Author: Beaver County Radio

Pennsylvania State Police Honors Fallen Troopers on the Department’s 116th Anniversary

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) paused to honor the department’s fallen troopers today in conjunction with its 116th anniversary. PSP was established by Governor Samuel Pennypacker on May 2, 1905, becoming the first uniformed police agency of its kind in the United States.
In 2021, the name of Trooper Donald C. Brackett was added to the Memorial Wall at the state police academy in Hershey.  He died after suffering a medical emergency while on duty on May 18, 2019. Trooper Brackett was previously engaged in department motorcycle training that was subsequently discovered to have exacerbated an unknown existing medical condition, ultimately leading to the fatal medical episode from which he died.
“The 99 names etched into the Memorial Wall represent not only the individual troopers who died in service to the commonwealth since 1905, but also the sacrifices of countless family members and loved ones who suffered their loss,” said Colonel Robert Evanchick, commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. “Today is a solemn day for our department, as we honor those who came before us and ensure that their contributions to our department are not forgotten.”
Governor Tom Wolf marked the occasion by proclaiming May 2 as Pennsylvania State Police Day in the commonwealth.
“Frances and I again extend our condolences to Trooper Brackett’s loved ones, as well as his larger state police family and everyone affected by his loss,” said Gov. Wolf. “Today serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by members of law enforcement, and I join all Pennsylvanians in pausing to remember the 99 troopers who have died in the line of duty.”
To comply with COVID-19 mitigation requirements, the PSP Academy shared a tribute video on its Facebook page* in lieu of an in-person ceremony. The video includes remarks from Colonel Evanchick and footage from previous ceremonies. An online version of the PSP Memorial Wall, with biographical information and photos of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, is available at psp.pa.gov.
Starting with an original compliment of just 228 men, the department has grown over the past 116 years to an authorized enlisted compliment of 4,719 and is supported by more than 1,700 civilian employees. It is the tenth-largest police agency in the United States.

Wampum Women and Four Passengers Suffers Minor Injuries In One Vehicle Accident On Pa. Turnpike in North Sewickley

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(North Sewickley Twp., Pa.) Pa State Police in Gibsonia are reporting a one vehicle accident that happened last Thursday, April 29, 2021 around 3:45 PM on the PA Turnpike in North Sewickley Township.

Troopers are reporting via release that Casy Bowman of Wampum was driving a 2020 Hyundai Palisade Eastbound on the turnpike when she hydroplaned due to the heavy rain and large amounts of water on the roadway and lost control of the vehicle. The SUV left the roadway and struck a guard rail causing severe front-end damage to the vehicle.

Bowman sustained minor injuries but refused to be transported to the hospital. Four other passengers in the vehicle including two children in a front-facing car seats also suffered minor injuries and were not transported to the hospital.

Bowman was given a citation for not driving a vehicle at a safe speed for conditions.

New Brighton Farmers Market 2021 Season Starts Tuesday May 4, 2021

The Beaver County Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association has announced that the New Brighton Farmers’ Market will open for the season on Tuesday, May 4, 2021.  The Market will again be located to the area adjacent to Diamond Milling at 313 Fifth Avenue.  Hours will remain the same, with the Market open from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM every Tuesday through November 16.

As in years past, the Market will feature fruits and vegetables, fresh-cut flowers, and bedding plants sold by local Beaver County growers.

US Rep. Conor Lamb (17th) Sends Letter To Schools Urging Them To Use American Rescue Plan Funding For Learning Loss

(PITTSBURGH, PA) US Representative Conor Lamb (PA-17) announced late Friday that he sent a letter to school district stakeholders in Pennsylvania’s 17th District, including school boards, superintendents, principals and school leaders outlining the funding in the American Rescue Plan Act which was specifically designed to address learning loss by students during the pandemic. The letter urges all schools to make summer learning or other COVID-19 related education programming free and accessible to all students and provides details of the federal support Congress has provided to K-12 schools through three pieces of legislation during the pandemic.

“Nothing is more important right now than ensuring our students are caught up and supported. Accordingly, I write to request that you consider using the federal funds available to you to ensure any summer learning or other programming designed to address learning loss is free and accessible to every student in your district. The ability to pay for learning programs should not be a barrier to any of our students or families,” Lamb wrote in the letter.

Pa. State Rep. Rob Matzie: $25,000 Secured To Fund Beaver County ‘Heart and Soul’ Projects Will Encourage Collaborative Community Planning In Ambridge and Rochester

(Ambridge, Pa.) Pa State Rep Rob Matzie announced Friday twoGrants totaling $25,000 to fund Beaver County projects designed to ensure more residents have a say in community planning.

Matzie said Ambridge and Rochester are each receiving a $12,500 grant to fund Heart and Soul projects in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Humanities Council and the Orton Family Foundation.

“To be successful, community planning and development must be a collaborative effort that reflects the needs, desires and aspirations of all residents,” Matzie said. “Heart and Soul projects help make that happen by bringing residents to the table to share stories and experiences, ensuring that future development is based on a shared vision for the community.

“Today’s funding is exciting because it’s going to help get more Ambridge and Rochester residents involved in that process.”

Matzie said funding for the grants comes from the Municipal Assistance Program, which is administered by the state Department of Community and Economic Development.

No One Injured in Garage Fire in Hopewell Twp.

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Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Hopewell Twp., Pa.) Hopewell Township Fire Chief  Mike Wasik said his department was dispatched to a wood frame home off Temple Road in the township at approximately 5 p.m. Sunday . The fire was  started in an attached garage, the residents in the home  escaped the fire , Chief Wasik said.

Conway Fire Department’s Rehab unit was  on scene assisting along with Aliquippa Fire Department and Monaca. The cause of the fire hasn’t been determined, the chief reported.

North Carolina Man Injured After Stealing and Crashing Airport Authority Vehicle

A North Carolina man is being charged after he stole a vehicle belonging to the Allegheny County Airport Authority Friday and driving it through the glass doors of the landside terminal. The Vehicle cam to a final resting place against a cement pillar.

35-year-old Harry Griffith was found hiding behind the Hyatt Hotel after running from the crash. He was injured according to police.

According to the report an Airport Authority employee had parked his vehicle to collect trash from receptacles near the building. After he had exited and began gathering the trash, he heard the vehicle and turned to see it being driven into the building. The driver then jumped out of the vehicle and ran and was followed by the airport employee.”
Griffith was transported to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries. Charges are pending.

Man Rescued From Burning Home in Coraopolis

(Corapolis, Pa.) Fire crews responding to a report of an explosion around 3:30 AM this morning discovered a home burning in Coraopolis. The Fire was in the 1600 block of State Avenue.

Reports say that one person was rescued from the home but died from his injuries. The fire was under control within an hour.

The Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire.

Vendor Space Is Available At The Beaver Falls Car Cruise!

The 30th annual Beaver Falls Car Cruise is scheduled for September 11, 2021 from noon to 8 P.M.  Prime vendor spaces at one of the most popular annual events in Beaver County are still available. Food, automotive and non profit/community service vendors are welcome.

Don’t be left out, In 2019, over 30 vendors participated and space is limited. The 2021 Beaver Falls Car Cruise vendor application may be viewed and downloaded here.

Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are also available.

For more information call Mark Peterson at 412-613-1789 or email peterson@beavercountyradio.com.

TSA Extends Mask Requirement To September 13

(Washington, D.C.)The Transportation Security Administration is extending the face mask requirement for travelers across all transportation networks throughout the United States, including at airports, onboard commercial aircraft, on over-the-road buses, and on commuter bus and rail systems through September 13.

The TSA’s initial face mask requirement went into effect on February 1 and was set to expire on May 11 as a way to minimize the spread of COVID-19. But TSA officials say about half of all adults have at least on vaccination shot, and masks remain an important took in defeating the pandemic.