Author: Beaver County Radio

Pollinator Solar Array Provides Dual Benefits

Pollinator Solar Array Provides Dual Benefits

Andrea Sears

CARLISLE, Pa. — A solar-array project unveiled in Carlisle on Monday will not only generate renewable power, but will also provide real benefits for local farms and pollinator insects.

The seven-acre pollinator-friendly solar array will provide power to the headquarters of Giant Foods, a major supermarket chain. Under and around the panels, the site also will provide ample space for a variety of native plants such as butterfly milkweed and blue mistflower, selected to attract the pollinating insects critical to nearby farms.

According to Center for Pollinators and Energy director Rob Davis, this pollinator solar array will serve as a model for projects anticipated to be developed over the next 10 years.

“More than 3 million acres of land will be used for ground-mount solar projects,” Davis said. “So, the project we build today will inform all of the best solar practices we use tomorrow and next year and the year after that.”

The project is the first pollinator-friendly solar array to open in Pennsylvania.

Robin Ernst is president of Ernst Pollinator Service, which designed the seed mix and planted the seeds at the solar array. She said the plantings will have multiple benefits for the site.

“By being revegetated with native pollinators, we’re able to help build those soils. We have stronger root systems in place that will help with runoff, add beautification and provide habitat for our pollinators,” Ernst said.

She said the flowering plant species will be in bloom by the summer of 2021 and the meadow should be fully functional the following year.

Davis said the project shows that any city, county, company or organization can plan and build a pollinator solar array by following what he called a “pollinator-friendly scorecard.”

“The scorecard is a flexible, science-based tool that demonstrates that within the managed landscape of a solar farm, there’s enough flowers and flowering vegetation to provide a meaningful benefit for pollinators at scale,” Davis said.

Pollinator-friendly scorecards can be downloaded at beeslovesolar.org.

Rope found hanging in Wallace’s garage was coincidence

Rope found hanging in Wallace’s garage was coincidence
By JENNA FRYER AP Auto Racing Writer
The rope found hanging in Bubba Wallace’s garage at Talladega Superspeedway was not a hate crime. Federal authorities said the rope had been hanging at the Alabama track since at least October. Video evidence showed it had been hanging from the garage door but was the only one fashioned as a noose. Wallace coincidentally was assigned that garage. NASCAR stood by its decision to investigate the discovery found in the stall of its only Black driver. Wallace successfully called for a ban of the Confederate flag and has become an activist for the sport during a push for racial equality.

Police officer involved in Breonna Taylor shooting fired

Police officer involved in Breonna Taylor shooting fired
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — The Louisville Metro police department has fired one of the police officers involved in the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor. A termination letter sent to Officer Brett Hankison released by the city’s police department Tuesday said Hankison violated procedures by showing “extreme indifference to the value of human life.” The letter also said Hankison, who is white, violated the rule against using deadly force. Taylor, who was Black, was shot eight times by officers who burst into her Louisville home using a no-knock warrant during a March 13 narcotics investigation. Two other officers remain on administrative reassignment while the shooting is investigated.

With student gathering, President Trump gets a more boisterous crowd

With student gathering, Trump gets a more boisterous crowd
By JONATHAN LEMIRE and AAMER MADHANI Associated Press
PHOENIX (AP) — It wasn’t quite one of his signature big-stadium rallies. But President Donald Trump drew something closer to the jam-packed audience of political supporters he’s been craving as hundreds of young conservatives filled a Phoenix megachurch Tuesday to hear his call for them to get behind his reelection effort. The crowded Dream City Church for the gathering of Students for Trump offered a starkly different feel compared with Trump’s weekend campaign rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, his first of the coronavirus era, which drew sparser attendance.

No charges in NASCAR noose incident involving Black driver

No charges in NASCAR noose incident involving Black driver
By JENNA FRYER AP Auto Racing Writer
The noose found hanging in Bubba Wallace’s garage stall at Talladega Superspeedway had been there since at least last October. Federal authorities say no charges are planned. Wallace is the only Black driver at NASCAR’s top level. He successfully pushed the stock car series to ban the Confederate flag at its venues less than two weeks ago. The noose was reported to NASCAR on Sunday but an FBI investigation determined it had been there since at least last fall. An employee of The Wood Brothers Racing also told authorities he saw the noose there in October.

Penguins Informed That Pittsburgh Will Not Be Hub City

The Pittsburgh Penguins were informed Monday night by the NHL that Pittsburgh will not be a hub city for the league’s Return to Play plan.

The Penguins had submitted an aggressive proposal, with tremendous support from UPMC, PPG and local business, political and union leaders. Commissioner Gary Bettman announced several weeks ago that Pittsburgh was one of 10 finalists. Two hub cities will be selected.

“We know Pittsburgh would have been a great host city because of our fans and the support we received from the local business community, unions and our political leaders. We thank Commissioner Bettman and the NHL for considering us as one of the finalists, which is a reflection on how great of a city Pittsburgh truly is,” said Penguins President and CEO David Morehouse. “We now look forward to training camp and getting back to game action.”

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19, 6/23/20: Beaver County up 5 Positive Cases and One New Death

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19, 510 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 82,696

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., June 23, that there are 510 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 82,696. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.

There are 6,464 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 38 new deaths. County-specific information and a statewide map are available here.

Locally in Beaver County we are up 5 cases to 630 . 610 confirmed cases and 20 probables. 5347 people have tested negative and the county has one new death and stands at 78.

In the 3 Nursing homes in the county that are reporting positive cases their numbers are holding steady at 392 positive cases. 43 employees have tested positive and the death toll is at 82.

“As we move closer to having the entire state in the green phase, we must remain committed to protecting against COVID-19,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “Pennsylvania has been a model for the country on how to reopen effectively using a careful, measured approach. However, the virus has not gone away. Each of us has a responsibility to continue to protect ourselves, our loved ones and others by wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing and washing our hands frequently. Together we can protect our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians, our essential workers and our healthcare system.”

Mask wearing is required in all businesses in yellow and green phases of reopening. Consistent mask wearing, even in counties in the green phase, could have lasting benefits as a COVID-19 surge is possible this fall.

There are 631 patients who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure, which are considered probable cases and not confirmed cases. There are 596,407 patients who have tested negative to date. Of the patients who have tested positive to date the age breakdown is as follows:

  • Nearly 1% are ages 0-4;
  • 1% are ages 5-12;
  • 2% are ages 13-18;
  • Nearly 7% are ages 19-24;
  • Nearly 37% are ages 25-49;
  • Nearly 25% are ages 50-64; and
  • Nearly 28% are ages 65 or older.

Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older. More data is available here.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 17,294 resident cases of COVID-19, and 3,082 cases among employees, for a total of 20,376 at 669 distinct facilities in 49 counties. Out of our total deaths, 4,410 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 6,260 of our total cases are in health care workers.

For the latest information for individuals, families, businesses and schools, visit “Responding to COVID-19” on pa.gov.

Currently, all 67 counties are in the yellow or green phase of reopening.

Statewide – The Wolf Administration has since noon, June 22:

The Wolf Administration stresses the role Pennsylvanians play in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
  • Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
  • Clean surfaces frequently.
  • Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
  • If you must go out for a life-sustaining reason, please wear a mask.

Updated Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Photos, Graphics

All Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to sign up for AlertPA, a text notification system for health, weather, and other important alerts like COVID-19 updates from commonwealth agencies. Residents can sign up online at www.ready.pa.gov/BeInformed/Signup-For-Alerts.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Nate Wardle, Health, ra-dhpressoffice@pa.gov

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Pennsylvania lawmakers wrestle anew with major gambling bill

Pennsylvania lawmakers wrestle anew with major gambling bill
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Top Republicans in Pennsylvania’s state Senate are pressing sweeping gambling legislation that would allow slot machine-like terminals in thousands of bars, restaurants, nonprofit social clubs and other businesses that hold liquor licenses. Under a draft amendment, more than 10,000 bars, restaurants, hotels, golf course clubhouses and nonprofit social clubs with liquor licenses would be able to install the so-called video gaming terminals. No Senate vote had been scheduled as of Tuesday. A major trade association for bars and restaurants supports it. Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman, R-Centre, also bills it as a way to get thousands of unregulated cash-paying game terminals out of a wide array of establishments in Pennsylvania.

AP-NORC poll: Nearly all in US back criminal justice reform

AP-NORC poll: Nearly all in US back criminal justice reform
By COLLEEN LONG and HANNAH FINGERHUT Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans overwhelmingly want clear standards for police on when officers may use force and consequences imposed on officers who do so excessively. That’s according to a new poll from the The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research that finds Americans favor significant changes to the country’s criminal justice system. Americans are largely united behind the idea that action is required: 29% think the criminal justice system needs “a complete overhaul,” 40% say it needs “major changes” and 25% say it needs “minor changes.” Just 5% believe no changes are necessary.

Breaking News!!! Tractor Trailer Hits Bridge and Catches Fire on Pa. Turnpike

(Cranberry, Pa.) A Tractor Trailer hit a bridge and caught on Fire on the Pa Turnpike this morning.

10:53 am

ROAD CLOSURE: The

@PA_Turnpike

I-76 westbound is closed between Cranberry exit 28 and New Castle exit 10 due to a vehicle fire at milepost 13.3. Detour: I-79 north, to US 422 west, to I-376 east, re-enter the #paturnpike at New Castle.

 

The Turnpike Twitter Page Reports that: ROAD CLOSURE:   @PA_Turnpike

I-76 eastbound is closed between New Castle exit 10 and Cranberry exit 28 due to a vehicle fire at milepost 13.3. Detour: I-376 west to US 422 east, to I-79 south exit 77, and re-enter the #paturnpike I-76 at Cranberry Interchange.  Stay tuned to Beaver County Radio for more on this developing story.