Dick Thornburgh, ex-governor and US attorney general, dies
By MARK SCOLFORO Associated Press
Former federal attorney general and Pennsylvania Gov. Dick Thornburgh has died at age 88. Thornburgh died Thursday morning at a retirement community facility outside Pittsburgh, his son David said. The cause is not yet known. Thornburgh built a reputation as a crime-busting federal prosecutor in Pittsburgh and won praise for his cool handling as governor of the Three Mile Island partial nuclear meltdown in 1979.

 

Harrisburg, Pa. – In honor of former Pennsylvania Governor Dick Thornburgh, who passed away on Thursday, December 31, Governor Tom Wolf ordered the US and Commonwealth flags on all commonwealth facilities, public buildings and grounds fly at half-staff immediately.

“Governor Thornburgh served our commonwealth and our nation with pride and distinction,” said Gov. Wolf. “His calm, grounded leadership was a hallmark of his governorship, and was critical to guiding Pennsylvania through the tumultuous days following the partial meltdown at Three Mile Island. Governor Thornburgh dedicated his life to public service, and his contributions to our commonwealth will not be forgotten.

“Frances and I extend our deepest condolences to the Thornburgh family. The people of Pennsylvania mourn with you.”

The United States flag shall fly at half-staff until the date of interment, which has not yet been determined. The commonwealth flag has flown at half-staff since Wednesday, March 11, 2020, in honor of the victims of the COVID-19 pandemic and should continue to fly at half-staff until further notice.

All Pennsylvanians are invited to participate in this tribute.

The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for our area for New Years Day due to the threat of freezing rain.

Winter Weather Advisory

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA
1247 PM EST Thu Dec 31 2020

OHZ039>041-048>050-057>059-068-069-PAZ007-013-014-020>022-029-031-
073-075-WVZ001>004-510-511-513-010200-
/O.NEW.KPBZ.WW.Y.0018.210101T1200Z-210101T1800Z/
Tuscarawas-Carroll-Columbiana-Coshocton-Harrison-Jefferson OH-
Muskingum-Guernsey-Belmont-Noble-Monroe-Mercer-Lawrence-Butler-
Beaver-Allegheny-Armstrong-Washington-Greene-Westmoreland-Fayette-
Hancock-Brooke-Ohio-Marshall-
Ridges of Eastern Monongalia and Northwestern Preston-Preston-
Western Tucker-
Including the cities of New Philadelphia, Dover, Carrollton,
Malvern, East Liverpool, Salem, Columbiana, Coshocton, Cadiz,
Steubenville, Zanesville, Cambridge, Martins Ferry,
St. Clairsville, Caldwell, Woodsfield, Sharon, Hermitage,
Grove City, New Castle, Ellwood City, Butler, Aliquippa,
Beaver Falls, Ambridge, Monaca, Pittsburgh Metro Area,
Kittanning, Ford City, Washington, Canonsburg, Waynesburg,
Murrysville, Greensburg, New Kensington, Lower Burrell, Latrobe,
Monessen, Uniontown, Weirton, Follansbee, Wellsburg, Wheeling,
Moundsville, Coopers Rock, Kingwood, Bruceton Mills, Parsons,
Hendricks, and Saint George
1247 PM EST Thu Dec 31 2020

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM TO 1 PM EST
FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Freezing rain expected. Total ice accumulations of a
  light glaze.

* WHERE...Portions of northwest, southwest and western
  Pennsylvania, east central Ohio and northern and the northern
  panhandle of West Virginia.

* WHEN...From 7 AM to 1 PM EST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Very slippery sidewalks, roads and bridges are
  possible. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning
  commute.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Precipitation will changeover to rain as
  temperature increases through midday Friday.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. Prepare for possible
power outages.

Please report snow or ice by calling 412-262-1988, posting to the
NWS Pittsburgh Facebook page, or using Twitter @NWSPittsburgh

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Pennsylvania
Turnpike Commission remind motorists to adjust speeds based on
driving conditions as winter weather impacts Pennsylvania
roadways. Visit www.511pa.com for the latest travel, roadway and
traffic conditions.

Story by Beaver County Radio News Director/ Program Director Frank Sparks

(Beaver Falls, Pa.) So what were your top stories of 2020? The Obvious stories are COVID-19, the impeachment of President Donald Trump, the death of George Floyd and the racial injustice that followed and of course the election for President of the United States. Beaver County Radio News has put together the top ten stories of 2020 based on what our followers reacted to on all platforms of Beaver County Radio.  Throughout the year over 600,00 users accessed beavercountyradio.com with over 1 million page views. Below we take a look at those stories as they were reported on during news casts, on beavercountyradio.com and our social media outlets:

Number Ten on the list squeaked its way in the top ten at the last minute on December 30, 2020 when Beaver County Radio Reported on United States Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin took to Twitter on December 29, 2020 confirming that the payments and checks were on the way for the second round of stimulus money signed into law by President Donald Trump on December 28, 2020. Mnuchin posted that the U.S. Treasury and IRS would begin delivering the second round of economic impact payments late December 29 and during the day on December 30, 2020,  via direct deposit for those who have their banking information on file through the IRS.

Number Nine  is a pre-pandemic story from February 6, 2020. Republican US Sen. Pat Toomey Now Says President’s Ukraine Phone Call ‘Not Perfect’ Republican Pat Toomey voted to acquit President Donald Trump during the Senate face after the President was impeached by the US Congress. Toomey specifically wrote that while Trump’s actions were not perfect, as the President keeps saying, the American people should decide for themselves if he should stay in office this November.

 

Number Eight is a story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano from March 9, 2020. Sandy reported that a man returning home from work on Boylston street in Ambridge was robbed at gun point by  two black males wearing a mask at 11:45 pm on the night of March 8, 2020.

 

 

Number Seven is a story reported on by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano that homicide charges were dropped against 18 year old Michael Barbuto at a hearing in Beaver County Central Court before District Justice Ed Howe. Barbuto was charged with criminal homicide in the death of his brother on July 15,, 2020. A key witness refused to testify and was held in contempt of court.

Number Six is a story on September 9, 2020  in which U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady  announced that a Rochester, PA woman was one of 27 indicted  in a drug trafficking investigation. The 27 were indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh  for trafficking significant quantities of cocaine from Mexico to the United States. ‘OPERATION TRIPWIRE””, was a 2 year investigation  with international, federal, state and local partners.  It began  shortly after Allegheny County’s  designation as a HIGH INTENSITY DRUG TRAFFICKING AREA.

Number Five is a sad story reported on by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano from September 22, 2020. Sandy reported that  an elderly man died as the result of a dump truck falling on him on Monday September 21, 2020 in Center Township. Police Chief Barry Kramer said the accident occurred around 2:30 p.m.  on Fronko Street. Emergency personnel worked to free the man and he was flown to UPMC Presbyterian  where he later died from his injuries according to Chief Kramer.

Number Four was just reported on Wednesday December 23, 2020 by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano. Sandy reported that Hopewell Township Police reported Wednesday morning that a vehicle operated by  Boisy Hollins, 70 of Aliquippa  crossed the  center  line  in  the 2400 block of Brodhead Road Monday afternoon, December 22, 2020,  striking  a vehicle with 2 occupants. One of the vehicle’s caught fire, and a passerby equipped with a fire extinguisher put the fire out. Hollins died as a result of his injuries and the two occupants of the other vehicle were treated at a local hospital.

Number Three was reported by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano. Sandy stated that Aliquippa Mayor Dwan Walker declared Aliquippa in a state of emergency on  March 24, 2020 due to many circumstances including the COVID-19 which was just entering Beaver County at that time.

 

 

 

Number Two was an update about a previous story that Beaver County Radio had reported on.  The original story earlier in the day on September 25, 2020 stated that Beaver County District Attorney David J. Lozier reported early Friday morning  that a home invasion took place in the 1400 block of 5th Avenue in Beaver Falls around 1 AM.  The suspects shot and killed a male, and wounded a female. The female was flown to a hospital for her injuries.  The investigation is continuing the District Attorney said at that time. In the Number two story Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano reported an update that stated Beaver Falls  Police were reporting via press release that the deceased victim was a 22 year-old male and the second victim who was air lifted to a local  hospital is a 23 year-old female.  A couple days later Sandy reported that Beaver County Coroner David J. Gabauer identified the victim as Dec Latrell Parker, 22 of Beaver Falls. His death was ruled a homicide.

 

And the number one story was one of many stories to come out of the Beaver County Courthouse over 2020. The Beaver County Commissioners felt Beaver County was getting the short end of the stick because of the outbreak of COVID-19 cases at the Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center and said that they support District Attorney David Lozier on the decision to not prosecute any business who can safely open and follow the yellow phase guidelines. In a statement on Monday May 11, 2020 the Beaver County Commissioners stated that they were informed by Gov. Tom Wolf that Beaver County would be the only county in the Southwest region of Pennsylvania that would not be moving to the yellow phase from the red phase governor Wolf issued said via press release that Counties that wish to not listen to his orders will suffer Consequences. The Gov said he will take away Federal COVID-19 funds and that they are risking peoples lives by not following the plan to phase in a return to life in Pennsylvania. The Gov. also said that businesses that make the choice to open while still in the red zone will suffer  by losing liquor licenses  or their license from the health department.

The Beaver County Commissioners have responded to Gov. Wolf’s Statements via a press release sent to Beaver County Radio. Below is a copy of the wording in the Press Release:

The Commissioners of Beaver County were disappointed in Governor Wolf’s remarks today and felt it necessary to issue this press release in response. Nothing the Governor stated makes us change the position we previously held in that it is illogical to keep Beaver County in the “red” phase while moving the entire bordering counties and regions into the “yellow” phase. We do not believe our residents will be corralled inside invisible county lines on the map.

 By now it is well documented one facility within Beaver County is the basis for the vast majority of our COVID-19 cases and deaths. It has also been well documented it is the Department of Health’s responsibility to monitor this facility. If the Governor and his administration are so interested in saving lives, only they can answer the question why they ignored multiple requests for help and statistical counts coming out of Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center by waiting over six weeks to only now send in the National Guard. 

We certainly hope the Governor was not serious when he talked about withholding federal stimulus money as that would only punish those who need that help the most. By putting Beaver County on an island being left in the red, the Governor is crushing the economy, businesses, and morale of this County. 

We once again stand behind our District Attorney in his decision to not prosecute any businesses that can operate in the “yellow” phase to do so on Friday. Our decision to stand behind our District Attorney is a bipartisan and nonpolitical decision based on the analysis of our data, and the best interest of the health, safety, emotional, and economic well-being of the Beaver County residents. 

That concludes our list of based off analytics of the top stories in Beaver County.

One final story deserving honorable mention is that Beaver County Radio 1230 WBVP and 99.3 FM started streaming on air content on February 29, 2020 via beavercountyradio.com and mobile apps for android and apple devices. A few weeks later it was added that you could listen to Beaver County Radio on Amazon Alexa.

This is just a list of the many stories that Beaver County Radio covered in 2020. We  thank everyone who has been a part of supporting Beaver County Radio. We couldn’t do it with out you.

From the Management and Staff of Beaver County Radio we wish everyone a “Happy New Year”

Gettysburg elementary teacher accused of child sexual abuse
GETTYSBURG, Pa. (AP) — A second-grade public school teacher in Gettysburg is accused of sexual abuse of a child, and the state police is asking for tips from anyone who believes there may be other victims. Vincent Paul Marfia was arraigned Thursday on charges that include involuntary deviate sexual intercourse. He was jailed, with bail set at $50,000. His defense lawyer says the 40-year-old Littlestown resident denies the allegations. A Gettysburg Area School District spokesperson says Marfia won’t be on school property during the investigation.

BEDMINSTER, Pa. (AP) — A hunter who fatally shot a man he apparently mistook for an animal at a state park has been charged with homicide and weapons counts. Kenneth Troy Heller made his initial court appearance Wednesday and was jailed after the judge denied him bail. It wasn’t known if the 52-year-0old Warminster man has retained an attorney. The shooting occurred Oct. 24 in Nockamixon State Park, which straddles the towns of Bedminster and Haycock. Bucks County District Attorney Matt Weintraub says he believes Heller thought he was firing at an animal and didn’t intentionally shoot 18-year-old Jason Kutt. The West Rockhill man was shot once in the back of the head while sitting with his girlfriend.

Keystone State News Connection

December 31, 2020

Groups Demand Cancellation of Federal Student-Loan Debt

Andrea Sears

PHILADELPHIA — Student and community groups will rally outside President-elect Joe Biden’s Philadelphia headquarters Monday to demand he cancel all federal student debt on his first day in office.

Organizers of the rally say Philadelphia was instrumental in securing Biden’s victory at the polls.

Now, after months of unemployment brought on by the pandemic, many have to choose between paying their debts or keeping a roof over their heads and food on the table.

Lauren Horner, community organizer for the PA Debt Collective, said cancelling student debt would relieve some of the burden on people who have gone months without paychecks.

“Philly residents have much higher debt loads – an average of over $37,000 – than many graduates in other major cities, especially our Black and Brown borrowers,” Horner explained.

Biden backed legislation that would cancel the first $10,000 of federal student loan debt, but has not supported a Democratic resolution urging him to eliminate more.

That resolution, proposed by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., would cancel up to $50,000 of student debt per borrower.

But Horner insists that still wouldn’t be enough.

“To cancel all of the debt would be a much bigger and bolder statement,” Horner maintained. “And it would keep $11.6 billion in the pockets of over 300,000 Philadelphia residents, in particular.”

Nationally, 45 million Americans owe more than $1.5 trillion on student loans.

Biden calls it “questionable” whether he’ll have the executive power to cancel even $50,000 of student loan debt.

But Horner pointed out Congress gave that authority to the Secretary of Education, a presidential appointee, decades ago.

“Basically, with a sign of a pen, the $1.5 trillion of federal student loans can be cancelled,” confirmed. “So, we’re simply demanding that Biden use this power that he already possesses to push this forward.”

She added student debt is one factor contributing to the racial wealth gap, and cancelling it would help reduce wealth inequality.