The police chief in Coraopolis has resigned after 14 years on the job. Chief Alan DeRusso’s resignation was unanimously accepted by the borough council last night. Back in August, DeRusso was accused of running a red light at University Boulevard and Thorn Run Road in Moon Township. He was driving an unmarked police car and crashed into a vehicle. Both DeRusso and the other driver suffered severe injuries in the crash. Investigators say the chief was driving 80 miles per hour, and they found no evidence that he was responding to an emergency. On Friday, DeRusso pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment and reckless driving. He will be sentenced in January.
Author: Beaver County Radio
Beaver County Commissioners Speak Out On Election Results on Beaver County Radio
Those who were wondering whether the Beaver County Commissioners would even show up for the Ask the Commissioners segment on Beaver County Radio got their answer today – All three were there, talking about the election results and appeared united when it came to defending their record of the last four years. Two GOP newcomers ousted three-term Democratic incumbent commissioner Joe Spanik in Tuesday’s elections, giving the Republicans the majority on the board . Spanik told Mike Romigh today that the people voted, he accepts the results, thanked all of his supporters for sticking by him and said he is considering his options for the future. Republican commissioner Dennis Nichols – who was ousted by his own party in the Primary Election earlier this year – blasted the party for using what he calls “distortions” and “lies” in both campaigns and said what they did was “shameful”. Commissioners Chairman Tony Amadio questioned “where we go from here” and seemed doubtful that the new board which will be sworn in in January will be able to continue the successes of the current board of commissioners.
Did Rep. Jim Christiana orchestrate GOP’s Big Win Last Night?
State Representative Jim Christiana isn’t taking all the credit – or accepting all the blame – for yesterday’s big shake-up in Beaver County politics. Even though Christiana admits he’s been a big cheerleader/ campaigner for this year’s Republican candidates, he says it’s the candidates themselves who were running in the competitive races who deserve credit for their big wins. Christiana tells Beaver County Radio’s Mike Romigh that he is excited by the example of bi-partisanship that Beaver County has set forth in last night’s election results.
Republican David Lozier beats Democrat Frank Martocci for District Attorney
In yet another Republican victory, voters chose Beaver County Courthouse outsider David Lozier over veteran Democratic prosecutor Frank Martocci in a tight race for district attorney. Lozier was able to slip past Martocci, 50.5 percent to 49 percent. Lozier will replace District Attorney Anthony Berosh, who is retiring.
Republican Tony Guy is the New County Sheriff
There’s a new sheriff in town. Voters elected Republican Tony Guy as sheriff. Guy, a 54-year-old Hopewell Township resident, received 55 percent while Democrat Wayne Kress had 45 percent. Guy will take over the office currently run by George David, who lost to Kress in the Democratic primary. The last eight years under Sheriff David were riddled with controversy.
Democratic Commissioner Joe Spanik Ousted By Voters
Election Day 2015 is behind us and Beaver County voters have sent a message – they want change in county government. It was a very good night for Republicans. A couple of GOP newcomers ousted three-term incumbent commissioner Joe Spanik from office. Spanik lost by 732 votes in his bid for a return to office. Democratic teammate Tony Amadio was the top vote-getter, with nearly 26 percent of the vote. The GOP team of Sandie Egley and Dan Camp beat Spanik, with Egley receiving about 25 percent, and Camp coming in third – just shy of 25 percent of the vote.
PA Budget Impasse Hurting Seniors
The budget impasse in Harrisburg is hitting services for seniors in Pennsylvania very hard. In some counties, state funds account for 80 percent or more of the budget for human services. According to Ray Landis, director of advocacy for A-A-R-P Pennsylvania, vital care for seniors is already being cut -and some may stop completely. Some counties have already used up their reserves and are borrowing money, laying off staff and may still have to close senior centers. So far, no senior centers in Beaver County have announced such plans.
Police: Girl Hospitalized in Indiana County After Eating Candy With Razor Blade
Police in Indiana County say a 16-year-old girl was treated at a hospital after she consumed candy that contained a small razor blade. The girl, who is from Indiana, told troopers she obtained the candy from the Marion Center area during a Halloween trunk or treat event. State police in Indiana say the investigation is ongoing.
Important Day for Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court
Today is an important day for Pennsylvania’s highest court. Voters are deciding today which of seven candidates should fill an unprecedented three open seats on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. They also are settling races for a pair of open seats on the mid-level state appellate courts and many races for local judgeships, school boards and municipal offices. The Beaver County Courthouse and other county offices – except for the elections office – are closed today. Anyone with questions or problems with voting today should call (724) 770-4440.
It’s Election Day – Don’t Forget to Vote!
Yes, Election Day is finally here. Polls opened at 7:00 this morning. They’ll remain open until 8:00 tonight. There is a full slate of state, county, municipal and school board races on the ballot today. Beaver County Elections Bureau Director Dorene Mandity says she hopes people will take advantage of the nice weather today and get out and vote. Mandity tells Beaver County Radio she’s predicting a 35 percent turnout at the polls today, but she’s hoping for 50 percent. Beaver County Radio will have all the election results in today’s key races on AM Beaver County tomorrow morning beginning at 6:30am.