Steelers sign QB Mason Rudolph to extension through 2022

Steelers sign QB Mason Rudolph to extension through 2022
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed backup quarterback Mason Rudolph to a one-year contract extension through the 2022 season. The team made the move just moments before the start of the 2021 draft, indicating they will not be shopping for veteran Ben Roethlisberger’s replacement with the 24th overall pick. Rudolph is 5-3 as a starter, completing 176 of 283 passes for 1,765 yards and 13 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Rudolph was entering the final year of his rookie contract. The extension gives the Steelers a bit of continuity at the position with Roethlisberger perhaps entering the final season of his career.

Steelers turn to Alabama star Harris to jump-start run game

Steelers turn to Alabama star Harris to jump-start run game
By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers are turning to Alabama star Najee Harris to give their running game a jolt. The Steelers selected Harris with the 24th overall pick in the NFL draft. They hope he can help a rushing attack that finished dead last in the NFL in yards rushing in 2020. Pittsburgh is looking to maximize whatever time left it has with veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. The 39-year-old restructured his contract to ensure he would be back for an 18th season. Harris provided the opportunity to grab a player who could make an immediate impact.

Guentzel wins it in OT as Pens, Caps clinch playoffs

Guentzel wins it in OT as Pens, Caps clinch playoffs
By IAN NICHOLAS QUILLEN Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Jake Guentzel scored his 22nd goal 2:11 into overtime to lift the Pittsburgh Penguins to a 5-4 victory over the Washington Capitals in a result that clinched both teams’ place in the playoffs. Guentzel’s winner on a one-time redirection of John Marino’s pass came after Washington’s Tom Wilson forced overtime with 14.3 seconds to play. The result, combined with the New York Islanders’ regulation win over the New York Rangers, ensures both teams will be among the Eastern Division’s four playoff teams.

Pa. Contract tracing breach impacts private info of 72K people

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania officials say employees of a vendor paid to conduct COVID-19 contact tracing may have compromised the private information of at least 72,000 people. The state Health Department said Thursday it recently learned workers at Atlanta-based Insight Global disregarded security protocols established in its state contract. The company has been directed to secure the records and has hired third-party specialists to conduct a forensic examination. Insight Global acknowledged it mishandled sensitive data and apologized. The Health Department plans to drop Insight Global once its contract expires in three months.

Another Free-For-All Friday On The Horizon

Colleges merging, the platform of social media, and the Pens battling for first…all that and more as Matt Drzik opens up the phone lines at (724) 843-1888 and (724) 774-1888 beginning at 6:30 AM tomorrow on Beaver County Radio.

Friday Teleforum with Eddy Crow

On Friday’s Teleforum program, host Eddy Crow welcomes President/CEO of Heritage Valley Health Systems Norm Mitry to get the latest updates on the vaccine distribution in Beaver County. And Because it’s Friday, Eddy will probably coast into the weekend with very little consistent focus. The fading attention span can actually be heard-if you listen close enough. Listen to Teleforum every weekday from 9 till noon on AM1230WBVP, AM1460WMBA, and 99.3FM presented by St. Barnabas.

Pennsylvania Sending COVID-19 Vaccines To More Providers

Pennsylvania sending COVID-19 vaccines to more providers
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania is sending COVID-19 vaccine to more providers, widening its distribution network this week to include doctors, small pharmacies and others as part of its effort to overcome lingering hesitancy among residents who have yet to get the shot. The Health Department said Wednesday it allocated more than 295,000 doses to 383 providers, up from 225 providers that received shipments last week. The state is gradually adding providers after having directed the state’s weekly allotment to hospitals and other larger providers that could swiftly administer the shots. State officials say they are are shifting focus to hard-to-reach areas and populations.

Pa State University System Advances Consolidation Plan

State university system advances consolidation plan a step
By MARC LEVY Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — The board of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education is advancing a plan to merge six of its 14 universities into two new institutions, as the system struggles with sinking enrollment and stagnant state aid. Wednesday’s nearly unanimous board vote launches a 60-day public comment period. A final vote could be scheduled for July, with implementation in time for the 2022-23 school year. Under the plans, Bloomsburg, Mansfield and Lock Haven universities in northern Pennsylvania would merge into one institution and California, Clarion and Edinboro in western Pennsylvania would merge to become another. All six campuses would remain open, with integrated faculty, curriculum and enrollment strategies.

US Congressman Conor Lamb (D-17th) Announces 2022 Community Funding Requests

LAMB ANNOUNCES COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING REQUESTS

 

(PITTSBURGH, PA) – Today, Representative Conor Lamb (PA-17) announced the Community Project Funding (CPF) requests that he submitted for the Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) Appropriations process, to direct funding to specific governmental entities, nonprofit organizations, or geographic locations.  Under guidelines issued by the House Appropriations Committee, each Representative may request funding for up to 10 projects in their community for FY22.  Projects are restricted to a limited number of federal funding streams, and only state and local governments and eligible non-profit entities are permitted to receive funding.

“This is an opportunity to provide local community organizations with a better shot at securing federal funding to support projects across PA-17, and I will work hard to secure every dollar we can for our district,” said Lamb.

6 of the 10 requests were Beaver County related as listed below:

1)PROJECT NAME: Communication System Improvement Project

AMOUNT OF REQUEST: $223,775

INTENDED RECIPIENT: South Beaver Township Police Department (805 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010)

2)PROJECT NAME: Filter Media Material Upgrade

AMOUNT OF REQUEST: $400,000

INTENDED RECIPIENT: Creswell Heights Joint Authority (3961 Jordan Street, PO Box 301, South Heights, PA 15081)

This project will provide funding to upgrade the materials needed for the removal of iron and manganese from the supply using sand and gravel in the filtration system to protect water quality.

3)PROJECT NAME: Center Grange Road Waterline Replacement

AMOUNT OF REQUEST: $999,999

INTENDED RECIPIENT: Center Township Water Authority (224 Center Grange Road, Aliquippa PA 15001)

This project will replace an aging waterline that has in recent years been the source of numerous waterline breaks located along Center Grange Road (S.R. 3012) that serves several critical public facilities including an elementary school, the Center Township Municipal Complex (location of the Township Police Department/Emergency Services, Township Business offices, Water Authority, Sanitary Authority, etc.), the Community College of Beaver County, among other businesses and residences.

4)PROJECT NAME: Water Treatment Plant Basin Covers

AMOUNT OF REQUEST: $80,000

INTENDED RECIPIENT: Municipal Authority Borough of Midland (946 Railroad Avenue, Midland, PA 15059)

This project will provide basin covers to ensure necessary security for the Municipal Authority to prevent tampering and harm to the water supply.

5)PROJECT NAME: TCBC Men’s Shelter Rehabilitation

AMOUNT OF REQUEST: $150,000

INTENDED RECIPIENT: The Cornerstone of Beaver County (600 6th Street, Beaver Falls PA 15010)

This project is for the Cornerstone of Beaver County (TCBC) Men’s Shelter Rehabilitation to complete needed renovations to the men’s shelter in Beaver County. These renovations will include repair and or replacement of (roof, gutters, downspouts), parking lot, emergency exit, doors/windows, and other identified building needs.

6)PROJECT NAME: RiverWise Franklin Avenue Park

AMOUNT OF REQUEST: $894,941

INTENDED RECIPIENT: Beaver County Regional Council of Governments (P.O. Box 51, Monaca, PA 15061)

This project will complete the RiverWise Franklin Avenue Park as a public gathering space for the benefit of all residents of Aliquippa and Beaver County.

In compliance with House Rules and Committee requirements, Lamb has certified that he, his spouse and his immediate family have no financial interest in any of the projects he has requested.

Additional information on the Community Project Funding is available here.  Visit Lamb’s website for a full list of the projects submitted for consideration to the Appropriations Committee for PA-17.