT and followed by Chris Allen, Carmen Perigo, Bill Unglert, Steve Drevicki, Alex Yankowski, Joey Amantea, Kenny Miller III, Kyle Spence, Christian Bruno, Mike Thompson, Kyle Lick, Colin White, Nash Ely, Troy Betts, Bruce Buckwalter, JR Berry, Jacob Balliet, Brody Adamsky, Ryan Watt, and Lee Kauffman.
Did Not Qualify - Devin Gundrum, Richard Carnathan, Briggs Danner.
The USAC East Coast Heat Races were won by Alex Bright, Ryan Watt and Kyle Lick.
The USAC East Coast B-Main was won by Jacob Balliet.
Limited Late Models - The feature was won by ANDREW YODER and followed by Chase Billet, Devin Hart, Ben Whitaker, Troy Miller, Steve Todorow, Joey Hoffer, Wayne Pfiel, Bryon Sipe, Justin Hollinger, Jennifer Hartz, Sean Merkel, Terry Gingerich Jr, Todd Snook, Jed Latshaw, Devin Frey, Kyle Bachman, Mike Smith, and Shaun Miller.
Did Not Start - Jakob Piper, Matt Murphy and Tommy Slanker.
The Limited Late Model Heat Races were won by Devin Hart and Shaun Miller.
Ultra Shield Award Winners (2nd -9th) : Chase Billet, Devin Hart, Ben Whitaker, Troy Miller, Steve Todorow, Joey Hoffer, Wayne Pfiel, and Bryon Sipe.
Heller's Gas Street Stocks - The feature won by KODY SITES and followed by Ryan Smith, Butch Heisel, Noah Kissinger, Kyle Saylor, Jim Somers Jr, John McGeoy, Jeff Haag, and Dean Hine.
Murphy's Fabrication Hard Charger Award ($25) - Noah Kissinger
Ultra Shield Award Winners: Kody Sites, Ryan Smith, Butch Heisel, Noah Kissinger, Kyle Saylor, Jim Somers Jr, John McGeoy, Jeff Haag and Dean Hine.
Skook News Obituaries: October 10th, 2020
Robert Emmett Grant III, 73, St. Clair, passed away peacefully Friday October 9th at Lehigh Valley Hospital Schuylkill East, Pottsville.
Born in Ashland, he was a son of the late Robert Grant Jr. and Catherine Shoup Grant. He worked as an Orderly in the emergency room department for the former Pottsville hospital for 26 years before his retirement.
Bob graduated from Ashland Area High School, class of 1965. He was a United States Army Veteran having served from 1966 to 1972 having fought for our country during the Vietnam War. He was a member of both the American Legion Post 309 and the VFW of Girardville.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Patricia B. McMeekin Grant, St. Clair; his three daughters: Kathryn Anthony and her fiancé Brad Holt, Birdsboro; Michelle and her husband Richard Dallago, Pottsville; Joie Lynne and her husband Christopher Gardner, Pottsville; his two brothers: John “Jack” Grant, Lancaster; James “Jimmy” and his wife Linda Grant, Girardville; his grandchildren: William J. and his wife Katie Anthony; Cecely, Maddelena and Francesca Dallago; Luke and Elizabeth Gardner; a great-granddaughter Mattea Anthony; his niece and nephew Jennifer and David Grant.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday October 15th at 11:15 a.m. from the Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Girardville with Rev. Carl Shankweiler. Friends are invited to his viewing Thursday morning at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Interment with military honors will be held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.
Sign the guestbook, leave personal condolences and for further information please visit www.thomasmsullivanfuneralhome.com
Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., 403 W. Main Street, Girardville is in charge of the arrangements.
Arthur R. Main, 73, of Hometown, PA died on Friday, October 9, 2020 in Bethlehem, PA. He was the husband of Mary Ann (nee Kosch) Main to whom he was married 51 years.
Joan Frantz, 90, of Mountain Rd., Pine Grove, passed away on Saturday, October 10, 2020 at home surrounded by her family.
Born on July 12, 1930 in Pine Grove, she was a daughter of the late Guy and Isabel Matthews Keefer.
She was a member of Hetzel's Lutheran Church, Pine Grove.
Joan loved playing cards, bingo, going on trips with her sisters and spending time with her family.
Preceding her in death were her husband of 64 years, Sterling S. Frantz; a son, John "Tic" Frantz; two sisters, Georgine English and Louise Dallago; a brother William Keefer.
Surviving are a daughter, Susan and husband Tom Umbenhauer of Pine Grove; a daughter-in-law Carol Frantz of Pine Grove; 5 grandchildren, John Frantz, Russell Frantz, Jennifer Kohr, Kristen Kohr, Neil Engelen; 7 great grandchildren, Derek Frantz, Morgan Frantz, Austin Frantz, Brayden Frantz, Christian Frantz, Tayden Spittler and Torin Spittler; and companion Rosie, her Boston Terrier.
Services will be held at the convenience of the family with SALM John Ziegler officiating. Interment will be in Hetzel's Cemetery, Pine Grove.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the Ruth Steinert Memorial SPCA, P. O. Box 332 Schuylkill Haven, Pa. 17972 in her 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
Patricia Ann Carvajal, 67, of Phoenix Park, Branch Township, passed away on Thursday at home.
Born in Phoenix Park, she was a daughter of the late Frank and Violet Pranscavage Bassininsky. She attended Branch Township schools. She was a dedicated homemaker and caretaker for her family.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Patricia Naradko, in 2013; a granddaughter, Harley Hutsko, in 2018.
Pat is survived by her husband, Jose Emilio “Miki” Carvajal; Cecilia Carvajal (companion, Brian Smith), Joseph Carvajal and Robert Carvajal (spouse, Heather), all of Phoenix Park; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two brothers, Michael Bassininsky (spouse, Theresa), Minersville, and Paul Bassininsky, Branch Township; three nieces; a nephew.
Services are private.
Frederick C. "Fred" Schenck, 93, of Minersville, passed away Thursday, October 8th, at Genesis Eldercare Schuylkill Center, Pottsville.
Emergency Personnel Responding to Working Structure Fire in Port Carbon

Early Sunday, fire crews are responding to a working structure fire in Port Carbon.
Around 1:40am, emergency personnel were called to 101 Pottsville Street, Port Carbon for a working structure.
The first official on scene reported heavy smoke from the first floor and fire coming from the 2nd floor.
A 2nd alarm was struck calling in additional units.