Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro signed a letter along with 49 other Attorney Generals asking Congress to amend a law so that state and local authorities can prosecute online sex traffickers.

A statement from Shapiro’s office said it “actively pursues” predators who seek victims via online apps and the change in the CDA (Communications Decency Act) would “assist these law enforcement efforts” being undertaken.

Shapiro said. “Federal enforcement alone is not enough to stop the growth in online child sex trafficking. We need clear authority to investigate and prosecute anyone and any company that promotes these horrible crimes.”

The AGs said “it is both ironic and tragic that the CDA, which was intended to protect children from indecent material on the internet, is now used as a shield by those who profit from prostitution and crimes against children.”

 

Several reports of a black bear raiding bird feeders in Chippewa have been made. Photos were seen of the bear on Oakville, Pleasantville and Sunview Drives. Yogi was even seen crossing roads in the middle of the day. It is suggested that you never go near or feed any wild animals.

Photo courtesy of Diane Brosius

Fireworks 2 nights in a row? That’s the plan for this Saturday and Sunday at the Beaver County River Regatta in Bridgewater. There will be something for everyone as the event kicks off Friday night. Speed boats, bands, a fishing derby, anything that floats and old motorcycles. Admission is free and plenty of food and merchandise vendors will be set up on Riverside Drive.

School bells will be ringing in Aliquippa and other districts in the county next week and some new staff members were hired at last night’s meeting.

 

Ashley Furr was hired as a 9th grade English teacher, Zackary Caine was hired to teach music, band, and chorus Cheryl Beauford was hired as the school nurse for the elementary school, and Christine Luketic will teach 7th grade science. Dr. Pete Carbone, superintendent said there will be participation in the ROTC program at Ambridge and possibly 3 students will attend the full day program, and 4 students will attend the 1/2 day program in the afternoon. Dr. Carbone said that English as a second language will be taught and the program is contracted through the Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit.

Students in grades 4 through 6 at the elementary school will have 4 classes a day,, taught by 4 different teachers, and they will be taught math, English, science, and reading

The board accepted the resignation of Bobbi Jo Cater who was teacher’s aide in the district.

POWER, will be introduced as a new student information system was approved and will enable parents to check students grades and attendance . All of the information will be on and app, Dr. Carbone told the board. The administration and a select teachers group worked to implement the plan, he said

Dr. James Tatum was hired as the district’s physician beginning july 1, 2017 to June 30, 2019. He will be paid $4,000.00 a year. Dr. Daniel Christo was hired as the ACCESS physician for a 3 year term beginning July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2020.

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Hopewell Township Commissioners’s chair Rich Bufalini reported on a meeting with the Council of Governments that was held at the CCBC dome on Thursday at last night’s work session. Bufalini said the Deputy Secretary of the PA Dept. of Community Affairs Rick Villelo , who is a former mayor from Lockhaven, PA was present. Vilello and former Beaver County Commissioner Dennis Nichols, of the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce, who is working with the Department of Community and Economic Development, will assist the township in writing grants. Township manager Norm Kraus, Jr. was a member of the committee for the event attended by about 285 people.

The commissioners approved the hiring of 2 2 full- time sewer department laborers, Nicholas Zon and Shane Dugan, they begin their duties today., and will be paid $16.13 an hour.

Dylan Kmetz was promoted to full time seasonal employee at the community park. His salary increases from $7.25 to $9.00 an hour.

The commissioners regular meeting is Monday, July 28 at 7 p.m.