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Washington Co. Ice Cream Shop Damaged By Fire

ROBINSON TOWNSHIP (KDKA)- The Original Shake and Twist ice cream shop in Robinson Township, Washington County was supposed to open for the season this weekend.

Dale Risker has owned the business for 18 years, and says the business was his pride and joy.

Robinson Township Manager Erin Sakalik said the community loved the establishment.

"A lot of workers in the community, gas well industry here and our township workers would come to lunch here," Sakalik said.

Sakalik says Risker was going to offer free ice cream cones to township employees today. The shop was also known to have the "Best Hot Dog in Town."

"I'm sorry to see that it's in this condition. I was hoping it wasn't quite this bad," Sakalik said.

When firefighters got to the scene around 1 a.m., they say fire was shooting through the roof. Risker came to the scene and passed out as soon as he saw the flames. He didn't want to go on camera, but said he was fine after paramedics checked him out.

He said he had a lot of dedicated employees.

The township wants to offer Risker a helping hand.

"I'm hoping to talk to Mr. Risker to offer any help the township can give certainly,' Sakalik said.

The owner hopes his business can re-open but he has to assess the damage first. The state police fire marshal out of Washington is handling the investigation.

 

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