The St. Anthony Society of West Aliquippa celebrated its 85 year old history with a mass at St. Titus Church followed by a reception complete with hors deovures, pastries of all types and beverages at the hall in West Aliquippa. Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano reports that about 100 persons attended the event at the site of the former West Aliquippa Swimming Pool. The group purchased the site several years ago from the city, according to former mayor Anthony Battalini for $5,000. Battalini is the president of the society. Bill DiCioccio, Sr. is vice president, secretary is Marie Bertoni, treasurer is Cil Casciato.  The group had approximately 400 members, now there’s 300, most of them elderly. The group fundraised and donations of about $20,000 made the site a reality, the group said. Every year at Christmas the group donates to the women’s shelter, Salvation Army, and St. Anthony’s in Troy Hill.

The Beaver County Commissioners have reportedly been discussing ways to work around some numbers and figure out how both sides in their contract dispute between union members of the commissioners residual unit can be happy with a contract. It seems as though there will be another contract offered but the two sides have to get together. Commissioner Dan Camp told Mike Romigh on Teleforum this morning that that may happen as early as Friday afternoon. The union is planning to take a strike vote this Wednesday. They were only out for a day earlier this week but the next strike vote would be whether it should be long-term or a three-day strike.

State Representative Jim Christiana has introduced a bill that would abolish all property taxes in Pennsylvania. Under House Bill 2145, property taxes would be eliminated on July 1st, 2017. Christiana tells Beaver County Radio newsman Pat Septak that there are currently 30 alternative plans or proposals in the state legislature and that he was a few ideas of his own. Christiana calls property taxes the most un-American taxes on the books.

Midland police officer Ron Lutton was  recognized by Mayor Angela Adkins and council for his  outstanding police work in the community. Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano reports that Lutton was presented with a proclamation by Sgt. Robert Adams. Officer Lutton received the 2015  Drug enforcement award by  Beaver County for his work with drug investigations in the community.

Midland Boro Manager Diane Kemp retires June 30 after 14 years with the borough, and council and her  husband and one of her grandsons were present to honor her. Mayor Adkins presented her with a proclamation and council president Kim Yope  wrote an original poem which was in a frame. Mrs. Kemp’s husband Ron  presented her with a cake, and council also presented her with a bouquet of roses.Elizabeth (Betsy) McIntyre   takes over  in a newly created position as secretary treasurer on July 1. Borough secretary Amber Mineard resigned from her position effective May 18.

Police in Beaver Falls shot a man after he held another man at gunpoint and pointed the gun at responding officers. Beaver County District Attorney David Lozier says Kevin Haskins entered a Beaver Falls home Wednesday afternoon and tried to forcefully take something. Nine people were inside the home, including six children.Authorities say Haskins pointed the gun at three responding officers and pulled the trigger. The gun never went off. Two officers then shot him in the hip and legs. The 24-year-old has been airlifted to a hospital for surgery. His condition isn’t known. No one else was hurt. Haskins faces charges including attempted homicide and aggravated assault.