(File Photo of a Fire Background)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Aliquippa, PA) Aliquippa Firefighters have teamed up with Job Training for Beaver County (JTBC) to host an upcoming Fire Academy Summer Camp. This hands-on opportunity is open to eligible youth in the county ages 16–18 who are interested in learning more about the fire service. Spots are limited to train with local firefighters and to gain real-world experience. You can call 724-782-4860 to learn more about this opportunity.

(File Photo of a Police Siren Light)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Moon Township, PA) A woman that was hurt in a violent head-on crash in Moon Township says she’s still living with the injuries and the trauma months later. Police charged Jason Faulkner on Wednesday in connection with the crash that occurred in February along Montour Run Road. An officer on the scene stated that marijuana was found in Faulkner’s jacket and blood tests show he had been drinking. A date for Faulkner’s preliminary hearing has not been set at this time. 

(File Photo of a Top of a School Bus)

Reported by Danielle Smith, Keystone News Service

(Harrisburg, PA) An education advocacy group is hoping the Pennsylvania Senate will approve Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed budget for 2026 and 2027. The Pennsylvania State Education Association says the recent passage of House Bill 2400 is a hopeful sign for schools – it contains nearly 700-million dollars to help close long‑standing funding gaps among districts. P-S-E-A President Aaron Chapin says the bipartisan measure would help the state meet its constitutional obligations. He notes this marks the third year of increased funding for Pennsylvania schools. The measure could face a tougher review in the Republican-led state Senate. Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed 53-billion dollar spending plan requires final approval before a June 30th deadline.

(File Photo of State Representative Rob Matzie Speaking)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) The Pennsylvania House adopted State Representative Rob Matzie’s resolution on Wednesday designating April of 2026 as “Pennsylvania 8-1-1 Safe Digging Month.” According to Matzie, he introduced House Resolution 403 to make sure Pennsylvanians are aware that the law requires them to call 8-1-1 – the free “Call before You Dig” hotline, before embarking on any digging or excavation project. 

(File Photo of Congressman Chris Deluzio)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Sharpsburg, PA) Congressman Chris Deluzio announced yesterday that his campaign and leadership PAC raised more than $625,000 in the first quarter of 2026. He has raised over $2.1 million towards his re-election this cycle, and has more than $1 million on hand between his campaign and leadership PAC. In the first quarter of 2026, he received over 13,000 individual donations to his campaign and the average individual contribution was $38. Deluzio is a Democratic representative of the 17th Congressional District. 

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of Grove City College)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Grove City, PA) Dr. Kristin J. Homan, a professor of Psychology at Grove City College, is the 2026 Omicron Delta Kappa Grove City College Professor of the Year. A release from Grove City College confirms that Homan has taught a variety of psychology and research methods courses and has mentored dozens of students through their senior capstone research projects. She said she was “honored and humbled” by the award. According to the ODK selection committee, Homan exemplifies the Professor of the Year award, which seeks to recognize a faculty member for exemplary character, superior enthusiasm and scholarship in the classroom, genuine rapport with students, thoughtful advising, and responsible leadership to the campus and community.

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is joining state and national partners in recognizing April as Safe Digging Month as spring construction and outdoor projects increase across Pennsylvania. The PUC is reminding contractors, homeowners and utility operators to follow essential safety steps before any excavation work begins. According to a release in Harrisburg yesterday, here is some more information about Safe Digging Month along with tips the PUC recommends that are related to it:

What’s at Stake – Growing Activity Brings Greater Responsibility

Each year, the PUC’s Damage Prevention Committee (DPC) reviews hundreds of cases involving damage to underground utilities – incidents that can disrupt essential services, create safety hazards, and result in significant costs.

Recent trends in Pennsylvania highlight ongoing challenges across the system, including:

·         Facility owners responding late – or not at all – to locate requests;

·         Failure to properly identify and mark underground lines within required tolerance zones;

·         Excavators not exercising due care when working near marked facilities;

·         Misuse of emergency tickets, which are intended for situations involving immediate danger to life, property or the environment.

At the same time, overall excavation activity continues to increase, with higher volumes of locate requests, larger and more complex projects, and tighter timelines placing added pressure on both excavators and facility owners.

National data from the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) continues to show that the leading causes of damage remain:

·         Failure to contact 8-1-1 before digging;

·         Improper excavation practices;

·         Inaccurate or unverified utility markings.

Telecommunications and landscaping projects remain among the most common sources of damage, both in Pennsylvania and nationwide.

Reauthorization of PA One Call Law – Act 127 of 2024

Pennsylvania reinforced its commitment to underground utility safety with the passage of Act 127 of 2024, which reauthorized and strengthened the state’s Underground Utility Line Protection Law.

Key updates include:

·         Mandatory reporting: All stakeholders must submit Alleged Violation Reports (AVRs), with no exemptions;

·         Stricter timelines: Facility owners must respond promptly to locate requests and all stakeholders adhere to AVR deadlines;

·         Increased accountability: Repeat violations and failure to comply with penalties or training requirements may result in daily fines;

·         Extended review period: The DPC now has 270 days to evaluate and act on new cases.

These updates are designed to improve consistency, accountability, and communication across all participants in the excavation process.

What You Can Do – Safe Digging Starts With a Call

To reduce risks and prevent accidents, the PUC encourages anyone planning to dig this spring to follow these key steps:

·         Always contact 8-1-1 at least three business days before digging;

·         Wait for utilities to mark underground lines at no cost;

·         Confirm that all lines have been marked before starting work;

·         Respect markings and use caution when digging near utilities;

·         Ensure contractors place their own 8-1-1 requests, as required by law;

·         Plan ahead – especially for larger projects – and allow adequate time for accurate markings.

For more information, visit www.pa811.org by clicking here or call 8-1-1. Out-of-state callers may dial 1-800-242-1776 to reach the Pennsylvania One Call system.