Times News

Rare find

psiwebtn — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:01:16 +0000

An old Tamaqua soda bottle dating back to the town's industrial heyday has been unearthed and is raising questions about its origins.

The mystery began several days ago when Earl Edmondson, employed by Tamaqua Borough as an assistant mechanic, was working on a job in the Dutch Hill section when, he says, his eyes were drawn to something shiny on the ground.

New chancellor of PSU Schuylkill campus introduced

psiwebtn — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:01:12 +0000

Commissioner George F. Halcovage, Jr., at the public meeting of the Schuylkill County commissioners on Wednesday, noted that Dr. Kelly M. Austin assumed the duties as the new chancellor of Penn State Schuylkill Campus. He succeeds Dr. Stephen R. Couch, who served as interim chancellor since July 2011 when Dr. R. Keith Hilkirk moved to the same role at Penn State Berks campus.

Halcovage noted that Dr. Austin was to assume his new duties June 1 but it was moved up to May 23. The board of commissioners extended their congratulations and welcomed Dr. Kelly to the county.

Cemetery services, Memorial Day program slated by American Legion Post in Slatington

psiwebtn — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:01:25 +0000

On Sunday, May 27, American Legion Post 16, Slatington, will have its annual Memorial services at outlying cemeteries. Members will leave the Post Home at 8 a.m.

"A Song For Rita" held in Tamaqua

psiwebtn — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:01:23 +0000

Gene Morrison, along with his family and friends, hosted a musical tribute concert Sunday at the Trinity United Church of Christ in Tamaqua in honor and memory of Rita Morrison of Hometown, who died last June after a 13 year battle with breast cancer.

The tribute, entitled "A Song for Rita," benefited the services of Hospice of Central Pennsylvania.

Tamaqua man cited for taking bicycles

psiwebtn — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:01:22 +0000

Tamaqua police have charged a 20-year-old male with theft after it was determined he took several bicycles from a home at 108 Schuylkill Ave.

Richard Sidle Jr., of 613 N. Railroad St., was also charged with receiving stolen property, loitering and prowling at night.

The incident took place at 12:05 a.m. on May 14.

The three bikes, valued at $380, were recovered.

Brodheadsville's Strong Women on NBC Nightly News tonight

psiwebtn — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:01:16 +0000

The NBC Nightly News camera team was in Brodheadsville Wednesday taping Monroe County's Penn State Cooperative Extension's Strong Women/ Change Club program this morning, and interviewed the instructor, Carmela Heard, Kunkletown. They will be featured as part of a story interviewing the Strong Women program founder, Dr. Miriam Nelson from Tufts University. The segment is to be featured today, Thursday, May 24 at 6:30 p.m. on NBC Nightly News.

Memorial Day Parade scheduled in Palmerton

psiwebtn — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:01:15 +0000

It is with heavy hearts that they'll march to the beat of the drum, fully aware of the significance at hand.

Patriotism will once again reign supreme at the annual Memorial Day Parade in Palmerton, which will be held Monday, May 28.

The parade will start at 10 a.m. at Second and Delaware Avenue. It will form at 9:30 a.m. at Dynamite Woodworking, at Second and Delaware Avenue. From there, it will continue on to Fifth and Delaware, where it will turn left at the former IGA Golden Key Market to Franklin Avenue, and then back to the park, where it will disband.

On this date

psiwebtn — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:01:24 +0000

A three-day walkout of the 130 Beaver Meadows elementary school children came to a close today. The children were kept away from school for three days this week by their parents who want the Hazleton School Board to construct a new school for the borough or renovate the old Beaver Meadows Elementary School. Keeping the children from school was an effort to force the board to meet with the parents and discuss the aforementioned plans.

Tamaqua news

psiwebtn — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:01:16 +0000

ESRC volleyball

The Eastern Schuylkill Recreation Commission will sponsor a Summer Volleyball League for adults 18 and older. Registrations are now being accepted.

Contests will be held at the sand volleyball court at the Black Diamond Park, Coaldale.

The league is co-ed and teams may have between six and 10 players. Games are scheduled to begin June 14 and will then be held Tuesdays and Thursdays during the summer months.

Western Pocono Community Library needs 'Flash Mob' volunteers

psiwebtn — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:01:22 +0000

Patti Weiss has been working at the Western Pocono Community Library in Brodheadsville for 10 years. As the Circulation Desk Manager/Cataloging Manager/Youth Manager, she is on a crusade to find ways to "reintroduce" the library to the community and bring awareness to the public about how special and fun libraries are.

"Many of the folks living in this area are not even aware that we are here. Shocking, but true, so we want to get our name out there again, and see if we can reach a few of those folks who may not realize that it is 'Cool' to be in a library," she says.

Tamaqua teen involved in crash

psiwebtn — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:01:14 +0000

A 17-year-old male Tamaqua teen was involved in a crash on Wednesday, May 23.

The accident occurred about 2:55 p.m. along SR209 in East Norwegian Township, Schuylkill County.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said the teen was driving a 1993 Toyota MR2 northbound when a deer entered the road in front of him.

He was unable to avoid striking the deer and struck and killed it.

The teen and his passenger, Matthew Smulligan, 19, of Andreas, were not injured.

The vehicle had to be towed from the scene.

Yudichak Storage Tank Bill heads to House

psiwebtn — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:01:16 +0000

State Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne/Carbon/Monroe) today announced that his bill extending the sunset date of two critically important environmental protection grant programs unanimously passed the Senate. The bill now moves to the House for consideration.

Senate Bill 1398 would extend the sunset date of the Underground Storage Tank Environmental Cleanup Program and the Underground Storage Tank Pollution Prevention Program to June 30, 2017. Both programs were set to sunset in June of this year unless reauthorized by the legislature.

Fit Day teaches importance of a healthy lifestyle

psiwebtn — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:01:12 +0000

Carbon County property transfers

psiwebtn — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:01:18 +0000

Deeds recorded

Beaver Meadows

John W. Leininger to Ruth A. Gettig, 79 Church St., P.O. Box 98, Beaver Meadows, property at 81 Church St., $1.

Franklin Township

George L. Baab Jr. to Timothy M. Perry, 740 Forest St., Lehighton, property at 740 Forest St., $235,000.

Jim Thorpe

Darren Behan to Frank Clements, 631 North St., Jim Thorpe, Lot 3, George artino Subdivision at Leisureland, $39,000.

Kidder Township

Man flees police, jumps into river

psiwebtn — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:01:24 +0000

The chase was on for a man who jumped into the Lehigh River this morning after what was believed to be a domestic dispute.

State Police at Lehighton, as well as the Palmerton and Walnutport Police departments converged just after 8:30 in search of the male.

Police were still searching for the man as of 9:30 this morning. A woman was seen being escorted by emergency personnel.

No other information was available in time for today's publication.

Schuylkill driver facing DUI count

psiwebtn — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:01:24 +0000

A Schuylkill County driver is facing a charge of driving under the influence (DUI) following an incident that occurred about 7:58 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23, along SR61, in North Manheim Township.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said Joe Chrin, 45, of Auburn, was stopped while traveling northbound for a traffic violation.

He was found to be under the influence and failed field sobriety tests. He was then taken to the Schuylkill Medical Center-S. Jackson St., Pottsville, for a blood test.

The DUI charge is pending the test results, troopers said.

Palmerton priest celebrates milestone

psiwebtn — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:01:16 +0000

He's performed religious rites for the better course of three-and-a-half decades.

Firmly entrenched as pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Palmerton, Father William Campion shows no signs of slowing down any time soon.

On May 14, Campion celebrated his 35th year in the priesthood, a milestone he said he's extremely grateful to have achieved.

"It's been 35 very happy years," Campion said. "It's not a job; it's life for me."

Campion said he's always intrigued by the newness of each day that is the priesthood.

Congratulations graduates!

psiwebtn — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:01:15 +0000

The TIMES NEWS is proud of the area's 2012 high school graduates.

To commemorate this accomplishment, a special supplement recognizing the area schools can be found in today's edition of the TIMES NEWS.

Jim Thorpe - life, death and afterlife

psiwebtn — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:01:25 +0000

Jim Thorpe, once a controversial track and field star whose World's Greatest Athlete medals from the 1912 Olympics were repatriated, and whose remains are under suit for repatriation to his ancestral home, was a legend whose life was first documented by author Robert W. Wheeler.

Robert "Bob" W. Wheeler and his son, Rob Wheeler, will be talking about Jim Thorpe in an illustrated presentation at the Mauch Chunk Museum this weekend. There will be two presentations: Saturday, May 26, from 7-9 p.m., and Sunday, May 27, from 2 -4 p.m.

Jim Thorpe artist to offer art workshops for children

psiwebtn — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:01:22 +0000

The Anita Shapolsky Art Foundation, located at 20 West Broadway in Jim Thorpe, will be offering art workshops for children ages 9-14 on four consecutive Saturday mornings, June 2, 9, 16, and 23, from 9-11 a.m.

This will be followed by an exhibition of the children's artwork created and a reception on Sunday, June 24, from noon-4 p.m.

Also, the exhibition of the children's artwork will then continue on Saturday, June 30 and Sunday, July 1.

Tamaqua man cited for conduct

psiwebtn — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:01:17 +0000

A Tamaqua man was arrested Friday night after he caused a scene at the Hang Loose Bar, 300 E. Broad St., Tamaqua.

Randall Scholl, 33, of 242 Columbia St., reportedly entered the establishment at 6:10 p.m. and caused a disturbance when the bartender refused him service. The refusal was based on Scholl's apparent level of intoxication. Scholl was handcuffed and transported to the police station where he spent the next several hours.

He was cited for public drunkenness and disorderly conduct.

Area pool season to begin this weekend

psiwebtn — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:01:16 +0000

Break out those swim goggles, suntan lotion and swimsuits.

The 65th opening of the Palmerton Memorial Pool will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday.

It will open at 1 p.m. Sunday, and at noon on Monday, Memorial Day. Weather permitting, it will be open those days until 8 p.m.

Next week Tuesday through Thursday, the pool will be open from 3-8 p.m. On Friday, June 1, regular operating hours begin, when the pool will be open from noon to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays, and 1-8 p.m. Sundays.

Carbon Democrats open downtown Lehighton office

psiwebtn — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:01:14 +0000

A ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday marked the opening of an office of the Carbon County Democratic Party in downtown Lehighton.

The new office is located in the Elks Building, with the main entrance at 110 South First Street.

Billy O'Gurek, chairman of the Carbon Democrats, cut the ribbon that was held by several party candidates for state and federal offices.

He said that during the summer months, the office will be open three days per week. It will be open more days as the November election draws closer.

Three robbery suspects waive right to hearing

psiwebtn — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:01:24 +0000

Three suspects arrested in connection with a pair of armed robberies at a business in Palmerton waived their right to a preliminary hearing.

James Dee Archer, 33, Freddie M. Knight, 38, and Arlene Ann Jones, 44, all of 302 Delaware Avenue, were each scheduled Wednesday before District Judge William Kissner of Palmerton.

Instead, each of the three opted to waive their hearings, and are scheduled to go before the Carbon County Court of Common Pleas for a pretrial status conference at 9 a.m. July 2.

Theft from vehicle incident probed

psiwebtn — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:01:24 +0000

State police at Frackville are investigating a theft from vehicle incident that occurred in Schuylkill County.

Jessica Tregembo, 29, of Morea, reported her car was entered while parked at 520 S. Lehigh Ave., West Mahanoy Township, and property was removed. Troopers did not identify the property taken.

The incident occurred sometime between 4 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 15. Anyone with information concerning this incident is asked to call troopers at (570) 874-5300.

Pipe collapses, road closed

psiwebtn — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:01:18 +0000

Mush Dahl Road in West Penn Township has been closed after it was determined a corrugated pipe carrying a stream beneath the roadway had a structural collapse. Township officials notified emergency services Wednesday morning that the road may be closed for a month. The site is near the intersection with Chain Circle. Mush Dahl Road is a main corridor for area residents between SR309 and SR443 in Clamtown.

A greener, invasive view of the Little Schuylkill

psiwebtn — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:01:15 +0000

The Little Schuylkill River in Tamaqua is much greener this year as a burden of Japanese knotweed overwhelms it's banks. The weed, native to Japan, can be seen all over our area. Local homeowners and municipalities find it hard to control the growth of the invasive weed as normal herbicides don't work effectively. In Pennsylvania, knotweed was extensively planted at strip mine reclamation sites.

The sickos of society

psiwebtn — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:01:16 +0000

Palmerton children receive Holy Communion

psiwebtn — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:01:25 +0000

Children received First Holy Communion at Sacred Heart Church, 243 Lafayette Ave. Palmerton on April 28 . The participants are:

Front Row: Stone Klotz, Corlan Wood; Second Row: Michele McCawley, Nicola Vitale, Matthew Mahler, Shade Klotz, Joseph DeRossi, Ethan Recker, Cody Christman, Nate Thompson; Third Row: Brennah Bates, Emily Baumgardt, Kelci Bubser, Jamison Wheeler, Brock Bollinger, Braden Bates, Kaylee Thompson; Back Row: Louise Koons, Sue Steigerwalt, Deacon Pitts, Father Campion, Dr. Ed Girard, Vania Dias, Ann Kester.

Polk Township news

psiwebtn — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:01:15 +0000

Polk PTO meeting

Polk Elementary School's monthly PTO meeting will be on Thursday, May 24 at 7 p.m. in the library. Parents of Polk students are welcome to attend.

Veterans memorial service

A memorial service to honor all veterans will be held on Monday, May 27 at 2 p.m. at the Polk Township Veterans Memorial, located between the Kresgeville Post Office and Salem St. Paul's Lutheran Church, on Route 209.

Parking is available at the post office or at the church. Please bring a lawn chair.

Enjoying a game of basket-baseball

psiwebtn — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:01:23 +0000

Incorporating two sports while playing with their mothers at a Tamaqua park recently are Evan Sytnik, 5, left, and Alex Hill, 3. Alex is the son of Rachel Bowman. Evan is the son of Dana Sytnik.

Tamaqua man facing charges

psiwebtn — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:01:17 +0000

A Tamaqua man was cited by borough police after he caused a disturbance when officers were conducting an investigation into a criminal mischief incident.

Patrolman Karl Harig responded to the 200 block of West Rowe Street at 3:19 a.m. on Friday, May 18, for a report of a criminal mischief incident. At the scene Richard Michlovsky, 48, of 261 W. Rowe St. became argumentative, yelling at neighbors and the officer.

Pleasant Valley School District receives a $221,024 grant

psiwebtn — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:01:16 +0000

Ms. Carole Geary, Pleasant Valley School District's Assistant Superintendent/Curriculum, announced at the last Pleasant Valley School District's board of directors meeting that the school district was awarded a Keystones to Opportunity Grant in the amount of $221,024.

Perdie across America – release and reception

psiwebtn — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:01:15 +0000

Three years ago, 24-year-old Matt Perdie of Jim Thorpe began a 3,600-mile walk across America that would take him more than one year and wear through nine pairs of shoes.

A freelance videographer, Perdie recorded his odyssey, and plans to release a series of five or six DVDs of his journey. The first DVD is being released today. There will be a release reception with a showing of the 114-minute feature-length DVD on Friday at 7 p.m. at the Mauch Chunk Museum.

Elderly ripped off

psiwebtn — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:01:24 +0000

The business manager at a Monroe County senior living facility has been charged with taking money from two of the residents at the home.

State police at Fern Ridge said Elizabeth Ashly Ruffa, 24, of Brodheadsville, who troopers identified as the business manager at Wesley Enhanced Living, located along SR115 and Weir Lake Road in Brodheadsville, Chestnuthill Township, has been charged with forgery and theft by deception.

Checkpoint, roving patrols are set

psiwebtn — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:01:25 +0000

State police at Lehighton announced that troopers will be conducting a sobriety checkpoint and roving DUI patrols this coming holiday weekend on various roads in Carbon and Monroe counties.

The operation is an effort to reduce the number of crashes, fatalities and injuries on state roads.

The operation will take place during the period of May 26-27.

Corps promotes water safety, honors military with passes

psiwebtn — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:01:18 +0000

In collaboration with lake managers and local governments, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is gearing up for an active summer season by continuing to educate and inform the public on water safety measures to help reduce the risk of fatalities.

The safety of their patrons is the number one priority for recreation activities at their lakes. The public can best support their efforts by taking advantage of educational opportunities afforded to them by rangers and familiarizing themselves with state rules and Corps' regulations to enjoy a safe recreational experience.

Schuylkill theft

psiwebtn — Wed, 23 May 2012 21:01:49 +0000

State police at Schuylkill Haven are investigating a theft incident at a Schuylkill County business.

Troopers said the theft occurred at Schuylkill Haven Body & Fender, located at 94 N. Sillyman St., Cressona. Troopers said two 22-inch Cadillac Escalade rims, valued at $240, and two 17-inch Jeep Cherokee rims, valued at $40, were removed from a box located to the rear of the business. The theft occurred sometime between Wednesday, May 16, at 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. on Thursday.

Yudichak applauds passage of bill to restrict usage of restraints on juveniles

psiwebtn — Wed, 23 May 2012 21:01:42 +0000

The third bill in a legislative package designed to enhance Pennsylvania's juvenile justice system is one step closer to becoming law, state Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne/Carbon/Monroe) said today.

Senate Bill 817, which restricts the use of restraints on juveniles during court proceedings, unanimously passed the state Senate this afternoon and now awaits the signature of Gov. Tom Corbett.

Struggling schools

psiwebtn — Wed, 23 May 2012 21:01:49 +0000

HARRISBURG (AP) – A Republican-penned bill that would pave the way for state takeovers of Pennsylvania school districts veering toward financial collapse has the support of Gov. Tom Corbett and began advancing in the Legislature on Tuesday over the objections of Democrats.

The Senate Education Committee voted along partisan lines to send it to the full Senate in the hopes that the bill will reach the governor's desk before the Legislature takes its traditional two-month summer break from Harrisburg.