Author: Beaver County Radio

Crash on Pennsylvania Turnpike in Washington County kills ATV rider

Crash on Pennsylvania Turnpike kills ATV rider
FINLEYVILLE, Pa. (AP) — Authorities say a crash involving a sport utility vehicle and an all-terrain vehicle on a section of the Pennsylvania Turnpike in western Pennsylvania claimed the life of the ATV rider. The Washington County coroner’s office said 21-year-old Tyler Gereshenski of Finleyville was riding on the southbound lanes of Route 43 of the turnpike in Union Township when a southbound SUV struck the ATV. Officials say a passing motorist reported the crash at about 12:15 a.m. Saturday. Gereshenski was wearing a helmet. State police are investigating.

Mississippi lawmakers could vote to remove the Confederate battle emblem from the state flag

Mississippi gov: I’d sign bill to remove flag’s rebel emblem
By EMILY WAGSTER PETTUS Associated Press
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi lawmakers could vote to remove the Confederate battle emblem from the state flag. They are meeting this weekend. The symbol has come under criticism amid nationwide protests against racial injustice. Lawmakers could adopt a new Mississippi flag without Confederate imagery. Or they could kick the issue to a statewide election, giving voters choices that might or might not include the current banner. Mississippi has used the same flag for more than 125 years. Religious, education, sports and business leaders are pushing legislators to remove the Confederate symbol. Republican Gov. said Saturday that he will sign a bill to change the flag.

House adopts bill to make DC 51st state; Senate GOP opposes

House adopts bill to make DC 51st state; Senate GOP opposes
By MATTHEW DALY Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Democratic-controlled House has approved a bill to make the District of Columbia the 51st state. Democratic lawmakers say Congress has both the moral obligation and constitutional authority to ensure that the city’s 700,000 residents are allowed full voting rights, no longer subject to “taxation without representation.” Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, the district’s non-voting representative in Congress, sponsored the bill, saying it has both the facts and Constitution on its side. D.C.’s population is larger than those of Wyoming and Vermont, and its budget is larger than 12 states. Action on the bill in the GOP-controlled Senate is unlikely.

President Trump signs ‘strong’ executive order to protect monuments

Trump signs ‘strong’ executive order to protect monuments
By DARLENE SUPERVILLE and ASHRAF KHALIL Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald has signed an executive order to protect monuments, memorials and statues. Trump had promised the order earlier this week after police thwarted an attempt by protesters to pull down a statue of Andrew Jackson in a park across from the White House. The order calls on the attorney general to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law any person or group that destroys or vandalizes a monument, memorial or statue. Federal law calls for punishment of up to 10 years in prison. Earlier Friday, Trump called for the arrest of protesters involved in the attempt to pull down the statue of Jackson.

Health secretary defends pandemic response in nursing homes

Health secretary defends pandemic response in nursing homes
By MARK SCOLFORO Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania’s health secretary is defending her agency’s handling of the COVID-19 outbreak inside nursing homes and personal care facilities. They account for almost 70% of the state’s nearly 6,600 fatalities. Criticism has focused on the state’s policy that sent recovering patients back to nursing homes after being treated in hospitals. Levine’s agency has said it was following a March directive from the federal government that nursing homes admit anyone they normally would, including patients from hospitals where COVID-19 has been present. Levine says the main source of COVID-19 infections inside the facilities is more likely the homes’ own employees.

Pennsylvania officials eye areas where COVID-19 cases rising

Pennsylvania officials eye areas where COVID-19 cases rising
By MARK SCOLFORO, CLAUDIA LAUER and MARC LEVY Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania health officials are taking a deep dive into areas where COVID-19 cases are ticking up and threatening to undo months of progress against the disease. The state’s health secretary, Dr. Rachel Levine, said Friday the increases may be due to reopening as well as increased testing. The state will allow Lebanon County, the 67th and final county, to move from the yellow phase to the less-restrictive green phase in a week. The Health Department says there are 600 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 across the state, the highest total since June 13. Statewide, new case counts grew by 30%, compared with the previous seven-day period.

Pocono twin bill weekend loses luster with no fans at track

Pocono twin bill weekend loses luster with no fans at track
By DAN GELSTON AP Sports Writer
LONG POND, Pa. (AP) — Pocono Raceway is set to hold two NASCAR Cup Series races this weekend without any fans. One race is Saturday, and the race on Sunday comes with a twist. The field for Sunday’s race will be set by inverting the lead-lap finishers from race No. 1.   Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick are 5-1 favorites on Saturday.

Once again, Congress unable to act during national trauma

Once again, Congress unable to act during national trauma
By ANDREW TAYLOR Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — For a moment, Congress appeared poised to act on a policing overhaul. Those efforts have stalled and now seem unlikely to be revived in an election year. It’s the latest example of the ways partisanship and polarization on Capitol Hill have hamstrung Congress’ ability to meet the moment and keep up with public opinion. As a result, major changes in policing policy appear likely to join gun control and immigration as social issues where even with Americans’ overwhelming support, their elected representatives are unable or unwilling to go along, especially when President Donald Trump is indifferent or opposed.

Gov. Wolf: Masks are Mandatory in Pennsylvania Businesses

Gov. Wolf: Masks are Mandatory in Pennsylvania Businesses

Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf today reminded all Pennsylvania residents and businesses that masks are mandatory when visiting a business.

“The importance of mask-wearing to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect people and businesses cannot be overstated,” Gov. Wolf said. “Masks are required in businesses, for the entire time someone is visiting a business. It’s that simple and that important to continue to safely reopen the state and keep our case counts on the decline.”

Multiple state government agencies sent a communication to Pennsylvania businesses this week outlining mask requirements:

  • Everyone must wear a mask, unless they have a medical reason not to or are under the age of 2. That includes workers and customers. Remember, my mask protects you and your mask protects me.
  • No mask, no shirt, no shoes, no service. If a worker or customer attempts to enter your business without a mask on, ask them to leave and return when they have a mask. A fabric mask is fine.
  • Find PPE to protect your workers. Masks and other PPE can be hard to find given the high demand. But we’ve got you covered. Check out our online directory of PPE manufacturers and suppliers in Pennsylvania.
  • Have good mask hygiene. Don’t touch the front of your mask. Make sure it covers both your nose and mouth. Don’t lift it up when talking to someone. Remember, the virus travels in the droplets we breath out when talking or laughing, not just when we cough or sneeze. If wearing a fabric mask, make sure you wash it and let it fully dry between uses.

“Wearing masks in a business or when in a public space where social distancing can’t be maintained is a required, vital practice to stopping the spread of COVID-19,” Gov. Wolf said. “It’s also a sign of respect for others because your mask is protecting them. Let’s continue to get through this together.”

The state’s business guidance outlines mask-wearing requirements.

The state’s restaurant industry guidance outlines mask-wearing requirements specific to restaurants.

PENNSYLVANIA PAYBACK: Sheppard Finds Redemption with Victory on Firecracker Friday

(Jason Shank Photo)

PENNSYLVANIA PAYBACK: Sheppard Finds Redemption with Victory on Firecracker Friday

Brandon Sheppard Scores His 60th Career World of Outlaws Late Model Series Win

SARVER, PA. – Less than 24 hours after Thursday’s preliminary win was ruthless ripped from his grasp in the final corner, Brandon Sheppard of New Berlin, Ill. got his vengeance in the best way possible; by winning.

Drawing the pole position after he was QuickTime in his group and won his heat race, Sheppard piloted the Rocket1 Racing, Valvoline No. 1 to a dominant Friday night win at the Firecracker by leading all 25 laps around the Lernerville Speedway. His conquest at the Sarver, Pa. 4/10th-mile marked his 60th career World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series feature win.

“This track was definitely a lot different than what I’m used to, but we were still really good,” noted Sheppard on the conditions. “I could run the middle-to-high real well, didn’t try the bottom too much, but I felt comfortable down there when I did. I think tonight says a lot for tomorrow, because the big race will probably be a little bit more slicker and I don’t know if it will be this slick or not. I have a feeling we’ll be between last night and tomorrow on the track. Either way, it’s gonna be a great race.”

While Sheppard paced the 25-lap feature from the pole, the Sarver, Pa. crowd had another front row hopeful to cheer for on Friday night. Going second-quick and winning his heat race, Boom Briggs of Bear Lake, Pa. put his Chub Frank Racing, CJ’s Auto Transport, Barry Wright Race Cars No. 99B on the outside pole of the feature; his best starting spot of the season with hopes of his first-career World of Outlaws Late Model Series win on the line.

Beginning a green-to-checkered run, Sheppard immediately gained control of the top spot while Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, Tenn. wrestled the runner-up spot away from Briggs. While “The Rocket Shepp” raced into lap traffic at halfway, the battle behind him heated up as fourth-starter Mike Norris got his act together and came charging in the late running.

Passing Bloomquist for second on lap 15, “The Crusher Kid” began to track down Sheppard with ten laps remaining as the intensity picked up at Lernerville. Cutting his lead from 2.9-seconds to 1.2-seconds, it was evident that Norris was coming for Sheppard’s lead (with the aid of lap traffic), but the laps were running out while Norris still had ground to make up.

In the end, Norris ran out of time in his pursuit for Sheppard, having to sit back and watch the No. 1 take the checkered flag and keep Norris winless in Firecracker preliminary action for the first time since 2017. For Norris, being disappointed is just a reminder of how far he and his team have come.

“This is definitely a little redemption for us,” Norris said after finishing 10th on Thursday. “It’s crazy to think that when we started we just wanted to make these features and now we’re disappointed with tenth-place finishes. Tonight felt really great though. We’re in pretty good company up here on this podium. I think we’ll have something for them tomorrow. We’ll see what the weather brings and go from there.

Surviving that late rally from Norris, a Friday night win for Sheppard not only meant a milestone career win with the World of Outlaws, but he also gave Steve Baker, Rocket Chassis co-owner, a birthday present with a trip to victory lane. Even after two championships, 60 career wins, and countless other accomplishments, the New Berlin, Ill. native is still thankful to this day for Baker and Mark Richards taking their chances on him.

“They’ve got more than 40+ years of experience and notes that go as far back as possible,” said Sheppard on the success of Rocket Chassis. “That’s the key to being out here on the road. I’m so fortunate to be able to work with them. They took a chance on me back in 2012 and we’ve been working close together ever since. It’s still a dream come true for me to this day,”

Following Sheppard and Norris to the strip on Friday was Scott Bloomquist with fourth-consecutive top five finish aboard the Drydene Performance Products No. 0. The National Dirt Late Model Racing Hall of Fame Inductee is certainly one to keep an eye on in Saturday’s $30,000-to-win finale. Bloomquist has three former titles at the Firecracker and the No. 0 has been rock solid all weekend long at the Sarver, Pa. 4/10th-mile.

“I love it,” Bloomquist said on Lernerville. “We’ve been coming here for a long time, we’ve had some good runs and won some races. We’ve been making some mistakes with tires that we need to fix tomorrow. Last night we put a hard tire on and that was wrong, tonight we put a soft tire and needed a hard one. At least we know what we’re getting into tomorrow. Hopefully the weather holds off and we can get up front.”

Cade Dillard, Thursday’s runner-up finisher, ended up fourth aboard his MB Customs No. 97, giving him the best average finish of any driver through the two preliminary features. Boom Briggs, who started on the outside pole, earned a season-best finish of fifth-place aboard his No. 99B. Rounding out the top ten on Friday night was Mason Zeigler, Gregg Satterlee, Darrell Lanigan, Chase Junghans and Chris Madden.

The 14th rendition of the Firecracker will conclude tomorrow night at Lernerville Speedway tomorrow night with a $30,000-to-win, $1,000-to-start, 50-lap main event airing LIVE on CBS Sports Network at 9:00pm ET. Tickets are still available for purchase at the gate for those in the area.

Morton Buildings Feature (25 Laps) – 1. 1-Brandon Sheppard [1][$6,000]; 2. 72n-Mike Norris [4][$3,000]; 3. 0-Scott Bloomquist [3][$2,000]; 4. 97-Cade Dillard [5][$1,750]; 5. 99b-Boom Briggs [2][$1,500]; 6. 25z-Mason Zeigler [6][$1,400]; 7. 22-Gregg Satterlee [13][$1,300]; 8. 29v-Darrell Lanigan [15][$1,200]; 9. 18-Chase Junghans [7][$1,100]; 10. 0m-Chris Madden [9][$1,000]; 11. 18b-Shannon Babb [8][$900]; 12. 56-Russ King [10][$850]; 13. 72-Jason Covert [11][$800]; 14. 28-Dennis Erb [12][$775]; 15. 10-Jared Miley [17][$750]; 16. 12-Ashton Winger [23][$700]; 17. 1x-Chub Frank [16][$660]; 18. 20rt-Ricky Thornton [18][$640]; 19. 111-Max Blair [20][$620]; 20. 7-Ricky Weiss [22][$600]; 21. 12d-Doug Drown [14][$600]; 22. 2s-Dan Stone [21][$600]; 23. B1-Brent Larson [24][$600]; 24. 0s-Ryan Scott [19][$600]. Lap Leader(s): Sheppard 1-25. Hard Charger Award: 29v-Darrell Lanigan[+7]

(Jason Shank Photo)