A hiring freeze has been issued for all Beaver County offices. Commissioners Chairwoman Sandie Egley’s office confirmed to Beaver County Radio newsman Pat Septak in a phone call this morning that the move is in effect until the commissioners finish reviewing the 2016 budget.

The Ranch, a popular neighborhood bar and grill in Lawrence County, is no more after a fire destroyed the establishment Thursday. First responders say the building in Wayne Township is now a total loss after a grease fire quickly shot through the roof. Two people were inside the bar at the time of the fire. Firefighters from three counties were called in to battle the flames, which could be seen from 10 miles away. The bar was well known for its motorcycle clientele and motorcycle fundraisers. At this point, it’s unclear whether the owners will rebuild, but they say they do not have insurance.

A pedestrian was struck and killed by a truck early this morning on Route 65 on Avalon. The Allegheny County medical examiner’s office was called out around 5 a.m. The incident took place in the 900 block of Ohio River Boulevard. The victim’s identity has not been released. A portion of Route 65 is closed in both directions in Avalon.

This is National School Choice Week in Pennsylvania and all across the country. It is the largest celebration of educational opportunity in U.S. history. More than 700 events will be held to celebrate School Choice Week in the Keystone state alone. Among the schools participating is the Holy Redeemer School in Ellwood City. The school’s principal – Sr. Joanne Kokosinski – tells Beaver County Radio newsman Pat Septak that now is a great opportunity for parents to explore school choice options for their children. For more information on National School Choice Week, please visit the website at www.schoolchoiceweek.com.

A driver is recovering following a rollover crash in Aliquippa. It happened at the intersection of Franklin Avenue and Kiehl Street in the city. Police say the unidentified man was unconscious at the wheel as a result of an opiate overdose. Only one vehicle was involved in the crash, and the driver was taken to the hospital. Police were called to the scene and will likely file charges against the driver. No word on the driver’s condition.

A former Coraopolis police chief was sentenced today to three years of probation for a crash that seriously injured a woman. Alan DeRusso pleaded guilty in October to charges stemming from the crash, in which prosecutors said he was driving more than 80 mph before he drove through a red light and crashed into a car in Moon Township in August of 2014. In addition to probation, DeRusso’s sentence included 300 hours of community service. DeRusso will also have to pay restitution to the victim, who has undergone multiple surgeries since the crash.

A woman was found dead of an apparent suicide at a hotel in Cranberry Township on Wednesday. Police believe she may be responsible for the death of her mother in Buffalo, New York. According to police, a 55-year-old woman was found dead in her room by hotel staff at the Red Roof Inn on Route 19. The woman checked into the hotel Tuesday night. During their investigation, they uncovered information that led them to believe she may have harmed her mother in Buffalo. Buffalo police went to the home she shared with her 85-year-old mother for a welfare check. At that time, they found the woman dead. Names of the two women have not been released, but police are investigating this as a murder-suicide.