Budget Director Ricardo Luckow gave the first indication that next year’s Beaver County budget is going to need an influx of revenue, leaving the door open for a tax increase, according to Beaver County Radio’s Greg Benedetti. Minus chairman Sandie Egley, Commissioners Dan Camp and Tony Amadio had no comment on Luckow’s report. Luckow said about 50 county departments are being asked to cut their budgets 12 percent for 2017. So far, three departments have submitted a completed budget and the rest are expected to follow suit by the end of the month. Luckow definitively said projections indicate a budget for next year cannot be accomplished without an increase in revenue. At present, the current budget is projected to end with a two-point-nine-million-dollar deficit.

Hopewell Area School  Board gave unanimous approval last night to establish Christa Harmotto Day in the district on the second Friday in October, according to Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano.  Harmotto-Dietzen was captain of the US Women’s Volleyball team that won the bronze in Rio de Janiero earlier this month. Superintendent Dr. Michelle Miller said last Sunday’s celebration  honoring Harmotto Dietzen  was wonderful  Dr. Miller thanked board president Dave Bufalini for spearheading the event .  Bufalini said it was a team effort with assistance from staff. Dr. Miller  announced there is a pilot program for third graders during this current school year  where they will receive a pass/fail grade for science and social studies.  She said third grade is a critical year , they are reading to learn , and it allows them to join the content.  She said,” we’ll give it a try and see how it works. ” The Beaver County Cancer and Heart Association will conduct blood lipid screening for seventh graders on March 15, 2017.  Cost of the test is $5.. all students participating will be provided with breakfast.  Dr. Miller said  Beaver County is one of the only counties that has a cancer and heart association. The Viking Marching Band request to travel to New York City 4/28-4/30 2017 was approved. Mike Shuleski’s request for the jv and varsity baseball teams to go to spring training  at the Ripken facilities in Myrtle Beach, S.C. .March 29-April 2, 2017.  Dr. Miller said they attended spring training  there before. The board accepted the resignation of Rob Tapler 1st assistant golf coach effective 8/29/16.  Mark Musulin was appointed to replace Tapler at a stipend of $1,602.00. Next meeting is September 27 at 7 p.m.

(Beaver Falls, PA )   Beaver County Radio Has Announced that a new talk show centering around the topic of real estate has been added to the Saturday Morning Line Up.  “Your Personal Realtor With Eric McKenna” will air from 11 A.M. to noon starting on October 1, 2016.  Listeners will be able to tune in each on 1230 WBVP and 1460 WMBA for expert advice and helpful discussion about various real estate topics like how and when to list a home, what to look for in selecting a real estate agent.  market trends and analysis and much more.  To join in the discussion, listeners may call 724-843-1888 or 724-774-1888.  To contact Eric, call 412-613-4466 or visit his web site.

Content and sponsorship for   “Your Personal Realtor With Eric McKenna” will be provided by Eric McKenna.

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.