Pennsylvania State Police are investigating a deadly weekend single-vehicle crash in Northampton County. Rescue crews were called to the scene in Upper Mount Bethel Township around 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Officials say the driver, 42-year-old Edward Shanahan, of Upper Mount Bethel Township, crashed into a tree on River Road near Pine Tree Lane and died.
Police say a man from Quakertown is dead following a crash in Bucks County. 61-year-old Bruce Hillegas died early Sunday at St. Luke's Hospital-Fountain Hill from injuries suffered in a January 9th crash. Hillegas' car hit a tree that date in the area of Park Avenue and South 2nd Street in Quakertown borough.
A fire destroyed a barn in Lower Macungie Township early this morning. They also say that explosives may be the root cause. Just before 2 o'clock this morning the fire completely engulfed the barn that was on the property. No deaths or injuries have been reported, but fire marshals are investigating the cause of the fire, including the possibility explosives were heard going off inside the barn. Investigators say while the barn was a complete loss, the owners should be thankful the fire didn't spread to the main home.
State health investigators say their hampered ability to trace positive COVID cases has been due to the soaring rate of infections in the state. According to state data, only about ten percent of over 33-thousand COVID infections were able be traced. That was over a month's period of time from December 10th through January 9th. Pennsylvania Department of Health spokesperson Maggi Barton says health professionals are not able to contact everyone as cases average more than 25,000 per day. There are nearly 500 contact tracers across the state.
The Pennsylvania Turnpike is looking for a new payment processor. The commission is looking to partner with a new firm to expand payment options for users. Turnpike officials began reviewing proposals for new systems in November as the current contract with customer service company Transcore is expiring. The Turnpike also has plans to launch a system next month allowing motorists to pay toll bills at retail stores.
Lawmakers are set to discuss legislation this coming week to privatize liquor sales in Pennsylvania through a constitutional amendment. Republican St. Rep. Natalie Mihalek introduced House Bill 2272 Friday to privatize state-run liquor stores through a constitutional amendment that cannot be vetoed. The General Assembly passed legislation in 2016 to privatize the sale of wine and spirits, but the legislation was vetoed by Gov. Tom Wolf. Pennsylvania is one of only two states with a government monopoly on liquor sales.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission's Ross Leffler School of Conservation is currently recruiting candidates for its 35th class. Those with a passion for wildlife and conservation who would like to pursue a law enforcement career are encouraged to consider applying to become a Pennsylvania State Game Warden. Applications are open until February 16th.
The Teddy Bear Toss at the Hershey Bears game has set a new record. When the Bears scored their first goal over the weekend, fans tossed all the stuffed animals they brought onto the ice. In the end, a new world record was set and a huge donation promise will be fulfilled. Jeffrey Sweigart, a cancer survivor and former patient at the Hershey Medical Center has said he'll donate a dollar for every stuffed animal collected at the event. According to team officials, over 52,000 stuffed animals were collected and donated to various organizations, including Children's Miracle Network. That means over $52,000 were also donated.