Author: Beaver County Radio

Pa. State Police, Liquor Control Board Remind Licensed Liquor Establishments to Require Masks, Follow Social Distancing 

State Police, Liquor Control Board Remind Licensed Liquor Establishments to Require Masks, Follow Social Distancing

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement (BLCE) and the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) today called on licensed liquor establishments and their patrons to abide by social distancing and masking requirements to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

On June 17, the Wolf Administration issued updated guidance for businesses in the restaurant and retail food service industry as part of the commonwealth’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 public health crisis. Among other requirements, all businesses and employees in the restaurant and retail food service industry authorized to conduct in-person activities are mandated to:

  • Require all customers to wear masks while entering, exiting or otherwise traveling throughout the restaurant or retail food service business (face masks may be removed while seated). Further, employees are required to wear masks at all times.
  • Provide at least six feet between parties at tables or physical barriers between customers where booths are arranged back to back.
  • Ensure maximum occupancy limits for indoor and outdoor areas are posted and enforced.

On June 18, the PLCB issued guidance to licensed liquor establishments choosing to resume on-premises service of alcohol counties in the yellow and green phases of reopening. The guidance incorporated and reinforced the governor’s mandates, including those noted above.

“Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 mitigation efforts have been among the most successful in the country in slowing the spread of this dangerous virus and allowing for the cautious reopening of restaurants and other licensed liquor establishments,” said PLCB Executive Director Charlie Mooney. “Just as the PLCB requires masks for employees and customers at our Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores, licensees must remain vigilant in order to stay on the path to recovery and keep our businesses operating.”

A licensee that fails to comply with requirements mandating the wearing of masks, providing at least six feet between parties at tables, and ensuring that maximum occupancy limits are observed risks citation by the BLCE. Penalties may be assessed for each violation and include a fine of up to $1,000 and possible suspension and/or revocation of the liquor license. Continued operation in violation of the guidance after a warning or citation risks further enforcement action by BLCE and ultimately puts the liquor license at risk, both through the citation process and upon application for renewal to the PLCB. Licensees are reminded that any person who violates the Liquor Code may be charged criminally with a misdemeanor.

“Our enforcement officers have found that the vast majority of licensed liquor establishments statewide are voluntarily complying with mitigation requirements, and we remain focused on education and working with licensees during this challenging time,” said Major Jeffrey Fisher, director of the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement. “However, the commonwealth remains in the midst of a public health emergency, and serious consequences are possible for businesses that fail to take the necessary steps to keep their employees and customers safe.”

Since mid-March BLCE officers have conducted compliance checks at over 15,100 licensed liquor establishments. Officers conduct an average of 1,500 compliance checks each day and have issued 162 warnings and 103 notices of violations to date. Complaints regarding licensees not complying with COVID-19 mitigation mandates may be directed to the BLCE at 1-800-932-0602 or reported through the BLCE’s online complaint form.

Florida City That is the Site of GOP Convention Orders Wearing of Masks

Florida site of GOP convention orders wearing of masks
By TAMARA LUSH and EMILY SCHMALL Associated Press
The Florida city where President Trump is scheduled to accept the Republican nomination for his re-election bid voted Monday to require masks in public and indoor spaces. The U.S. is seeing about 40,000 new confirmed cases per day, and states such as Texas and Florida are backtracking, clamping down on bars, restaurants and beaches.

Judge Warns of Possible Move of Trial in George Floyd Death

Judge warns of possible move of trial in George Floyd death
By STEVE KARNOWSKI Associated Press
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minnesota judge is warning that he’s likely to move the trials of four police officers charged in George Floyd’s death out of Minneapolis if public officials and attorneys continue speaking out about the case. Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill asked a prosecutor during a pretrial hearing on Monday to use his influence to get public officials to stop talking about the case. If they don’t, he says he’ll have to move the trial or trials, depending on whether the officers are tried together or separtely. Floyd, a Black man in handcuffs, died May 25 after Officer Derek Chauvin held his knee on Floyd’s neck for nearly 8 minutes. Some public officials were quick to call Floyd’s death “murder.”

President Trump’s Campaign Sues Pennsylvania over Mail-in Drop-off Sites for Ballots

Trump campaign sues over mail-in drop-off sites for ballots
By MARK SCOLFORO Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — President Donald Trump’s re-election campaign and Republican allies are suing to force changes to how Pennsylvania collects and counts mail-in ballots under revamped rules. The federal lawsuit filed Monday in Pittsburgh claims that as voters jumped to make use of the greatly broadened eligibility for mail-in ballots during the June 2 primary, practices and procedures by elections officials ran afoul of state law and the state and federal constitutions. The defendants include Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar, a Democrat. She is declining to comment. The lawsuit addresses drop-off sites for mail-in ballots as well as poll watcher rules.

2020 New Brighton Car Cruise Cancelled Due to the Coronavirus

(New Brighton, Pa.) Another of the popular events in Beaver County has been cancelled this year due to the COVID-19 Coronavirus, the New Brighton Car Cruise that was scheduled for August 22, 2020. Below is a release that New Brighton Borough and PA Hot Rod Company released via e-mail and social media accounts about the cancellation and a possible return for next year:

Following increased and overwhelming concerns about the COVID-19 virus, the 2020 New Brighton Car Cruise is cancelled.  The Borough of New Brighton and the Pennsylvania Hot Rod Company are very disappointed to have to make this decision, but believe it is the right choice for the health and safety of the participants, attendees, and the New Brighton community.

Both groups recognize the important role social events play in community life, but the recent escalation of COVID cases nationally and increased social restrictions in neighboring counties creates too much uncertainty of whether social gatherings will be permitted or advisable by the planned August 22 event date.

The Pennsylvania Hot Rod Company will be reaching out directly to vendors that registered or expressed interest in participating in this year’s car cruise with information and refunding any money paid.

Event planners look forward to organizing a cruise in August 2021 in a showcase with antique cars, automotive enthusiasts, DJs, and vendors in downtown New Brighton.

Supreme Court strikes down Louisiana abortion clinic law

Supreme Court strikes down Louisiana abortion clinic law
By MARK SHERMAN Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has struck down a Louisiana law regulating abortion clinics, reasserting a commitment to abortion rights over fierce opposition from dissenting conservative justices in the first big abortion case of the Trump era. Chief Justice John Roberts joined with his four more liberal colleagues in ruling that the law requiring doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals violates the abortion right the court first announced in the landmark Roe v. Wade decision in 1973. In two previous abortion cases, Roberts had favored restrictions. The Louisiana law is virtually identical to one in Texas that the court struck down in 2016.

Pittsburgh protesters sue police, allege excessive force

Pittsburgh protesters sue police, allege excessive force
By CLAUDIA LAUER undefined
A group of protesters is suing Pittsburgh city and police officials, saying officers used unnecessary, excessive force to disperse a crowd protesting against police brutality and officials lied about the protesters’ behavior to justify that response. They say police officials lied about the events that led to the use of smoke, bean bags and alleged tear gas to disperse the protesters June 1. The protesters allege their constitutional rights were violated. Police have said an officer was threatened, and that bricks and other projectiles were thrown at officers before they used force to disperse people. They’ve denied they used tear gas when breaking up the protest.

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19, 6/29/20: Beaver County Up 3 Cases, No New Deaths

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19, 492 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 85,988

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., June 29, that there are 492 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 85,988. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.

There are 6,614 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 8 new deaths. County-specific information and a statewide map are available here.

Locally in Beaver County we are up three cases since yesterday at 651. 631 confirmed cases and 20 probables. 6089 people have tested negative and the county stands at 78.

“As nearly the entire state is now 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 all phases of reopening. Consistent mask wearing is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19.

There are 633 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 666,901 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;
  • 24% 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 17,697 resident cases of COVID-19, and 3,224 cases among employees, for a total of 20,921 at 689 distinct facilities in 52 counties. Out of our total deaths, 4,531 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 6,508 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 28:

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, you are required to wear a mask when in a business or where it is difficult to maintain proper social distancing.

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.

CARES Act Funding for Small Businesses Available Tomorrow 

 

Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf announced that beginning tomorrow small businesses across Pennsylvania can apply for grants to offset lost revenue caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting shutdown order.

“In unprecedented times, like those we are currently facing, collaboration is imperative to getting help to those who need it most, as quickly and effectively as possible,” said Gov. Wolf. “This joint effort between my administration, the legislature, and The Pennsylvania CDFI Network will provide critical assistance to Pennsylvania’s small businesses, putting them on better financial footing as they begin to reopen.”

The COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance program, announced earlier this month, will provide $225 million in grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 to eligible businesses through Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding.

Beginning tomorrow, June 30, eligible businesses may begin applying for the COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance program here.

The first application window will remain open for ten days. Applications will continue to be accepted after 10 business days but will be considered for future rounds of funding, as this is not a first-come, first-served program. Applications will be prioritized and selected for funding based on the program criteria.

The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) will distribute the funds to the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), which will then administer the funding in the form of grants.

Today, DCED Secretary Dennis Davin joined state Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Senator Vincent Hughes, Senator John Blake, Representative Jordan Harris, Mark Masterson of Northside Community Development Fund, Leslie Benoliel of Entrepreneur Works, Jim Burnett of West Philadelphia Financial Services, and Dan Betancourt from the Community First Fund at a virtual press conference to announce the opening of the first of four application windows.

Eligible businesses will be able to use the grants to cover operating expenses during the shutdown and transition to re-opening, and for technical assistance including training and guidance for business owners as they stabilize and relaunch their businesses.

The funds will be available through three programs:

  • $100 million for the Main Street Business Revitalization Program for small businesses that experienced loss as a result of the governor’s March 19, 2020 order relating to the closure of all non-life-sustaining businesses and have or will incur costs to adapt to new business operations related to COVID-19;
  • $100 million for the Historically Disadvantaged Business Revitalization Program for small businesses that experienced loss as a result of the business closure order, have or will incur costs to adapt to new business operations related to COVID-19, and in which socially and economically disadvantaged individuals own at least a 51 percent interest and also control management and daily business operations.
  • $25 million for the Loan Payment Deferment and Loss Reserve Program, which will allow the CDFIs the opportunity to offer forbearance and payment relief for existing portfolio businesses that are struggling due to the impact of COVID, as well as shore up the financial position of the CDFIs that are experiencing significant increased defaults in their existing loan portfolios.

This project is financed by a grant from the federal Department of U.S. Treasury, under the administration of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania CDFI Network. The PA CDFI Network is a group of 17 PA-based community development financial institutions that primarily provide financing options for small businesses.

More information about the COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance program can be found on DCED’s website.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Lyndsay Kensinger, Governor’s Office, RA-GVGOVPRESS@pa.gov;
     Casey Smith, DCED, casesmith@pa.gov

Former Center Township and Central Valley School District Tax Collector Jeanne Ann Bowser was charged with 9 counts of  theft by unlawful taking

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano 

(Center Twp., Pa.) Former Center Township and Central Valley School District Tax Collector Jeanne Ann Bowser, ,61 was charged with 9 counts of  theft by unlawful taking and 9 counts of  receiving stolen property  from 2011 to August 7, 2019 .

According to the criminal complaint  from December 21, 2011 and August 7, 2019 Bowser  did unlawfully take or exercise unlawful control over movable property, namely $622,686.83 belonging to the township and school district.   with the intent to deprive  the owner in violation of Section 3921 of the PA CrimesCode. She wrote 673 checks from a  township tax account to herself  totalling $622,686.83 to herself over the 9 nine years in an elected position as tax collector. On the receiving stolen property charge it states she did intentionally  receive, retain, or  dispose of  movable property, namely the  $622,686.83 She did write 673 checks from the township tax account to herself while the elected township tax collector.

Center Township Solicitor Nick Urick announced at the township’s meeting in October  that she resigned and is under investigation. by PA State Police.   A replacement had to be made by the township within 30 days. Lou Francona  was hired by  the township.  Berkheimer was appointed  as deputy director .
On October 16 State Police met with Center Township Police  in regards to the theft of tax revenue  and thy asked that state police take over the investigation.   On the same day they met with Dr. Nick Perry, Central Valley superintendent  about an audit  in June or july of 2019  and it was discovered Bowser made a deposit into a wrong tax account Dr. Perry stated that Bowser was asked to submit statements and other info  that could explain   how the error occurred. Her attorney  RAPP contacted the school district and the info was turned over to Center Twp.Police on October 9, 2019.
At  some point she opened a checking  account in her name only  through WESBANCO and was to be used for local service   tax (LST) revenue  the school district hired  a forensic auditor  through CYPHER AND CYPHER  to complete an audit on all tax accounts  associated with the school district and township.
Two search warrants were completed and executed  over a period of several months  on the WESBANCO  and provided to CPA  Charles Rupert.
Bowser was interviewed on May4,2020  at the PA State Police Barracks in Brighton Township She w told investigators she estimated she had  stolen  approximately $500,000.00 and had always planned on paying it back
Jeanne Boswer has a  hearing in Beaver County Central Court on July 8, 2020