Olympic Volleyball Champ Comes Home to Hopewell

Christa Harmotto Dietzen, Women’s Olympic Volleyball Bronze winner 2016 in Rio de Janiero, and a 2005 graduate of Hopewell Area High School, was honored by the township, school district, county commissioners, and the state last night. According to Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano, the event was held in Tony Dorsett Stadium. She had a police and fire escort from her family’s home, which is a short distance from the stadium. Christa led the school’s team to a state championship in 2005, at Penn State the girl’s volleyball team won 2007 and 2008 NCAA championships. Her high school coach Terry Borkovic introduced 4 of her former teammates at the school, and 2 of the current team members from Hopewell were introduced. Borkovic said he knew she would reach the goals she set for herself. She held a photo autograph signing after the event and when asked about the situation in Rio, she said the state department had everything under control. She tearfully spoke of the refugee team eating in the dining hall in the Olympic Village that had no home. Christa and husband Derek live in California, and he was unable to attend,; one of her brothers attended last night with her parents Rob and Connie Harmotto. She won a silver medal in 2012 Olympics. She announced her retirement last night. Cindy Murphy, representing the B.F. Jones Memorial Library called Harmotto Dietzen a Hometown Hero and a book will be placed in the library in her honor. Police Chief Brian Uhrmacher spoke on 9/11 and Harmotto, when she realized tearfully that the event was held on this day she said,” my heart goes out to those that serve and protect our freedoms.” The event, chaired by school board president Dave Bufalini said the school board is prolaiming the second Friday in October as CHRISTA HARMOTTO DAY.

New Castle Police Raise Reward For Information On Wanted Man To $3,000

Police are increasing the reward offered for information leading to the arrest of a man wanted for an attempted homicide in New Castle. The New Castle City Police Department is now offering $3,000 for information that leads to the arrest of 32-year-old Jujuan “Mook” Jackson.  Police say Jackson is wanted in connection to an attempted homicide that took place in 2015 and wanted for questioning in a homicide that took place this July. The fatal shooting took place on East Meyer Avenue in the North Hill neighborhood around 4 a.m. on July 7. 21-year-old Lloyd Johnson was fatally shot. A woman, who police say is Jackson’s ex-girlfriend, was injured. Police say Jackson should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information on Jackson’s whereabouts should contact the Criminal Investigative Division at (724) 656-3586 or leave a tip at the New Castle Police website at: www.newcastlepd.com.

Steelers Monday Night Start

The Pittsburgh Steelers begin their 2016 season tonight in Washington against the Redskins. The Steelers will be without some of their weapons,  L’evion Bell begins his three game  suspension for violating the  leagues drug policy. WR  Marcus Weaton will miss tonight’s game with a shoulder injury.  The Steelers are 2-0  on Monday night against the Redskins.  The Steelers are 10-2 on Monday under Mike Tomlin. Two touchdown passes by Ben Roethlisberger  will push him pass Joe Montana for 13th  on the NFL’s all-time list.  On the Redskins siide,  Quarterback Kirk Cousins has thrown 232-consecutive passes at home without an interception.  Airtime for tonight’s game is 5:10 on the WBVP-WMBA.

PG Football Rankings

It is early but, some local teams appear in the PG WPIAL Rankings. In 5-A West Allegheny (2-0) is ranked fourth. In 4-A, New Castle ranks third. In 3-A, Beaver County teams dominate with the top four spots. In order Beaver (2-0), Aliquippa (2-1), Central Valley (2-1), and Beaver Falls  are the top ranked teams. It has been awhile but, Rochester makes the list in 1A at number three. In the PIAA rankings, Beaver, Aliquippa,  and  Central Valley are ranked three, four, and five in Class 3-A

Pirates Limp Into Philadelphia

With their playoff hopes fading, the Pirates begin a 10-game road trip tonight in Philadelphia.  The Pirates finished a 2-8 home stand. They were shutout 8-0 on Sunday.  Starling Marte remains sidelined with back problems.  He hasn’t played since September 5th.  Josh Harrison has a right groin injury.  He suffered the injury in Saturdays game and may miss several games.  The wildcard race is not pretty. The Pirates trail the Mets by 6 games and the Cardinals by 5-1/2 for the second wildcard spot.  Starting pitchers for tonight are  Gerrit Cole (7-9) for the Pirates and Jeremy Hellickson (10-9) for Philadelphia.  Because of the Steelers, the next broadcast game will be Tuesday night at 6:40 on WBVP-WMBA.

Hot Cars On A Hot Day in New Brighton

(New Brighton, PA)  The streets heated up with some of the hottest cars in Beaver County and the 90 degree temperatures as well in New Brighton on Saturday as Beaver County radio broadcast live at the annual New Brighton Car Cruise.   Frank Sparks and Ed Hermick delivered some “sizzling” descriptions live on the air of the vehicles on display on 3rd avenue in New Brighton.

Thousands of vehicle owners and spectators enjoyed the day in New Brighton as evidenced by these pictures: