(Photo provided by National Aviary. Pictured are Bald Eagles Flinn and Indy)

(Pittsburgh, PA. )The National Aviary’s Steller’s Sea Eagle and Bald Eagle habitats reopen to visitors today following extensive renovations. This reopening celebrates the safe homecoming of Kodiak the Steller’s Sea Eagle to his updated habitat, and a beautifully renovated home for two rehabilitated Bald Eagles, Flinn and Independence. The habitats, both located in The Charity Randall Foundation Eagle Hall at the National Aviary, were designed with the birds’ needs and comfort in mind using state-of-the-art materials and features that encourage their natural behaviors.

Features include new spaces for perching and roosting, and ponds and a new misting system that encourage the birds to bathe and play. In addition, the habitats were renovated to include taller, weather resistant walls, an overhang that offers additional shade and comfort, natural trees and plants, as well as a completely new roof that allows for fresh airflow and sunshine into the spaces. Kodiak, also known as Kody, the Steller’s Sea Eagle, and Flinn and Independence (also known as “Indy”) the Bald Eagles, are enjoying the many upgrades to their habitats.

“Each of the more than 500 birds at the National Aviary is special to us, and it is a privilege to care for them. We know our visitors care deeply about Kodiak, and about Flinn and Independence, and are eager to see these incredible birds again. We are delighted that these special birds are enjoying their newly renovated homes,” says Cathy Schlott, Director of Animal Programs and Experiences at the National Aviary. “As experts in animal behavior, we can read the body language of birds like Kody, Flinn, and Indy and see that they are content and relaxed in their beautiful habitats.”

With a striking yellow beak and talons, an intense gaze, and nearly twice the size of his Bald Eagle neighbors, Kodiak is a commanding presence in The Charity Randall Foundation Eagle Hall. Kodiak has served an important role as an ambassador for Steller’s Sea Eagles, helping visitors learn about the overfishing and habitat loss affecting this species in its range throughout Russia and Japan. Kodiak’s next-door neighbors, Flinn and Independence the Bald Eagles, sustained injuries in the wild that would make it difficult for them to survive on their own. The National Aviary provides a comfortable home for these special birds, who help visitors learn about the remarkable recovery of Bald Eagles after nearly going extinct in the 1970s.

Last fall, Kodiak accidentally got out of his habitat through an opening in the heavy-gauge wire mesh roof of his habitat – a highly unusual and very serious situation. The National Aviary’s entire team responded immediately with the full effort of their staff, volunteers, and community supporters to bring Kody home safely, and he was safely recovered in Pine Township on October 3, 2021. Since returning to the National Aviary, Kodiak has been doing well in a habitat behind the scenes while renovations were completed on his permanent habitat. Supply chain disruptions affected the sourcing of the top-of-the-line materials used in the renovations and delayed the completion of the project.

“The reopening of our eagle habitats has been long anticipated by staff and guests alike,” says Cheryl Tracy, Executive Director of the National Aviary. “Kody, Flinn, and Indy, like every bird at the National Aviary, are incredibly dear to us, and their care is our priority. We’re honored to be able to provide them with a beautiful and comfortable home, and we’re thrilled to invite our community back to see and learn about these majestic birds.”

The renovations of the eagle habitats were generously supported by Robert and Kim Fanelli.

(File Photo)

(Hanover Twp., Beaver County, Pa.) Pa State Police in Beaver are reporting that they were called to the scene of a one vehicle motorcycle accident around 1:30 PM last Sunday afternoon along Pa State Route 18 in Hanover Twp., Beaver County.
Troopers said via release that28-year-old Brent Pigman of Aliquippa lost control of hos 2003 Suzuki motorcycle due to an unknown reason about 1700 ft. North of Littel Drive on State Route 18 laying the motorcycle down on the roadway before coming to a final rest on the roadway. Pigman was STAT MEDEVAC air-lifted to to UPMC Presbyterian with serious non-life threating injuries.
There is no word on Pigman’s condition as police continue to investigate.

(Photo provided with release)

(Pittsburgh, Pa.) The nationwide shortage of infant formula has parents frightened and angry – and busy visiting stores, websites and social media groups in search of the products they need to feed their babies.
Joseph Aracri, DO, System Chair, Pediatrics at Allegheny Health Network. said in a release that “Over the past few weeks, our doctors and other caregivers have been deluged with questions from parents regarding the shortage of baby formula,” “We certainly understand that it can be frightening and frustrating to not be able to find formula at your neighborhood store, or not be able to find the type of formula your baby requires.”
Dr. Aracri is hopeful that recent actions taken by, or under consideration by, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will help address this problem. But in the meantime AHN is providing some direction to parents based on the most frequently asked questions they receive.

• When supermarkets and “big-box” stores are out of formula, check drug stores or baby supply stores. Call first to ensure they have supply on hand. When searching online, stick to well-known distributors and pharmacies rather than auction sites. Social media groups, food banks and charity organizations may also have leads on where to buy formula.
• Most babies are OK with any available formula. (The only exception is for babies who need an extensively hydrolyzed or amino acid-based formula such as Elecare, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.) If you have some of the old formula available, you may want to mix it with the new formula to minimize any digestive upset.
• Do not attempt to make more baby formula by adding more water, or use homemade formula recipes circulating on the internet. These practices are not safe, and can lead to nutritional imbalances, health problems and even infant deaths.
• Toddler formulas are safe for a few days for babies who are close to a year old, and “premature” formula can also be used safely for a few weeks.
• For babies age 6-12 months who drink regular formula, cow’s milk may be used for a brief period of time. Make sure to include iron-rich solid foods in the baby’s diet. We do not recommend goat’s milk, almond milk or other plant milks. Soy milk fortified with protein and calcium may be used in an emergency for babies about a year old.
• Breast milk banks are available on a very limited basis to high-risk babies such as those born prematurely or with low birth weight and can provide safe, pasteurized breast milk; however it is not safe to share breast milk amongst friends, relatives or acquaintances.
• Babies older than 6 months can also begin to get more nutrition from solid, pureed food.
• If you can breastfeed, do. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding as the sole source of nutrition for infants up to six months. If you initially decided not to breastfeed, or stopped early, it is sometimes possible to resume breastfeeding, a process called relactation.  AHN Lactation Consultants can also be reached by calling 412-578-7030.
• Don’t make the shortage worse – buy only a 10 day to two-week supply, to help everybody have a chance to buy what they need.

“Even with the potential reopening of a domestic formula manufacturing plant, and the potential loosening of restrictions on imported baby formula, this current shortage may last several weeks longer,” Dr. Aracri said. “We urge parents to contact their pediatricians with any questions they may have and to try to remain calm as we work through this difficult situation.”

AHN Pediatrics treats children from birth to age 21 with a team of expert pediatricians, family physicians and other providers who provide high-quality care in a comfortable, supportive environment at more than 15 locations across the Pittsburgh region.

(File Photo) 

(File Photo)

Story by Sandy Giordano, Beaver County radio News

(Monaca, Pa.) Central Valley School Board’s 2022-23 preliminary budget of $41,179,491 represents a 2.77 millage tax increase and was introduced at Thursday night’s board meeting.  Adoption will take place in 30 days, and will be available for public review 20 days prior to final adoption.

Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced that Delaware County chiropractor John Pandolfo has been arrested and charged with inappropriate sexual contact with a nine-year-old patient during an exam.
Shapiro said in a release that “Mr. Pandolfo used his position of authority to take advantage of a nine-year-old patient when left alone with her under the guise of an exam”
Pandolfo was charged with Aggravated Indecent Assault of a Child, Indecent Assault of a Child, Corruption of Minors, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
Shapiro said that anyone who feels they may have been a victim of John Pandolfo is encouraged to contact Supervisory Agent Sean M. McGlinn at 610-631-5988.

(File Photo)

(Pittsburgh, Pa.) After deliberating for approximately one hour, a federal jury returned a verdict finding 41-year-old Iklas Davis, of Turtle Creek, guilty of one count of conspiracy, one count of use of unauthorized devices and one count of aggravated identity theft.
Davis was tried before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
According to Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway, who prosecuted the case, the evidence presented at trial established that in the summer of 2017, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Allegheny County Police investigated a series of vehicles that had been broken into while parked at various entertainment venues, including the Boyce Wave Pool, the Pittsburgh Zoo and similar venues. The victims reported the theft of their credit cards and means of identification and the use of the credit cards, typically on the same day as the break-ins occurred. Investigators secured video of Davis using and attempting to use some of the stolen credit cards at various retail establishments. The later investigation revealed that an individual named Terry Porterfield broke into the vehicles and then transferred the credit cards to Davis and others, who then used the credit cards to purchase primarily gift cards and electronic equipment.
Davis faces a possible sentence of up to 22 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both. Pending sentencing, the court remanded Davis back into the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

(Braddock, Pa.) Pennsylvania Lt. Governor John Fetterman’s campaign on Thursday announced that it has raised over $1.6 million in the first 24 hours after clinching the Democratic nomination for the US Senate on Tuesday night.
Fetterman said in a release “Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your support, I am deeply honored to be your nominee, and I am looking forward to turning this seat blue in November.”

(Monaca, Pa.)  The CCBC Foundation announced a new scholarship endowed by the Beaver Valley Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) for the 2022 fall semester. The scholarship will support students pursuing a career in the criminal justice field with the goal of increasing diversity in the workforce. 

The Beaver Valley Fraternal Order of Police is the largest organization of law enforcement officers in Beaver County, consisting of members from over 30 law enforcement agencies. It is the fourth oldest lodge in the United States following the founding of the FOP by two Pittsburgh police officers in 1915. Today, over 100 years after the first meeting, the FOP consists of more than 2,100 lodges. The organization supports law enforcement officers through education, legislation, community involvement, and employee representation. 

The endowment of $10,000 will offer financial support to minority and underrepresented students who are studying criminal justice. CCBC offers multiple criminal justice and public safety degree and training programs, including Criminal Justice, Police Technology, and the Police Academy.

Scholarships are awarded according to the following criteria:

• Applicants must be a full-time student enrolled in for-credit courses at CCBC.
• Applicants must have applied for financial aid.
• Applicants must submit a completed scholarship application by the stated deadline to the Executive Director of the CCBC Foundation.

Established in 1974, the Police Training Academy at CCBC offers Act 120 training required to become a certified police officer in Pennsylvania as well as Act 180 Mandatory In-Service training for active-duty police officers. The Academy operates with the assistance of the Municipal Police Officers Education and Training Commission to provide physical and defensive tactics, firearms, and emergency vehicle operation training to cadets and current officers. Cadets who receive their Act 120 can also go on to receive an associate degree in Police Technology.

The Criminal Justice program prepares students for careers in a wide variety of fields including corrections, probations and parole, juvenile justice, substance abuse counseling, and paralegal studies. Coursework includes investigative techniques such as crime lab analysis, forensics, interrogation, and criminal law. An optional internship provides real-world experience while students continue earning credits toward their degree. CCBC awards two-year associate degrees in Criminal Justice – Applied Science. The major is also Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Center (TAOC) approved, meaning that graduates are prepared to transfer to a four-year college or university that offers a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. 

The criminal justice field includes a wide variety of careers at local, state, and federal levels. These important jobs require a diverse workforce that accurately represent the communities they serve to build trust, understand, and respond to their needs, and encourage faith in law enforcement and the government. The Beaver Valley Fraternal Order of Police Scholarship is a valuable addition to the opportunities available to CCBC students through the CCBC Foundation.

To learn more about other scholarship opportunities, apply or donate: https://www.ccbcfoundation.org/scholarships