Monday, August 8, 2016
Monday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 08/08/16
Sunday, August 7, 2016
VonDohren Becomes First Back-To-Back 358 modifed Feature Winner At Big Diamond In 2016
The competitiveness of the CJ’s Tire & Automotive Services 358 modified division has been only display all season long at Big Diamond Speedway.
Nearly five months into the season, there hadn’t been a back-to-back winner in the division.
Until Friday night.
Craig VonDorhren raced to his second straight win and moved into second place in the point standings.
Other winners on Friday were Tim Fitzpatrick (U.S.S. Achey sportsman), Andy Fayash III (Savage 61 roadrunners) and Chris Derr (No Sweat Service Group street stocks).
This coming Friday, July 12, the speedway presents Prelude to the Coalcracker as the 358 modifieds race 30 laps for $4,000 to win and $400 to take the green with an open draw for the 358s and 50 show-up points for modified teams.
Also on the card will be the sportsman and roadrunners and a modified challenge race for the top 10 in points. The event carries an Aug. 19 rain date.
The gates open on Friday at 5:30 with warm ups at 7:45 and racing at 8:15. Admission is $22 and kids 12-and-under and active military with a valid are free.
VonDohren, who has won three of the last five features at the speedway, took the lead on the restart of lap 10 after Ron Haring, Jr. and Shawn Fitzpatrick had a spirited duel for the lead to the point of the 25-lap feature.
VonDohren passed Fitzpatrick for the runner-up spot on lap nine and then took the lead when Harding, Jr., slid high in Turns 1 and 2 on the restart.
From there, VonDohren would be challenged for the lead by two-time winner Rick Laubach as the pair opened up a lead over Fitzpatrick over the final few laps.
Laubach had one last shot at VonDohren after a late-race caution but VonDohren pulled away for the win.
“We have a good car and I got some breaks and I needed to be on the outside as it was the place to be and I just had to get their first,” VonDohren said.
Laubach held on for second with Fitzpatrick, third, Ryan Godown, who had a flat tire on lap three of the race, rebounded to finish fourth and Ryan Grim was fifth.
Sixth through 10th were Ryan Watt, Kevin Beach Jr., Haring, Gary Hager and Duane Howard. Heats for the 358 modifieds were won by Beach Jr., Haring Jr., and Godown.
Tim Fitzpatrick led the lap the counts as he took the lead from Wayne Witmer on the final lap, passing him on the inside of Turn 2 to win the 20-lap sportsman feature event. It was his first win of the year after going winless last year.
“I would have been happy with second as Wayne’s a tough competitor and he ran go and we were just going for the win there,” Fitzpatrick said.
Witmer took the lead of the race on the start and then held off the field as Fitzpatrick began to apply pressure to the leader starting on lap 8.
Witmer held on for second with a hard charging Shawn Light, third, while Doug Hendricks and Mike Lisowski completed the top five.
Sixth through 10th were Ray Woodall Jr., Brandon Grosso, Glen Rowan, Chuck Fayash, and T.J. Lilly. Heats for the sportsman were won by Rown and Lisowski.
Andy Fayash III continues his strong season with another win and this time it was a bit of luck that helped him add to his points lead.
“I was in a good position as I was on the outside on the second restart and the bottom lane just didn’t go out of two and it just all opened up in front of me,” Fayash said.
Fayash went from seventh to second on the opening lap of the feature as he would take the lead on lap 4 when leader Chris Holland broke.
Jim Kost, who was part of a five-car battle for the runner-up spot finished second while Steve Gromis, Kris Ney and Devin Trexler completed the top five.
Sixth through 10th were Nate Hill, Tim Spesak, Billy Wingle Jr., Jon Schlauch and Dave Long Jr. Heats were won by Wingle and Holland.
The No Sweat Service Group 20-lap feature proved to be a last-man-standing when it came to being the leading the event as four different drivers were on point at one time during the feature but it was Chris Derr who used the inside lane on the lap 15 restart to take the lead and go on to score his second win of the year.
Derr had a challenge for the lead on lap 18 fro Eric Tripp but Tripp was not able to complete the pass on the inside of Turn 3.
“I drove the wheels off this car,” Derr said. The 43 car (Tripp) was down their challenging me a litlle bit and there were some fast guys up front. I knew it was going to be a work out to get the win.”
Tripp would hold on to second with Bobby Krupp, Chris Heller and Mike Radocha rounding out the top five.
Sixth through 10th were Leroy Long, Tyler Stump, Justin Rhoads, Kyle Saylor and Dean Hine. Heats for the streets stocks were won by Tripp and Kupp.
This Friday, fans are encouraged to stop by and listen to HunttheGiant.com for live music beginning at 7 and presented by Jimmy Reppert Racing. All fans can enjoy free ice cream and activities at the tent by the band which begins at 6:30. Adults will have the chance to win VIP seating for the night and kids will have the chance to win a trip to victory lane and have their picture taken with the modified winners.
Modified driver Kevin Beach is holding their third annual bike give away also on Friday. Kids can pick up a packet as the winners, one boy and one girl in three age groups; up to 3; 4-6 and 7-10, will be determined by a coloring contest.
For the latest information, be sure to like the Big Diamond Speedway facebook page; www.facebook.com/Bigdiamondspeedway and on Twitter, @BigDSpdwy
Sunday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 08/07/16
Saturday, August 6, 2016
Upcoming Schuylkill County Road Work
Municipality: INTERSTATE 81
ROAD NAME: Interstate 81
BETWEEN: Exit 124 (PA 61) AND Exit 131 (Delano)
Type of Work: Pothole Patching
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime
RESTRICTION: Lane restriction in both directions.
START DATE: 08/01/2016 Est. Completion Date: 08/12/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES
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Municipality: Wayne Township
ROAD NAME: PA 895
BETWEEN: PA 61 AND PA 183
Type of Work: Bridge Repair
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: 24hours
RESTRICTION: PA 895 will be closed and detoured for repairs to the bridge over Bear Creek. Crews will be performing a steel beam superstructure replacement. Traffic will be detoured on PA 61, PA 443 and PA 183. Local access will be maintained on either side of the bridge.
START DATE: 08/08/2016 Est. Completion Date: 08/26/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): (Select Time) To (Select Time)
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES
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Municipality: Washington Twp.
ROAD NAME: Dad Burnham's Road
BETWEEN: PA 443 AND PA 895
Type of Work: Pothole Patching
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Sporadic
RESTRICTION: Lane restrictions with flagging.
START DATE: 08/08/2016 Est. Completion Date: 08/12/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
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Municipality: Washington Twp.
ROAD NAME: Hetzel's Church Road
BETWEEN: PA 895 AND PA 443
Type of Work: Other
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime
RESTRICTION: Lane restriction with flagging for pipe replacement work.
START DATE: 08/08/2016 Est. Completion Date: 08/12/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES
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Municipality: East Norwegian Twp
ROAD NAME: PA 61
BETWEEN: Pottsville AND St. Clair
Type of Work: Pothole Patching
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Sporadic
RESTRICTION: Lane restriction in both directions for patching work.
START DATE: 08/08/2016 Est. Completion Date: 08/12/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Saturday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 08/06/16
Route 209 / Route 901 Intersection Project to Begin This Week
Friday, August 5, 2016
Woman Charged with Killing Husband Thursday Afternoon
Friday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 08/05/16
Death Investigation in Kline Township
Thursday, August 4, 2016
Thursday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 08/04/16
DEP Declares Drought Watch
State Police Remind Public Regarding Peace Rock Area
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
Wednesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 08/04/16
Final Full Month Of Racing At Big Diamond Speedway Begins Friday; Coalcracker Weekend Set For Sept. 2 and Sept. 4
A four-division show is on tap for the CJ’s Tire & Automotive Services 358 modifieds, U.S.S. Achey sportsman, Savage 61 roadrunners and the No Sweat Service Group street stocks.
The gates will open at 5:30 with warm ups at 7:45 and racing at 8:15. Admission is $15 while kids12-and-under and active military with a valid ID are free.
The No Sweat Service Group is a fabrication and mobile hydraulic hose repair company located in Pottsville. They offer repairs and more at competitive prices. To learn more, call them at 570-527-1304 and like them on Facebook, www.facebook.com/NoSweatServiceGroup
Heading into Friday nights racing action, Ryan Godown leads Jeff Strunk in the 358 modified point standings by184 points with Craig VonDohren, Duane Howard and Rick Laubach rounding out the top five.
VonDohren leads the division with three wins while Godown and Laubach have two wins each. Seven different drivers have won a feature this season.
Brandon Grosso leads the sportsman point standings over Ray Woodall, Jr., by 89 points with Tim Fitzpatrick, Wayne Witmer and Mike Lisowski completing the top five.
Andy Fayash III maintains a healthy points lead of 377 points over Steve Gromis with Jim Kost, Kris Ney and Terry Kramer rounding out the top five.
Rich Bossinger leads the street stock standings by 28 points over Eric Trip with Elvin Brennan III, Jeremy Becker and Chris Derr rounding out the top five.
Next Friday, Aug. 12, its the Prelude to the Coalcracker with the 30-lap 358 modified feature paying $4,000 to win and $400 to take the green. Also on the card that night is the modified challenge races, sportsman and roadrunners.
The Prelude will be an open draw for the modifieds and a non-points event. There will be 50 show-up points to those who support the race. The night is also 'Hunt the Giant' night sponsored by Jimmy Reppert racing.
Friday, Aug. 19, the track will host Breast Cancer Awareness Night and CJ's Tire & Automotive Services Night along with the Andy Fayash Memorial for the sportsman. The 30-lap sportsman feature pays $1,750 to win and $157 to take the green. Also on the card that night will be the 358 modifieds, roadrunners and street stocks. The track is planning a Pink-out for that evening and encourages everyone to wear pink in support of breast cancer.
The final Friday of the month, Aug. 26, will see the a three-division show of 358 modifieds, sportsman and roadrunners along with the Kim’s Kreations Power Puff race and if needed, the rain date for the Andy Fayash Memorial.
Then one week later on Sept. 2, it will be Leindecker Race Engines Night as the Coalcracker weekend begins with the 40-lap sportsman feature paying $1,600 to win and $160 to take the green. Also on the card that night will be the roadrunners, street stocks, modified underdog race, vintage cars and the Enduro Dash 60.
Finally, the season concludes for Big Diamond on Sunday, Sept. 4 with the prestigious Jach Rich Inc., Coalcracker 72 for the 358 modifieds. The 72-lap feature pays $10,000 to win with $1,000 for 10th and $500 to take the green. The roadrunners, 600 modifieds and a fireworks display will round out the evening with racing getting underway at 7:45 p.m.
The Coalcracker began in 1979 when it was won by Bob Emerich and in its history, no driver have ever won the event three straight year. The defending winner of the race is Ryan Godown, who now owns three Coalcracker wins to his credit.
For the latest news, be sure to like the Big Diamond Speedway Facebook page, www.facebook.com/Bigdiamondspeedway and follow the speedway on Twitter, @BigDSpeed.
Schuylkill County Woman Dies in Northumberland County Crash
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
Tuesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 08/02/16
West Nile Virus Detected in Schuylkill County
Monday, August 1, 2016
Monday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 08/01/16
Schuylkill County Police Log - 08/01/16
Saturday, July 30, 2016
Powerball Grows to Record Jackpot for Saturday Drawing
PennDOT Warns Race Fans Travelling Through Schuylkill County to Pocono This Weekend
Friday, July 29, 2016
Police Seek Man Wanted on Drug and Firearms Charges
Tribute to Veterans to Take Place at Knoebels Hawaiian Bandshell on Saturday
Friday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 07/29/16
Thursday, July 28, 2016
Police Seek Man for Inappropriate Contact
Flood Advisory Issued
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Advisory for Thursday afternoon and evening for Schuylkill County.
* SMALL STREAM FLOOD ADVISORY FOR...
SOUTHEASTERN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA...
* UNTIL 745 PM EDT
* AT 448 PM EDT...DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED HEAVY RAIN DUE TO
THUNDERSTORMS. THIS WILL CAUSE SMALL STREAM FLOODING IN THE
ADVISORY AREA. UP TO THREE INCHES OF RAIN HAVE ALREADY FALLEN.
ANOTHER INCH OF RAIN IS POSSIBLE IN THE ADVISORY AREA BEFORE THE
THUNDERSTORMS MOVE OUT OF THE REGION.
* SOME LOCATIONS THAT WILL EXPERIENCE FLOODING INCLUDE...
SCHUYLKILL HAVEN...POTTSVILLE...TAMAQUA...ST. CLAIR...RENNINGERS...
PORT CARBON...NEW PHILADELPHIA...ORWIGSBURG...PINE GROVE...
FRIEDENSBURG...SNYDERS...MCKEANSBURG...COALDALE...BROCKTON...
LANDINGVILLE...MIDDLEPORT...SUMMIT STATION...LAKE WYNONAH...
DEER LAKE AND PORT CLINTON.
Thursday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 07/28/16
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
Schuylkill County Police Log - 07/27/16
Wednesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 07/27/16
Winning Second Tier Pennsylvania Lottery Raffle Ticket Sold in Schuylkill County
Tuesday, July 26, 2016
Tuesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 07/26/16
Outlaw Music Festival to Take Place at Montage Mountain
Willie Nelson & Blackbird Presents are thrilled to bring the Outlaw Music Festivals’ top tier talent to The Pavilion at Montage Mountain. The picturesque setting and wide variety of festival attractions (including local cuisine, beer, and crafts by local artisans) will provide music fans in the region with an unforgettable festival experience.
Artist fan clubs and Citi® card member pre-sales begin Wednesday, July 27 at 10AM and run through Thursday, July 28 at 10PM. For complete Citi® card member pre-sale details through Citi's Private Pass® Program, visit http://citiprivatepass.com.
Tickets for the general public go on sale Friday, July 29 at 10AM at ticketmaster.com, by phone 800-745-3000, all Ticketmaster outlets and The Montage Mountain Box Office. VIP packages including great seats, premier parking pass, VIP club access and exclusive festival merchandise.
Overnight RV parking will open on Saturday, September 17 at 5PM. Festival day-parking opens Sunday, September 18 at 10AM. Festival gates open at NOON and music performances begin at 1PM. Visit http://outlawmusicfest.com for more details.
“We’re thrilled to be working with Geoff Gordon and the entire Live Nation team to bring this incredible musical experience to fans in Scranton and its surrounding communities,” says Keith Wortman, CEO of Blackbird Presents.
OUTLAW MUSIC FESTIVAL LINE-UP:
Willie Nelson & Family
Neil Young + Promise of the Real
Sheryl Crow
Chris Robinson Brotherhood
Lee Ann Womack
Brothers Osborne
FOR COMPLETE FESTIVAL DETAILS VISIT THE OFFICAL WEBSITE:
http://outlawmusicfest.com
Monday, July 25, 2016
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Schuylkill County
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued for Schuylkill County Monday Afternoon.
Yuengling's Ice Cream Receives Seal of Approval from Major Food Critic
Family Looking for Missing Man
Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued
Monday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 07/25/16
Victim's Name Released in Drowning in Schuylkill River Sunday Afternoon
Sunday, July 24, 2016
Man Drowns at Peace Rock near Port Clinton Sunday Afternoon
Heat Advisory Issued for Monday Afternoon and Evening
Light Continues Strong Second Half with U.S.S. Achey sportsman win
It has been a tale of two halves for sportsman driver Shawn Light.
Plagued by mechanical issues in the first half of the season, Light has come on strong in the second half as he held off Wayne Witmer in a fierce battle on Friday night at Big Diamond Speedway to claim the 20-lap U.S.S. Achey sportsman feature.
Other winners on Friday night were Andy Fayash III (Savage 61 roadrunners); Elvin Brennan III (No Sweat Service Group street stocks); Mike Garris, Sr., Ronnie Peck, (vintage cars) and Aaron Bowes (600 modifieds) also winners on Friday night
This Friday, the track will present Twin 20s for the CJ’s Tire & Automotive Services 358 modifieds along with the return of the ever popular American Racing Driver Club midgets along with the roadrunners and an Enduro Dash 60.
On Friday, the gates open at 5:30 on Friday with warmups at 7:45 and racing at 8:15. General admission is $25 while kids 12-and-under and active military with a valid ID are free.
Started third in the 20-lap sportsman feature, Light took the lead on lap 3 but it was short lived as Wayne Witmer got by him for the lead a lap later, a spot Witmer held until lap 7.
Light would retake the lead as he passed Witmer on the top side of Turn 1 and would clear him as they raced off of Turn 2 for the lead at the start of lap 7.
“The track was good and the high humidity help hold the moisture in the track and there could have been three lanes of racing tonight but there was definitely a high and low groove for racing,” Light said.
The race was plagued by a number of cations and on each restart, Light choose the outside lane.
“That lane was working for me,” he said of his lane choice.
The final caution came out on lap 15 and Light was able to hold off Witmer on the restart as the race went non-stop to the finish.
“We have things turned around as we are still learning this car and we now have an idea of what to do,” Light said. “That’s our third win in the six races we have finished. I think we’re doing pretty good.”
Witmer held on for second with Mike Lisowski, Ray Woodall Jr., and points leader Brandon Grosso, rounding out the top five.
Sixth through 10th were Doug Hendricks, Daryl Dissinger, Skylar Sheriff, Kyle Gruber, and T.J. Lily. Heats for the sportsman were won by Sheriff and Woodall, Jr.
The fifth win of the year in the roadrunner division for Fayash III almost didn’t happen
Fayash sprained his ankle around lunchtime on Friday and he wasn’t sure if he was going to race.
“I couldn't put weight on it until I iced it for a few hours,” Fayash said. “Luckily in the car I'm on top of the wheel enough that most of my throttle input requires straightening my leg rather than angling my foot, so driving wasn't too bad.”
Fayash, who started ninth, avoided a couple of early race incidents and then began to track down race leader Devin Trexler.
Fayash tried high and low to pass Trexler as the laps were winding down but his break came with two laps to go.
Fayash got a run on Trexler in Turn 2 and he used the high side to slip by him in Turn 4 to go on and score the win.
“Devin was running really well and he’s tough to pass,” Fayash said.
Trexler finished second with Steve Gromis, Jim Kost, and Terry Kramer rounding out the top five.
Sixth through 10th were Shon Elk, Dave Long Jr., Kyle Wingle, Dan Nagle and Tim Fitzpatrick Jr.
Heats for the roadrunners were won by Kris Ney and Devin Trexler.
Brennan III made it back-to-back wins in the 20-lap roadrunner feature, but it didn’t come easy for the former track champion.
Brennan was locked in a tight battle with Bobby Kupp for several laps as the two race side-by-side on the restarts. Brennan would take the lead for good on lap 13.
“It was an awesome night of racing and I have to give Jake and the track guys a big thumbs up for the great racing surface they gave us despite how warm it was and the high humidity,” Brennan said. “Bobby had a me a little concerned as I kept seeing his fender a time or two under me in Turns 1 and 2 but I had just enough to get the win.”
Kupp held on for second with Chris Derr, Eric Tripp and Kyle Saylor rounding out the top five.
Sixth through 10th were Leroy Long, Chris Heller, Mike Radocha, Rich Bossinger and Tyler Stump. Heats for the street stocks were won by Chris Derr and Kyle Saylor.
Arron Bowes won the 20-lap 600 modified feature over Rich Hitzler and Nathan Brinker. Heats for the 600s were won by Josh Bewley, Billy Koch and Bowes.
Mike Garris, Sr., won the Blast From The Past Vintage stock car feature while Ronnie Peck took the lead with two laps to go to win the modified feature.
To stay up to date with the latest news, follow the speedway on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bigdiamondspeedway and on Twitter, @BigDSpeed.
Sunday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 07/24/16
Saturday, July 23, 2016
Beer Vendors announced for NEPA Beer Festival Next Weekend
Saturday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 07/23/16
Friday, July 22, 2016
Two Dead in Murder Suicide in East Brunswick Township
Friday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 07/22/16
Coroner Called to Scene of a Shooting
Thursday, July 21, 2016
Schuylkill County Police Log 07/21/16
Thursday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 07/21/16
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
Wild Edibles Program at Sweet Arrow Lake Park
Schuylkill County Women's Outdoor Day
All the activities are designed to introduce women to various outdoor activities and most of the instructors will be women.
Participants must be at least 16 years of age.
This day is free with all activities and lunch included. Registration is required by contacting Christy Zulli at czulli@co.schuylkill.pa.us or 570-622-3742, ext. 114.
Indian Archeological Dig for Children
Those attending will meet at the Waterfall parking lot to search for artifacts hidden in the earth of a portable dig. Children will use garden spades to find the buried items and Indian expert,
Dave McSurdy, will explain how the items were used. This program is free and suitable for children.