Author: Beaver County Radio

Phones are distracting students in class. More states are pressing schools to ban them

A phone holder hangs in a classroom at Delta High School, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, in Delta, Utah. At the rural Utah school, there is a strict policy requiring students to check their phones at the door when entering every class. Each of the school’s 30 or so classrooms has a cellphone storage unit that looks like an over-the-door shoe bag with three dozen smartphone-sized slots. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The scene in classrooms around the country is similar: Kids are on their phones, even when school rules forbid it. Teachers say they see students on Snapchat, listening to music and even watching Netflix in class, among countless other examples of how smartphones distract from teaching and learning. Increasingly, educators are speaking with one voice on the question of how to handle it: Ban phones during classes. A growing number of leaders at the state and federal levels have begun endorsing school cellphone bans and suggesting new ways to curb access to the devices.

Photographer accuses Taylor Swift’s dad of punching him in the face on Sydney waterfront

FILE – Taylor Swift performs during “The Eras Tour,” May 5, 2023, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn. Swift is adding one more accolade to her repertoire this year: a resolution recognizing 2023 as the Taylor Swift era in her home state of Pennsylvania. The resolution passed the state House of Representatives on Wednesday, Dec. 13. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, File)

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — A photographer has told police he was punched in the face by Taylor Swift’s father on the Sydney waterfront hours after the popstar’s Australian tour ended. Ben McDonald said he provided police with a statement alleging the assault by Scott Swift at the Neutral Bay Wharf on Tuesday where the father and daughter had just come ashore from a yacht. The New South Wale Police Force media office confirmed that police were investigating the alleged assault. Taylor Swift’s representative accused members of the media of aggression during the interaction. The representative said in an email that two individuals pushed towards Taylor, grabbing at her security personnel and threatened to throw a female staff member into the water.

Joan (Rowley) Wright (1932-2024)

Joan Wright, 91, formerly of Bridgewater, passed away Sunday, February 25, 2024, at Rochester Manor.

In addition to her parents, Joan was predeceased by her husband Ralph Wright, daughter, Nancy George, son, Larry Wright, sisters, Patty Jean Rector and Alberta Mae Wright, and brothers, Daryl, Doyle, Richard “Dicky” and David Wright.

She is survived by her daughters, Marsha (Joe) Gallegos and Kathy Nicol, ten grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other family members.

Born April 13, 1932, in Ravenswood, WV, she was a daughter of the late Clay and Georgia (Dillion) Rowley.  Joan was a former member of the Church of Christ, New Brighton.  She liked to pick clovers, violets and grew crimson and gold marigolds around her home.  She enjoyed going to her son’s football games and liked music, including “Let it Be” by The Beatles.  Joan was always quick with a witty quote such as, “Every day is Mother’s Day,” or “Live and Learn.”  She will be remembered for always being there for her family and friends, who she loved dearly.

Friends will be received Thursday from 4-7pm, in the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Ave, New Brighton, and Friday 10am until the time of service at 11am, with Pastor Donald MacNeil officiating.

Interment will follow at Grove Cemetery, New Brighton.

Jeanne C. Metzger (1941-2024)

Jeanne C. Metzger, 82, of Rochester Township, passed away on February 24 at Providence Health Care Center, Beaver Falls. She was born December 7th, 1941 in Rochester. Jeanne is the daughter of the late Frederick H. and Virginia “Hartman” Shane. Jeanne was a retired teacher, and reading specialist, who loved tutoring her students for 40 years. Jeanne is a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Beaver, and a former member of the First Presbyterian Church, Rochester where for 50 combined years, taught Sunday school. She was a 1959 graduate of Rochester High School, where in her senior year was honored with being the May Queen. She received her B.S. degree in education from Geneva College, and her master’s degree as a reading specialist from Slippery Rock College. She was a former board member with the Child Evangelism Fellowship of Beaver County.
Jeanne is survived by her husband of 62 years Edwin S. Metzger III, son, Edwin S. Metzger of Rochester Township, and 2 daughters, Julia A Hines and her husband David of Cranberry Township, and Elizabeth A. (Betsy) Lewis and her husband Gregg of Mars PA, 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Jeanne was preceded in death by one brother and sister in law Richard M. and Judy A. Shane, and a sister in law and brother in law Kay and Joseph Lynch. Friends will be received Thursday from 4 – 7 in the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc. 349 Adams St. Rochester, PA. Services will be held Friday at 10 am in the first Presbyterian Church Beaver. Officiating will be Reverend Ron Cepak. The family wishes memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation 1100 Liberty Ave Suite 201 Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

Nancy (Giammaria) Urban (1940-2024)

Nancy (Giammaria) Urban, 83, of Upper St. Clair, passed away on Sunday, February 25, 2024, at UPMC Shadyside Campus. She was born on October 23, 1940, in Ambridge, to the late Theodore and Mary (Zawinsky) Giammaria. Preceding her in death in addition to her parents were her husband, Donald Urban and two brothers, Theodore and James Giammaria. She is survived by four children, David (Kellie) Urban of Ft. Myers, FL, Nancy (David) Dettmer of Charlotte, NC, Dr. Paul (Dr. Heather) Urban of Peters Twp., Christopher (Erin) Urban of Upper St. Clair, six grandchildren, Nicholas Urban, Anna (Keegan) Hoff, Katy Dettmer, Will Dettmer, Grace Urban and Matthew Urban and a special nephew Rocco Giammaria and niece, Marisa (Jason) Kutney. She was a member of St. Luke the Evangelist Parish, Good Samaritan Church, Ambridge. Nancy graduated from St. Veronica High School and received an associate degree from Robert Morris College. After various positions, Nancy retired as an administrative assistant in the admissions department at Gateway Rehabilitation Center. Nancy was married to Don for 54 years and together they had four children. In retirement, Nancy and Don moved to Friendship Village where they enjoyed making new friends and traveling. Nancy’s passion in life was spending time with her children, grandchildren and friends. She was an avid reader, wonderful cook and a valued volunteer. Family and friends will be received on Thursday from 4 to 7 PM and Friday from 11 AM until time of prayers at 12:30 PM in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc. 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1 PM in St. Luke the Evangelist Parish, Good Samaritan Catholic Church, Ambridge. Interment will follow in Good Samaritan Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, bcan.org.

Red Cross Month kicks off to honor community heroes

[FEB. 27, 2024] — The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania is kicking off its annual Red Cross Month celebration in March to honor local community heroes who help ensure their neighbors never face crises alone.

 

Red Cross Month is a national tradition that began in March 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first Red Cross Month proclamation — and each U.S. president has followed ever since.

 

“During Red Cross Month, we are proud to honor the people in our community who step up to support one another when help can’t wait during emergencies,” said Jorge Martinez, CEO, American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania. “This relief and hope wouldn’t be possible without these local heroes. Please consider joining in their commitment by donating, volunteering, giving blood or platelets, or taking a lifesaving skills course.”

 

Join the Red Cross Month celebration by visiting redcross.org to make a financial donation, give blood or platelets, become a volunteer or take a lifesaving skills course. Those who donate at redcross.org/givingday on March 27 will be part of the 10th annualRed Cross Giving Day, which aims to rally 30,000 supporters nationwide to help provide shelter, food, relief items, emotional support and other assistance for people affected by disasters big and small.

 

HELP CAN’T WAIT WHEN EMERGENCIES STRIKE Volunteers comprise 90% of the national Red Cross workforce to power its lifesaving mission, along with generous blood, platelet and financial donors; people trained in skills like first aid and CPR; and other supporters. The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania is proud to have over 3,300 volunteers on our team.

 

In 2023, the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania:

  • Responded to more than 1,500 disasters and assisted over 6,400 people
  • Installed more than 9,000 free smoke alarms in local homes
  • Hosted more than 5,000 local blood drives and collected over 112,000 units of blood
  • Provided nearly 7,000 services to support veterans, military members and their families
  • Trained more than 124,000 people in Red Cross courses

 

GIVE BLOOD THIS MARCH As we approach the final weeks of winter, the public is urged to book a time to donate blood or platelets now as we continue to strengthen the blood supply heading into spring. Much like pets provide comfort and support, so does the Red Cross in local communities. As a thank-you for providing comfort during Red Cross Month, all come to give blood or platelets March 1-24 will get a $10 e-gift card to a pet supply merchant of choice, plus automatically be entered for a chance to win a $3,000 gift card. There will be five winners. See rcblood.org/Pets for details.

AAA: Gas Prices Dip in Pennsylvania

After suddenly spiking more than a dime two weeks ago, the national average for a gallon of gas is a penny cheaper this week at $3.26.  Today’s average is 16 cents more than a month ago but 10 cents lower than a year ago. The average price for a gallon of gas in Beaver County is currently $3.66.

Route 51 Coraopolis Road Gas Line Work Begins Wednesday in Allegheny County

Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is announcing gas line work on Coraopolis Road (Route 51) in Robinson and Kennedy townships, Allegheny County will begin Wednesday, February 28 weather permitting.

Lane restrictions will occur in both directions on Coraopolis Road between Herbst Road and the I-79 interchange daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through late May. Flaggers will assist motorists through the work zone.

Crews from Banks Gas Services Company will conduct gas line replacement work.

PennDOT is not involved in this work and is providing this information as a public service announcement only. For further information contact Robert Paruolo at 860-324-5681.

Motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

Officer struck by vehicle during traffic stop in Economy

Story by Beaver County Radio News Staff. Published February 27, 2024 10:39 A.M.
(Economy Borough, Pa) New Sewickley Township Police report that an officer was struck by a vehicle. According to a press release issued by the department, on Monday at at approximately 8:30pm, Patrolman Jeremy Brown of the New Sewickley Township Police Department conducted a traffic stop southbound on the “Dunlap Hill” section of Route 989, just into Economy Borough. As Patrolman Brown was approaching the vehicle he stopped, he was struck by a vehicle traveling northbound on Route 989.  Patrolman Brown was transported by ambulance to Allegheny General Hospital for treatment of his injuries.  Patrolman Brown was released from the hospital early Tuesday morning and is recovering at home with his family.
The driver of the vehicle that struck Patrolman Brown stopped at the scene and cooperated with investigators.
No charges have been filed in the accident, according to Police Chief Mike O’Brien. The accident is still under investigation.

Quips close to clearing 1,000 signatures for PIAA petition

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published February 27, 2024 10:36 A.M.

(Aliquippa, Pa) One thousand signatures are required to be sent to the PIAA to help prevent the PIAA from moving the Aliquippa Quips football team to 5A next season.  Many reasons have been given by those who signed the petition to let the team stay in 4A.

As of noon on Monday, February 26, 2024 there were 984 signatures on the petition.
A former Quips player commented “Come on QUIPS show the PIAA that you care about the players”.