Author: Beaver County Radio

VIDEO: Dr. Calvin Troup Seeks National Prominence For Geneva College’s Faith-Based Education

(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)

Like his peer in Dr. Jen Cushman–who Matt Drzik spoke to earlier on A.M. Beaver County–Dr. Calvin Troup sees his institution making strides in its connection and developing relationship with Beaver County. The major difference however, lies in its backbone…and Dr. Troup is hoping that such a backbone gets national recognition.

Dr. Troup is the President of Geneva College, and he joined Matt Drzik on the February 21 edition of A.M. Beaver County as part of Beaver County Radio’s celebration of President’s Day 2022. He joined Geneva College as President in 2016, and since then the College Hill campus has continued its mission to offer its students a excelling level of higher education that is faith-based and focuses students on their calling from God in all fields from ministry to engineering. Geneva has also continued to maintain its strengthening relationship with the city of Beaver Falls and Beaver County, through its connection in the “Bridges & Pathways” alliance and partnerships with places like the Beaver County YMCA.

Still, as Troup mentioned in his President’s Day appearance, the college has bigger targets in sight as described by a “Vision Plan” created by the trustees last July. “The heart of this vision is two parts,” Troup said. “The first part is that Geneva would become known nationally for advancing the integration of faith and learning, and that’s something that is really our trademark at Geneva…the second part of our mission is preparing students for courageous engagement throughout their life’s work, in a culture and society that’s going through the kind of chaos and confusion that we see all around us.”

To watch the full interview with Dr. Troup, click on the Facebook feed below!

Dr. Jen Cushman Maintains The Reins At Penn State Beaver

(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)

“Right now we want to attract people to the county, so that we can really maximize this growth that we’re anticipating.”

Those words, from Penn State Beaver Chancellor Dr. Jen Cushman, summarizes the attitude that she and her colleagues are taking towards solidifying a strong future for Beaver County. She joined Matt Drzik on the February 21 edition of A.M. Beaver County as part of Beaver County Radio’s celebration of President’s Day with local leaders.

Cushman joined Penn State Beaver as Chancellor in 2016, and since then she’s put an emphasis on the growth of education at the Monaca campus, with a focus towards inspiring those who come to Beaver County for an education to build their future career and successes in the area as well. PSB has been a part of the “Bridges & Pathways” coalition with CCBC, Geneva College, and Robert Morris since 2017, and it has allowed for local students in higher education to have more avenues to access their next path and next steps in building their own future.

To hear the full interview with Dr. Cushman, click on the player below!

Beaver County Chamber President & Executive Director Helen Kissick Resigns, Will Leave Post by Early Summer

(Photo Provided with release)
(BEAVER, PA) The Beaver County Chamber of Commerce announced today that it
has accepted the resignation of President & Executive Director Helen Kissick. Kissick will leave the Chamber by early summer following a successful three-year term. She provided advance notification of her intention to leave her post to provide for an orderly transition and give the Board ample time to consider a replacement.

Brittany Golden, Beaver County Chamber’s Board Chair

As the Chamber’s Board Chair, Brittney Golden commented, “Helen Kissick has made important contributions to the Chamber during her term. During the COVID-19 pandemic, especially, she navigated the Chamber through unparalleled times, when many businesses in our community struggled to remain open. We are especially thankful for her work assisting members in navigating the Paycheck Protection
Program loan and other federal and state programs that were designed to help small businesses stay afloat.” Golden added, “She was – and will continue to be – a real advocate for the business community and exemplifies the true meaning of community service.”
In announcing her resignation, Kissick expressed that her work with Chamber members, the Board and staff has been entirely fulfilling. “The level of collaboration amongst parties who have a sincere interest in moving Beaver County forward is invigorating. For example, programs like Leadership Beaver County (prepares future leaders in our county) and the Rooted Locally e-gift card program (to encourage
spending locally to support small businesses) happen only when people and the community at large passionately and consistently engage in building the greater good”. She further commented, “I’m particularly proud of the way our Chamber’s workplace has evolved these past few years to a hybrid setting. We continue to meet member needs while benefitting from an agile office footprint, providing
flexible work arrangements, in tune with today’s workforce needs.”
Kissick plans to stay involved in direct alignment with the Chamber’s vision to positively impacting Beaver County to be the chosen place to live and work, through her business consulting business and other community involvement. “Leaving the Chamber will provide an opportunity to step back, reassess and identify the next best way to personally learn, grow and contribute. I am grateful for the great relationships formed with the staff, Chamber members and Board along the way.”

Golden said that the Chamber Board will immediately form a committee to search for a new President & Executive Director. “We expect to have a qualified candidate identified soon to allow for an efficient transition in leadership. As an organization, we’re fortunate to have an excellent staff and an engaged board. As in past leadership changes, the Chamber will continue to provide uninterrupted service to our
members.”

This year, the Chamber is celebrating it’s 50th year of service to Beaver County businesses. Throughout its history, the Chamber has been a leading advocate for business and economic development. For more information on the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce, you can visit the Chamber’s website at www.bcchamber.com, or call the Chamber at 724-775-3944.

No Mail Delivery Today, Federal, State and County Offices Closed Along With Banks and Credit Unions to Celebrate Presidents Day

(Beaver Falls, Pa.) Today is Presidents Day, which is a federal holiday that began as a celebration of President George Washington’s birthday. Over the years it has transitioned into a holiday to include a celebration of all the U.S. presidents.
All federal government offices and most state and county offices are closed today. There is also no mail delivery today and most banks credit unions are also closed.
The US Stock exchange is also closed today.
If you are expecting a package from UPS, FedEx or any other delivery company they are open and running today.
Some school districts have the day off today and if you’re a shopper many retailers are running specials sales for the Presidents Day Holiday.

Rents Reach ‘Insane’ Levels Across US With No End In Sight

By R.J. RICO Associated Press
Rents have exploded across the country, causing many to fall behind on payments, dig deep into their savings or downsize to subpar units. According to Realtor.com, median rent rose an astounding 19.3% from December 2020 to December 2021 in the 50 largest metro areas in the U.S. Experts say many factors are responsible, including a nationwide shortage of housing, extremely low rental vacancies and unrelenting demand as young adults continue to enter the crowded market. Rising rents are an increasing driver of high inflation in the U.S. Analysts expect rents to continue to rise this year, but at a slower pace, thanks to increased construction.

US Virus Cases, Hospitalizations Continue Steady Decline

US virus cases, hospitalizations continue steady decline
By LEAH WILLINGHAM and JONATHAN MATTISE Associated Press
Average daily COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are continuing to fall in the U.S., an indicator that the omicron variant’s hold is weakening across the country. Total confirmed cases reported Saturday barely exceeded 100,000, a sharp downturn from around 800,850 on Jan. 16, according to Johns Hopkins University data. In New York, the number of cases went down by more than 50% over the last two weeks. Infectious disease specialist Dr. Thomas Russo said what’s influencing the decline in Omicron cases is that it has built up some population immunity. Public health experts say they are feeling hopeful. However, many expressed concern that vaccine uptick in the U.S. has still been below expectations.

Huge Opal Sells For Nearly $144,000 at Alaska Auction

Associated Press undefined
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — A gemstone, billed as one of the largest gem-quality opals in existence, has been sold for nearly $144,000 at auction in Alaska on Sunday. The auction house, Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals, said the opal, dubbed the “Americus Australis,” weighs more than 11,800 carats. It also has a long history. Most recently, it was kept in a linen closet in a home in Big Lake, north of Anchorage, by Fred von Brandt, who mines for gold in Alaska and whose family has deep roots in the gem and rock business. The opal is larger than a brick. Von Brandt said the stone has been in his family since the late 1950s, when his grandfather bought it from an Australian opal dealer.

Cindric Wins Daytona 500 to Celebrate Penske’s 85th Birthday

By JENNA FRYER AP Auto Racing Writer
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Austin Cindric drove his brand new NASCAR ride to victory in the Daytona 500 on team owner Roger Penske’s 85th birthday. Cindric drove a masterful race at Daytona International Speedway as the Ford drivers synched on strategy all week and executed their plan to perfection Sunday night. The blue oval drivers pushed each other over 500 miles and were bunched together for the final restart in overtime. Cindric got aid from Team Penske teammate Ryan Blaney and held off Bubba Wallace for the win. Ford had seven drivers finish in the top 10.

Man Charged with Theft By Deception Involving Incident in Wilmington Twp.

(File Photo)

(Wilmington Twp., Pa.) Pa State Police in New Castle are reporting that they are investigating a report of theft by deception that occurred at a location on Heather Heights Road in Wilmington Twp Lawrence County on January 19, 2022 between 8 and 10 AM.
Troopers arrested 27-year-old Scott Walter of Timblin, Pa on charges of theft by deception in the incident.
Troopers didn’t supply any information as to exactly what happened only that a gold an silver color Bar that was valued at $8000 was stolen by Timblin. Troopers also said that a 2013 Chevy Silverado was involved in the incident.

One Lane of Barclay Hill Road In Industry Closed Due To a Slide

(File Photo)

(Industry, Pa.) PennDOT announced over the weekend a portion of Barclay Hill Road between Route 68 and Tuscarawas Road in Industry Borough, will have a single-lane closure until further notice due to a slide.
PennDOT is asking motorist to please use caution when traveling in this area.
Motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.