(AP Photo/Wayne Parry)
By WAYNE PARRY Associated Press
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — The gambling industry and some of its allies in Congress are renewing a push to decrease the number of slot machine jackpots that get reported to the IRS. Legislation introduced Thursday is being touted as a benefit to casinos, which would need to take fewer slot machines out of service temporarily while tax forms and filled out for winning patrons. But it also would have the practical effect of preventing more slot jackpot winners from having their winnings reported to the government. The bill would increase the threshold for IRS reporting of slot jackpots from the current $1,200 to $5,000.

(File Photo of Pa. Attorney General Josh Shapiro)

HARRISBURG—Attorney General Josh Shapiro today announced that a Fayette County priest was sentenced to 2 1/2 to 5 years in state prison for repeatedly assaulting an 11-year-old altar boy starting in 2004 and continuing until the boy was 14.

“The bravery of this survivor helped us hold Andrew Kawecki accountable, and he will now go to prison for his unthinkable crimes,” said AG Shapiro. “My office will continue to seek justice and accountability for those who use their position of power and trust to prey on their communities.”

Andrew Kawecki was charged by the Office of Attorney General in August 2020 after a victim reported to investigators that Kawecki forced sexual encounters with the victim starting when he was 11 years old. The assaults continued for three years in the back room of St. Cyril and Methodius Church in Fairchance where Father Kawecki prepared for services before mass.

Kawecki was identified following the release of the Grand Jury on Clergy Sexual Abuse in 2018, but was not named within the report. The report has generated over 2,000 tips to the Office of Attorney General, including the information that led to this conviction.

Kawecki was sentenced by the Honorable Judge Linda Cordova of Fayette County. Upon his release from state prison, he will be required to register as a sex offender for 10 years under Megan’s Law. This case was prosecuted by Assistant Chief Deputy Attorney General Daniel Dye.

(Feature Photo Provided by CCBC Shows Current CCBC President Dr. Roger W Davis (Left), Dr. Margaret Williams-Betlyn (Center), and an unnamed staff person from CCBC) 

(Monaca, Pa.) The CCBC Foundation announced the endowment of a new scholarship opportunity for the 2022 fall semester on Thursday morning, March 3, 2022.

The new scholarship is the Dr. Margaret Williams-Betlyn Scholarship for a Diverse Workforce. This scholarship focuses on diversifying the workforce pipelines for underrepresented careers in the U.S.

“The CCBC Foundation is honored to accept such a generous donation from a significant member of our campus community. Scholarships like this reduce financial burden for students while accelerating their educational opportunities and relieving financial obligations after graduation,” said Kolton Codner, CCBC Foundation Executive Director. 

The Dr. Margaret Williams-Betlyn Endowed Scholarship for a Diverse Workforce honors the legacy of Dr. Betlyn, CCBC’s first and only female president in the College’s history (serving from 1990-1999). Dr. Betlyn established the $15,000 scholarship endowment to support students with the hopes of increasing diversity in the workforce. At least one scholarship will be awarded each fall. Preference will be given to students who are females pursuing a career in Aviation Sciences, males pursuing a career in Health Sciences, females pursuing a career in Process Technology, and any students who represent underrepresented minorities in particular fields of study.

 “Data continues to show us that diversity in the workplace is a key driver of innovation and success. Providing opportunities for minorities and underrepresented students to pursue meaningful careers is just one way to broaden the pool of talent for employers,” said Dr. Williams-Betlyn. “I encourage students to take advantage of opportunities like these to support them financially and to accelerate their paths to success.”

Scholarships will be 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.

“The purpose of this scholarship is to champion the need to develop a diverse workplace,” said the President Emeritus. “My hope is to allow future students to know that “no dream is too big” thus providing the encouragement they need to inspire others.”

As CCBC’s first and only woman President, Dr. Peggy Williams-Betlyn led the College through a period of student-focused growth and expansion in the 1990’s as the library, now known as the Learning Resources Center, was constructed, and dedicated, providing more spaces for students and the community to learn and grow.

Through quality instruction, CCBC also received National League of Nursing (NLN) accreditation in recognition of the excellence of its programs during this time. Bolstered by Dr. Williams-Betlyn’s leadership, CCBC’s nursing and allied health programs, which will celebrate their golden anniversary this spring, continue to thrive as areas of excellence and pride at CCBC.

“CCBC is synonymous with opportunity. CCBC was the home of my personal career development. It is an honor and a privilege to be part of CCBC’s legacy,” stated Dr. Williams Betlyn.

For more than fifty years, CCBC has transformed the lives of students in the community. Through the generosity of donors and friends, the CCBC Foundation supports students where and when they need it the most. With over 25 current scholarship opportunities, CCBC uses a single application process to match students with scholarships that will be most impactful for that individual and achieve the philanthropic goals of the donor. 

No gift is too big or too small to have an impact on CCBC students. To learn more about other scholarship opportunities, apply or donate: https://www.ccbcfoundation.org/scholarships

(Pittsburgh, Pa.) The American Red Cross blood supply remains incredibly vulnerable – especially as doctors begin to resume elective surgeries previously delayed by the Omicron variant. The Red Cross asks that donors schedule a blood donation immediately to help patients in the community.  Several options are listed below.

It is also important for donors to know that the Red Cross will resume testing all donations for COVID-19 antibodies on March 7, 2022 for a limited time to identify potential units that can be processed into Convalescent Plasma for those COVID patients in need.   In addition, we hope our antibody testing program will provide our donors with valuable insight into their own COVID-19 antibody status.

Although walk-ins may be accepted, it is far better to have an appointment to help them serve you better.   Please complete RapidPass on the day of the drive to assist in processing.   You may also download the Red Cross Blood App to use for RapidPass as well as your Donor Card.  It is on this App that your Covid Antibody results can be found  within 10-14 days after your donation.   It is important to remember that this test is NOT a diagnostic test for the COVID 19 Antigen – only those patients who are healthy and without symptoms are eligible to donate.   Questions can be referred to www.redcrossblood.org or 1-800 RED CROSS.

 

Monday, March 7, 2022    12:00 PM – 05:00 PM

North Way Christian Community, Beaver Valley Campus  300 Brighton Ave, Rochester PA 15074

Link Directly to Sign up:   https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=NWBV

Monday, March 7, 2022    01:00 PM – 06:30 PM

Crossway Community Church    109 Davis Road, Valencia PA 16059

Link Directly to Sign up:  https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=ValenciaCommunity

Tuesday, March 8, 2022    11:30 AM – 05:00 PM

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints    2771 Rochester Road, Cranberry Township PA 16066

Link Directly to Sign up:   https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=Cranberry

Tuesday, March 15, 2022   12:30 PM – 05:30 PM

Cranberry Elks Lodge  20720 US 19, Cranberry Township PA 16066

Link Directly to Sign up:   https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=CranberryTWP

(Ambridge, Pa.) The boil water advisory that was issued in Ambridge one week ago, February 24, 2022 has been lifted according to Beaver County Emergency Services.

The problem started Thursday, February, 24, 2022 around 5 AM when there was a break inside the treatment plant and crews were unable to stop treated water from flowing back into the plant. 8,000 customers were left without service in Ambridge and parts of Harmony Township.

With the flooding under control the authority worked to get service restored, all customers were under a boil water advisory and were being told to conserve water while the authority worked to get everything running as normal.

Once everything was back up and running properly the water had to pass two test that were sent to the DEP.

Thursday morning, March 3, 2022, The Boil Water Advisory was lifted.

The approval notice provided by Beaver County Emergency Services is below:

3930-FM-BSDW0188    Rev. 10/2015 COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

BUREAU OF SAFE DRINKING WATER

Tier 1 Public Notice

PROBLEM CORRECTED

DEP requires all public water systems to issue a “problem corrected” notice within 24 hours after a Tier 1 violation or situation has been resolved and you have received permission from DEP.

Description of the Violation or Situation

Although the public should have seen your initial notice, there may be additional information you learned after the notice was issued. Therefore, you should describe the violation or situation again and discuss how the problem was solved.

Direct Delivery Requirements

Community water suppliers must provide within 24 hours, a Tier 1 public notice (PN) to each service connection using one or more of the following forms of direct delivery:

• Hand delivery
• Electronic mail
• Automatic telephone dialing systems
• Another form of direct delivery approved in writing by the Department

In addition to providing public notification to each service connection, water suppliers that also serve transient and nontransient service connections must provide an abbreviated notice using broadcast media.

Additional Requirements when using an Abbreviated Message

A water supplier that delivers an abbreviated notice (3930-FM-BSDW0197) must also provide the entire Tier 1 PN (mandatory 10 content elements and Spanish translation regarding the importance of the notice) in one of the following ways:

• Posted on a website
• Recorded on a dedicated telephone line
• A method approved in writing by the Department

Noncommunity Delivery Requirements

Noncommunity water suppliers must use one of the following methods:

• Posting in conspicuous locations
• Hand delivery
• Mail or direct delivery to each customer and service connection, when known

Mandatory Language

Use the mandatory statement provided in italics on the following template to encourage notice recipients to distribute the notice to others, where applicable.  You may not change this wording.

 

PN Certification

Send DEP a copy of each type of notice and the certification form (3930-FM-BSDW0076) to DEP within ten days after you issue the notices.

Template Form Field Instructions

When you place your cursor in the blank form fields in the following template, look at the bottom, left corner of your computer (just above the START button) for instructions on the information you should enter in that field.  For example, if you place your cursor over the first blank form field in the template, the instructions will read “Insert system name.”

DRINKING WATER PROBLEM CORRECTED

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER

As a customer of AMBRIDGE WATER AUTHORITY ,

you were notified on 02/24/2022 of a problem with our drinking water and were advised to

DO NOT DRINK THE WATER BEFORE BOILING IT FIRST. .

We are pleased to report that the problem has been corrected and that it is no longer necessary to BOIL WATER.  WATER IS NOW SAFE TO CONSUME.

We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR PATIENCE, UNDERSTANDING, AND SUPPORT IN SO MANY WAYS, THROUGHOUT THESE UNPRECEDENTED CIRCUMSTANCES.

As always, you may contact: AMBRIDGE WATER AUTHORITY

600 11TH STREET, AMBRIDGE PA 15003

at 724-266-4847; WWW.AMBWATER.ORG

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

This notice is being sent to you by AMBRIDGE WATER AUTHORITY .

PWS ID#:  5040008 Date distributed:  3/3/2022

(File Photo) 

(Rochester, Pa.) The Beaver County Democratic Committee is partnering with prospective candidates as well as area food pantries in a one-stop collection event this weekend. To help candidates gather ballot signatures, voters can motor up to a drive-thru event from 10 am until 4 pm this Sunday, March 6, 2022, at the committee’s headquarters, located at 426 Adams Street in Rochester, PA. While they’re there, Democratic voters can also drop off canned goods to benefit the Little Free Pantries of Beaver County.
“In 2022, Democrats are dedicated to delivering results to all of Beaver County,” said Committee Chair Terri Mitko. “We are proud to find ways to pair our political work with activities that assist our neighbors.”
With the drive-thru event, voters can enjoy an easy way to ensure Democratic candidates get on the ballot — an essential step in the Pennsylvania election process.
This year, the petition period will occur in two parts due to current court proceedings. Signatures for the offices of governor, lieutenant governor, senator, and congressperson can be collected until March 15. The petition period for the General Assembly has not yet been set.

This year marks the second anniversary of the Beaver County drive-through donation/petition combination event. In 2021, COVID brought new challenges to many of our neighbors. To help ease the burden, the Committee gathered donations for the eleven Little Free Pantries throughout the county in conjunction with collecting signatures. Through this effort, the Beaver County Democratic Committee provided four boxes full of food and dry goods to each of the 11 pantries, and they are hoping to exceed that donation amount this year.
All non-perishable foods, except for glass jars, will be accepted. Especially requested:
Pasta
Pasta sauce in plastic jars
Mac and Cheese
Ramen Noodles
Canned or pouched meat or fish
Peanut butter and jelly
Canned soup, chili, and stews
Shampoo/conditioner
Toothpaste
Bars of soap
Deodorant
Donations can be brought to the Committee office parking lot beginning at 10 am March 6.
Petitions can only be signed by registered Democrats.

(File Photo)

(Pittsburgh, Pa.)  Allegheny Health Network (AHN) announced it has received charitable sponsorships from PNC Bank to improve health equity in the greater Pittsburgh region. The funding will support AHN’s Healthy Food Center at West Penn Hospital, as well as the health system’s ‘First Steps and Beyond’ program to improve Black infant health outcomes.

“AHN and Highmark Health have been fortunate to frequently work with PNC Bank over the years to promote health and wellness for all residents in Pittsburgh communities and beyond,” said Allie Quick, chief philanthropy officer at AHN. “We are so grateful for their involvement once again to help address the impact of racial disparities on birth outcomes in our region, as well as transform the lives of families with insufficient access to nutritious food choices.”

According to the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank, one in five Pittsburgh residents experience food insecurity – meaning they lack consistent access to nutritious foods, which are critical to an active, healthy lifestyle. Funding from PNC Bank will help to sustain the AHN Healthy Food Center at West Penn Hospital and its efforts to link food and medicine for improved patient health outcomes. In recognition of PNC’s generous support, this Healthy Food Center location has been designated the ‘PNC Pantry.’

The AHN Healthy Food Center, part of the network’s Center for Inclusion Health, serves as a food pharmacy where patients can obtain healthful food items, as well as education on disease-specific diets and resources to address other social challenges. The first center debuted in 2018 at West Penn Hospital, followed by locations at Allegheny General Hospital, Jefferson Hospital, Saint Vincent Hospital and Forbes Hospital. To date, more than 125,000 meals have been provided to patients and their families in the Pittsburgh region through the Healthy Food Centers.

Another sponsorship from PNC will support the ‘First Steps and Beyond’ program at AHN, which is designed to decrease Black infant mortality rates, reduce preterm birth rates and increase knowledge about safe sleep. Originally announced last December, the program seeks to expand prenatal, perinatal, birth doula and fatherhood services, as well as develop interventions for families experiencing oppression and hardship, especially due to racial inequality.

“PNC is committed to promoting economic empowerment for all across our footprint,” said Lou Cestello, PNC regional president for Pittsburgh. “Allegheny Health Network is working to eliminate health disparities that can serve as significant barriers to overall equity, and we are proud to team up with them to improve health outcomes for underserved communities in our region.”

 

(File Photo)
Thursday march 3, 2022 at 6:54 AM
(Westmoreland County, Pa.) Pa State Trooper Corporal Sean McKenzie, of Perryopolis is accused of having child pornography and putting a camera in his bathroom to record a young girl.
He, is facing a list of child pornography and sexual abuse counts. He was arrested Tuesday in Westmoreland County.
According to the criminal complaint, a Dropbox first alerted investigators to the alleged pornographic material. State troopers connected the account to McKenzie.
Investigators also found videos and photos on McKenzie’s iPhone and on a USB drive, that was found in his front pocket when he was arrested. McKenzie eventually admitted to having and looking at the pornography, police said.
He is in the Westmoreland County Prison on a $500,000 bond. He is suspended without pay pending the resolution of the criminal charges against him. His preliminary hearing is on March 9.

(Photo of Speedway Gas Price in New Brighton taken by Frank Sparks)

Thursday, March 3, 2022 at 6:50 AM

(Beaver County, Pa.) As Gas prices hit an all-time high The leaders of OPEC and its oil-producing allies are sticking with their plan to gradually increase oil production while Russia’s invasion of Ukraine rattles markets, reshapes alliances, kills civilians and sends the price of crude skyrocketing. The OPEC+ coalition of oil producers chose to increase oil production by 400,000 barrels per day in April. But that isn’t helping consumers at the pump.

Here locally we are feeling the pinch at the pump as gas prices at some local stations jumped 30 cents overnight to $4.19 a gallon.
Speedway in New Brighton and Baden are at $4.19 a gallon, Get Go in Rochester and Chippewa is listed on their website at $3.90 a gallon, Sweet Peas in Beaver Falls is $3.89, The Sunoco in Beaver was listed at $3.99 a gallon on Tuesday and Sheetz locations in the county are also $3.90 a gallon according to their website.
According to Gasprices AAA.com the average cost for a gallon of gasoline locally is $3.82. the all-time record is an average price of $4.05 a gallon back in June of 2008.