The Aliquippa head basketball coach has been charged with possession of child pornography. Nick Lackovich, the head coach of Aliquippa’s boys basketball team and a Beaver County probation officer, was arrested today after police said they found child porn on his computer. Police said the images were found while they were investigating Lackovich’s alleged role in hosting a dogfighting operation. He’s charged with two counts of sexual abuse of children by knowingly possession child porn. Lackovich turned himself in to a magistrate this morning. According to a press release from the Beaver County District Attorney’s office, his lawyer said he plans to retire from Beaver County and resign as the Aliquippa basketball coach.

A press conference was held  at the CCBC dome this morning  to announce the upcoming career expo and cracker plant training to be held next Thursday at 6 p.m,. According to Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano,  speakers  included College president Dr. Chris Reber who welcomed  all.  Dr. Reber   said that the college is pleased to host next Thursday’s expo. There will be displays showing which trades are available throughout the dome. Charles “Skip” Homan who is the board chairman Larson Design Group, and chairman of the Beaver County Partnership for Community and Economic Growth.Mr. Homan said  the primary mission to get Beaver County growing again.”With a diverse group of leaders   we want to find out how we can  change the trend in the county>”he said there are well over 100 people involved, and more want  to get involved in the Beaver County partnership.” Jack Manning president of the Beaver County chamber of Commerce also spoke. Manning said the chamber is prepared to develop and promote the county for economic growth.”he said there is 7.6%  unemployment rate in the county, and  there are 1,000 job openings in the county.”We want the jobs to come to the county, manufacturing is critical to our economy.” Other participants in the program were Dave Wytiaz, administrative director at Beaver County  Career and Technology Center, Greg Hojdila IBEW Training director, Local Union 712, and mike mcDonald, Business manager Local Union 833 Construction and General Laborers. Union.

The Aliquippa School Board hired Michelle Witt as the high school girls basketball coach at last night’s meeting.  Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano reports that she will earn $5,844 for the 2016-17 season.  Mark D;Alessandris resigned recently to coach  girls basketball at Avonworth. High school guidance counselor Kim Tonio was named the  liasion for the Lincoln Learning Solutions Credit Recovery After School program.  High School principal Alvin Gipson  explained that the program is for  seniors who  don’t have enough credits.  He said that the program is for 25-30 students.  Grades 9-12  are eligible, he added.  Mr. Gipson said we’ll concentrate on the seniors first  and next year have a program during the day for sophomores and juniors.  We’ll use our resources to get the parents to come in. Dr. Peter M Carbone told the board  that counselors identify the students who are eligible for the program, when board member Catherine Colalella  asked what the program was about. Board president Terry Swanson  congratulated Mr. Tonio for his efforts to bring the program to Aliquippa.

Hopewell School Board met last night  and approved the retirement of 6th grade teacher Joyce Gratson.  Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano reports that Gratson has taught in the district 22 years and  her retirement is effective 2/3/2017. A full time special education  teacher for grades k-4 was approved for Margaret Ross Elementary School effective today.  A special education aide  position was eliminated, and one was added at the junior high school with board approval because some  elementary students are now in junior high. The board’s regular meeting is on Nov. 22 at 7 p.m.

State Representative Jim Christiana overwhelmingly defeated democrat Mike Rossi by nearly a 2 to 1 margin in the 15th legislative district in yesterday’s election. Rossi told Beaver County Radio newsman Pat Septak in an interview this morning that he has no regrets and hasn’t ruled out another run down the road. Christiana is staying on the job for a fifth term.

Beaver County solicitor Andrew Cantelmi had Friendship Ridge on her agenda for the county commissioners, but according to Beaver County Radio’s Greg Benedetti, Cantelmi reserved her comments for executive sesssion. A private audit of the sale of Friendship Ridge shows the county is still owed 1-point-four-million dollars by the new owners, Comprehensive Healthcare. Because today’s talking points are behind closed doors, right now it’s not known what course of action the commissioners are considering.