WASHINGTON (AP) — America’s top general says the United States could now face a rise in terrorist threats from a Taliban-run Afghanistan. That warning comes as intelligence agencies charged with anticipating those threats face new questions after the U.S.-backed Afghan military collapsed with shocking speed. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Mark Milley, told senators on a briefing call Sunday that U.S. officials are expected to alter their earlier assessments about the pace of terrorist groups reconstituting in Afghanistan. That’s according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity.

(Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Greg Benedetti)

Beaver County Native Joe Walton died at a nursing home in Florida yesterday.  He was 85.  Walton had a storied football career with Pitt and with the New York Giants and Washington Redskins in the pros.  Walton later returned to coaching and was head coach of the New York Jets for five seasons.  A memorial service for Joe Walton will be held in Beaver Falls at a date to be determined in late August.

The Hookstown post office is holding a dedication ceremony to honor Air Force Staff Sgt. Dylan J. Elchin at 1 p.m. today. The Brighton Township and Raccoon township man died while serving in Afghanistan.  Elchin graduated from Hopewell High School and joined the Air Force as a special tactics combat controller and was trained for various combat operations.  Elchin was 25 years old when a roadside bomb exploded outside of Ghazni province on Nov. 27, 2018, killing him. He received many honors including the Bronze Star Medal, a Purple Heart medal, an Air Force Commendation Medal and a NATO Medal.  Connor Lamb, Air Force Col. John Robinson, and representatives for Senators Bob Casey and Pat Toomey will participate in the ceremony. Beaver County Radio’s Matt Drzik will be in attendance as well.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health Saturday notified all COVID-19 vaccine providers that immunocompromised individuals who are fully vaccinated with Pfizer or Moderna are able to receive an additional dose. The notification follows recommendations announced Saturday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

“We are pleased that the federal government is taking steps to ensure individuals who are immunocompromised have the opportunity to receive another layer of protection against COVID-19,” Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam said. “The department is already working with vaccine providers on this important protection for these vulnerable Pennsylvanians. We are confident in our ability to meet the needs of this critical population by our previous successful vaccination efforts and current vaccine supply.”

Currently, the CDC is recommending that moderately to severely immunocompromised people who are fully vaccinated with Pfizer and Moderna receive an additional dose of vaccine.

Individuals should consult their health care provider if they are unsure as to whether they are moderately or severely immunocompromised based on their health condition, history, or status. Immunocompromised individuals who are fully vaccinated with Pfizer and Moderna and are looking to receive this additional dose of the respective vaccine, should consult their health care provider before scheduling a vaccine appointment. Additionally, health care providers are encouraged to communicate with their patients who would benefit from an additional dose.

The FDA has not recommended an additional dose for other individuals at this time.

“We encourage unvaccinated eligible individuals to get vaccinated to help protect people in our community who are unable to get vaccinated, like those who are under the age of 12,” Beam said.

Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is announcing waterline work on Pennsylvania Avenue (Route 4044) in Monaca Borough, Beaver County will continue Monday, August 16 weather permitting.

Single-lane restrictions will occur on Pennsylvania Avenue between 9th Street and 15th Street daily from 7:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. through mid-November as crews from Fer-Pal Construction USA LLC conduct waterline installation work. Flaggers will assist motorists through the work zone.

Please use caution when travelling through the area. Work zone safety is everyone’s responsibility.

(Story by Beaver County News Correspondent Sandy Giordano)

(Hopewell Township, PA) Hopewell Township Police Chief Don Sedlacek reported this morning that there was a fatal shooting on Brodhead Road. The chief said police and the coroner were dispatched to the scene at 1:32 a.m.  An investigation into the  shooting is ongoing, Chief Sedlacek said.

(Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Curtis Walsh)

(New Brighton, PA) – An accident occurred on sunflower road near Marion Hill in New Brighton. A medicvac helicopter responded to the high school nearby. Multiple departments from the area were on scene. The scene is now clear and the road has reopened.

PUC Stresses #WaysToStayCool during Extreme Summer Heat

Easy Tips to Feel Cooler and Conserve Energy During Summer Heatwaves

 

HARRISBURG – As extreme summer heat continues for communities across much of the state, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is stressing a series of simple ways that residents can stay cool, conserve energy and keep their bills manageable.

 

#WaysToStayCool

 

Increase summer comfort while keeping energy costs low:

• Fan Yourself – Fans circulate the air, keeping you feeling cooler, even at higher temperatures.
• Follow the Shade – Relax in rooms that do not receive direct sunlight.
• Block the Heat – Use window blinds and coverings at the sunniest time of day to reduce unwanted heat buildup.
• Don’t Add Extra Heat – Postpone using heat-producing appliances, such as clothes dryers, dishwashers and stoves until it is cooler.
• Cookout, Anyone? – Consider cooking with outdoor barbecue grills or microwaves, rather than stoves or ovens, which add indoor heat.

Circulating air with a fan can help you feel up to 4 degrees cooler,
without needing to lower your thermostat.

 

In addition to simple ways to feel cooler on hot summer days, the PUC also underscored a series of ways to help conserve energy and avoid generating unwanted heat inside your home.

 

Ways to Save

 

Conserve energy and save money while staying cool:

• Check your Thermostat – The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill.
• Clean is “Green” – Clean and replace air conditioner filters regularly and make sure air circulation paths are clear.
• Power Off – Turn off non-essential appliances and lights to reduce power use and unwanted heat.
• Don’t Cool Unneeded Space – Close off unused rooms and adjust air vents or thermostats to avoid unnecessary cooling expenses.
• Keep the Heat Outside – Seal cracks and openings to prevent warm air from leaking into your home.

Every degree you raise your air conditioning thermostat
above 72 degrees can save up to 3% on cooling expenses.

 

In addition to cooling and conservation tips, the PUC also encouraged residents to review the hot weather safety information from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, along with tips for keeping pets safe during hot weather, from the Humane Society of the United States.

 

Hot Weather & Utilities

 

The PUC notes that hot and humid weather can prompt PJM – the region’s power transmission organization – to issue “Hot Weather Alerts”, preparing utilities and generation operators for conditions that could stress the power grid and working to ensure that resources are available to meet energy demands.

 

In response to hot weather alerts, electric distribution companies (EDCs) across Pennsylvania take steps to prepare for high demand and other hot-weather issues, including the postponement or rescheduling of routine maintenance-related outages, placing additional staff and equipment on stand-by in the event of outages and reaching out to customers regarding energy conservation and/or access to ice, water, cooling centers and other support services, should they be needed during any outages.

 

The PUC is in close communication with EDCs, PJM and other key stakeholders during these types of weather alerts and continues to actively monitor utility systems across the state.

 

About the PUC

 

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

 

Visit the PUC’s website at www.puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

(Cranberry Twp., Butler County, Pa.) Pa State Police in Butler are reporting that they made a traffic stop on interstate 79 in Cranberry Twp on August 9 at 7:56
PM on a 2015 Volkswagen Jetta.
Troopers report that during the traffic stop it was determined that 35-year-old John Proctor of Buffalo, New York was suspected of driving under the influence and also violating Act 64. He was arrested for a DUI and Act 64 violations. Charges are pending.