Story and photos by Mark Peterson

(Hopewell Township, PA) A large crowd of over 200 people gathered at The Fez on a cloudy, drizzly, Tuesday morning to bask in the the warm glow  and comfort that was provided by lots of  positive dialogue as well as the hot, steaming  serving trays of breakfast favorites in the buffet line. This all happened at The annual Beaver County Chamber of Commerce “State of The County” event.  County Commission Chairman, Dan Camp,  and County Commissioner, Jack Manning, offered responses to inquiries from attendees and well as their own thoughts in the forum, which was moderated by Pittsburgh political analyst, John Delano.  Fellow County Commissioner, Tony Amadio, was not in attendance, as he was tending to county business elsewhere.

Delano’s first query to the two men was “In one word, describe the state of Beaver Beaver County right now.” Dan Camp said “Drastic”, referring to all the mostly positive,  drastic changes that have happened  in the Beaver County business sector of late.  Jack Manning’s response to the same question was “Hopeful”.  He went on to say how the numerous new business developments already underway, are creating a sense of hope about what the future holds. Manning specifically pointed out how the large investment of St. Barnabas into the county in recent years, gives him an impression that there is a state of hopefulness right now.

Both commissioners touted a “Comprehensive Plan”, that county officials have been formulating for a while and expect to roll it out in earnest later on this year.  Jack Manning stated that one of the key aspects of the plan will be to get true collaboration among county leaders and then speak about and market Beaver County as one unified voice. That is  something that Manning sees happening already, in just his 30th day of office since beginning his first term as a commissioner.

Commission Chairman, Dan Camp, noticed the upbeat mindset among the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce guests at Tuesday’s gathering  and offered this assessment afterwards:

In addition to speaking on the issues of working together and putting forth a unified front, both commissioners talked about the importance of making sure Beaver County gets an accurate count in the upcoming Census, which will commence in April.  Dan Camp said that flyers are being printed and distributed to help make people aware of how important it is to get everybody counted.  Camp further explained that census numbers can affect realignment in government representation because it is based on population. Making sure nobody is missed in the 2020 Census will help ensure that Beaver County gets its fair share of funding allocation for various things, as well as representation in Harrisburg and Washington, D.C.

Beaver County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Helen Kissick, was pleased with the event, and what appeared to be a higher than normal crowd in attendance.

To find out more about other upcoming Beaver County Chamber of Commerce events, visit beavercountychamber.com.

 

 

 

 

Toomey says he will vote against articles of impeachment
By MARC LEVY Associated Press
Republican Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania says he’ll vote to acquit President Donald Trump on two impeachment charges. In a statement Tuesday, Toomey maintained that the president didn’t commit an impeachable offense and that removing Trump would cause “societal upheaval.” Toomey sided with nearly all of his fellow Republicans in advance of Wednesday’s virtually certain votes to acquit Trump. Democratic Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania is expected to announce his decision later Tuesday. Toomey’s announcement that he would vote to acquit wasn’t a surprise. Still, Toomey said Trump’s actions were not perfect and that some were inappropriate.

Wolf makes budget speech appeal for action on gun violence
By MARK SCOLFORO Associated Press
Pennsylvania’s governor is using a portion of his annual budget address to push lawmakers to take action to address gun violence. Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf on Tuesday reiterated his support for universal background checks for sales, mandatory reporting for lost or stolen guns, and other measures. The political divisions and strong feelings that characterize the gun issue across the country are mirrored at the state Capitol. Gun safety and regulation proponents hold regular rallies and the yearly “Right to Keep and Bear Arms Rally” always draws attendees by the busload.

Bloomberg doubles ad spending after chaos of Iowa caucuses
By BRIAN SLODYSKO Associated Press
Billionaire Michael Bloomberg is doubling the already massive amount of money he will spend on advertising, an effort to lift the former New York City mayor’s presidential bid and capitalize on the chaotic outcome of Monday’s Iowa caucuses. An exact dollar figure was not provided. But according to the ad tracking firm Advertising Analytics, Bloomberg has already spent over $300 million on TV, radio and digital advertising. That’s boosted him in recent polls even though he is not competing head-to-head with the rest of the Democratic field in early voting states like Iowa and New Hampshire.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is slamming the House Democrats’ drive to impeach President Donald Trump as “the most rushed, least fair and least thorough” in history. McConnell confirmed Tuesday he will vote to acquit him.  He said the two impeachment charges against Trump — that he abused his power and obstructed Democrats’ impeachment — are “constitutionally incoherent” and don’t warrant removing him from office.  The Kentucky Republican did not address whether Trump’s actions were inappropriate or wrong, as some GOP senators have said.  Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer of New York accused the Republican leader and his GOP colleagues of sweeping Trump’s misconduct under the rug.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Democratic Party officials in Iowa are planning to release a majority of the delayed caucus results by 5 p.m. EST. The party officials in Iowa told the presidential campaigns the news as chaos and confusion hung over Iowa and its first-in-the-nation presidential contest. Frustrated presidential candidates plowed ahead in their quest for nomination, most of them in next-up New Hampshire. Republican President Donald Trump mocked them and their party.

NASHUA, N.H. (AP) — Democratic presidential hopefuls have descended on New Hampshire. The small New England state with a tendency to shock and surprise will have its say next week, with the Feb. 11 primary. White House hopefuls left Iowa without clear results from the state’s caucuses Monday night, which could elevate the stakes in New Hampshire. A recent CNN poll shows about half of the state’s voters still haven’t decided who to support. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is hoping for a repeat victory in New Hampshire, where he won the state’s primary in 2016.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The attorney for a woman accused of hiding a gun used in the shooting death of a western Pennsylvania police officer says she could not have done so because she is afflicted with post-traumatic stress disorder and cannot enter basements like the one where the weapon was found. The Tribune-Review reports that defense attorney Adam Gorzelsky says 33-year-old Lisa Harrington alleges physical abuse as a child while locked in a basement. Harrington is charged with hindering apprehension and disposing of the weapon used to kill New Kensington officer Brian Shaw during a November 2017 traffic stop.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania’s governor is using a portion of his annual budget address to push lawmakers to take action to address gun violence. Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf on Tuesday reiterated his support for universal background checks for sales, mandatory reporting for lost or stolen guns, and other measures. The political divisions and strong feelings that characterize the gun issue across the country are mirrored at the state Capitol. Gun safety and regulation proponents hold regular rallies and the yearly “Right to Keep and Bear Arms Rally” always draws attendees by the busload.

Pennsylvania hunters killed 4,653 black bears last year, setting a new record. The Pennsylvania Game Commission said Monday the total is far above last year’s total of 3,153. Game commission officials had sought an increase given the statewide bear population of about 20,000. An official said there were 30 days of bear hunting across all bear seasons for the first time since 1931.