Harrisburg, PA – In keeping with Governor Josh Shapiro‘s commitment to expand Pennsylvania’s workforce and serve Pennsylvanians more efficiently, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced that a new, modernized commercial driver’s license (CDL) skills test will be implemented at all PennDOT Driver License Centers that offer CDL skills tests and at all third-party CDL driving skill testers beginning August 28, 2023. As new technologies emerge, the modernized CDL skills test ensures that CDL drivers have the knowledge and skills to drive safely on the road while waiving outdated requirements that hold workers back.

For example, the Shapiro Administration recognizes school districts have been dealing with the school bus driver shortage since the pandemic and school bus engines have become more complex and modern. That’s why, starting August 28th, PennDOT will waive the “Under the Hood requirement” for school bus drivers, which means that potential school bus drivers will no longer need to take the portion of the CDL test that requires them to identify engine components.

“Governor Shapiro has made it clear that the Commonwealth should help people succeed, not get in the way. Under his direction, PennDOT is working to make our services more accessible and effective for the people of Pennsylvania,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “As someone with a CDL, I know that technology in our vehicles has greatly evolved and improved, even in our commercial vehicles. This modernized test is another way PennDOT is enhancing its services to better serve our CDL applicants while still ensuring the safety of school bus passengers.”

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has created a long-term waiver extension that allows a state to modify the Commercial Driver’s License test for drivers seeking to obtain a school bus endorsement. PennDOT will implement this waiver granted by FMCSA, and as a result, potential school bus drivers no longer need to take the portion of the CDL test that identifies engine components “under the hood.” Under the current federal waiver, the “under the hood” portion of the test may be waived for school bus driver applicants through November 27, 2024.

“Knowing the components of a school bus engine does not impact a school bus driver’s safe driving skills,” said Deputy Secretary for Driver and Vehicle Services Kara Templeton. “By implementing this waiver from FMCSA, we hope that more drivers will apply for the school bus endorsement and become school bus drivers.”

As always, the CDL skills test examines an applicant’s knowledge based on vehicle features and focuses on key skills needed to safely operate a commercial vehicle. Now, the skills test has received a much needed update to reflect modern vehicle features. Applicants must pass the full CDL Skills Test – which includes pre-trip inspection, basic control and a road test – to receive their CDL. Prospective applicants scheduled to take the test after August 28, 2023, are encouraged to review and study the updated Commercial Driver License Manual to prepare for each portion of the knowledge and driver skills test.

The Vehicle Inspection (VI) test and the Basic Control Skills (BCS) test were updated during the modernization process. CDL applicants may be asked to identify up to 90 different components on the vehicle and describe what they are looking for to ensure it is safe and ready for use compared to the current requirement of more than 100 items. In addition, a checklist is now authorized to be used as a memory aid for this segment.

The BCS Test will require CDL applicants to demonstrate four maneuvers to demonstrate control:

• Forward Stop to demonstrate an applicant’s ability to judge the front of the vehicle;
• Straight-Line Backing to demonstrate the applicant’s ability to back the vehicle in a straight line;
• Forward Offset Tracking to demonstrate an applicant’s ability to maneuver the vehicle around other objects while moving forward; and
• Reverse Offset Backing to demonstrate an applicant’s ability to offset reverse and park the vehicle.

Applicants who have already completed portions of the skills testing prior to August 28 will need to complete current versions of CDL Skills Testing. These applicants should continue to review and study the current Commercial Driver License Manual to prepare for each portion of the knowledge and driver skills test.

More information on commercial driver licenses and copies of the Commercial Driver License Manuals can be found on the Commercial Drivers page on PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services website.

Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is inviting the public to attend a recruitment event on Thursday, August 17 to learn about winter maintenance position opportunities the department offers in Allegheny County.

The recruitment event will be held at PennDOT’s Aspinwall Maintenance Building located at 51 Fox Chapel Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238 from noon to 6 p.m. on Thursday, August 17.

Recruiters will be available to discuss current and future openings within the Commonwealth. On the spot applications and interviews will take place for individuals with their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) license for winter equipment operator positions. Individuals without standard transmission experience are welcome to apply as many PennDOT trucks are now equipped with automatic transmissions.

Additionally, individuals with a CDL Class A license can interview for full time and temporary positions working in Tunnel Maintenance.

Other permanent and seasonal employment opportunities with the department that don’t require a CDL license are also open for applicants.

Laptops and staff will be available to assist interested participants navigate the new electronic application system.

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) today released its preliminary employment situation report for July 2023.

Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate declined three-tenths of a percentage point over the month to 3.5% in July, the lowest rate on record (back to January 1976). The U.S. unemployment rate was also at 3.5%, down one-tenth of a percentage point from June. The Commonwealth’s unemployment rate was 0.8 percentage points below its July 2022 level of 4.3%, and the national rate was unchanged over the year.

Pennsylvania’s civilian labor force – the estimated number of residents working or looking for work – was down 9,000 over the month. Resident employment rose by 6,000 over the month and unemployment fell by 15,000.

Pennsylvania’s total nonfarm jobs were up 14,400 over the month to a new record high of 6,149,000 in July. This was the seventh month in a row that jobs have set a new all-time high level. Jobs increased from June in eight of the 11 industry supersectors with the largest gain in education & health services (+6,700), which rose to a record high level. Professional & business services also rose to a record high.

Over the year, total nonfarm jobs were up 143,100 with gains in all 11 supersectors. Education & health services (+45,200) had the largest volume over-the-year gain among supersectors.

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published August 18, 2023 9:58 A.M.

(Midland, PA) Over 100 apartments at Scenic Hills Homes, in Midland, PA have had no gas or water since Tuesday, August the 15th. Beaver County Radio reached out to the owners, but no calls have been returned. Mayor Angela Adkins said Friday morning that the owners of the housing complex found a broken gas pipe to be the problem, and crews are working as fast as they  can to restore water and gas to the residents. She was assured by the owners that by tonight or tomorrow water and gas will be back on.

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published August 18, 2023 7:27 A.M.

(Aliquippa, PA) On Thursday night Aliquippa Fire Chief Dave Foringer, his wife Brenda and firefighters, manned the hamburger stand with help from Aliquippa Police Chief John Lane. Aliquippa Police, along with state police were on hand. Hot dogs were being served by House of Prayer Lutheran Church’s Little Free Food Truck volunteers. Homemade cookies and snacks were also available, served by volunteers. An ice cream truck with frozen delights was part of the food available DRUG FREE ALIQUIPPA  was there to help anyone that needed information.

Police Chief John Lane was observing the crowd during the festivities.  

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published August 18, 2023 7:25 A.M.

(Center Township, PA) Two veteran elementary teacher’s retirements from the elementary school were approved. Michele Goodwill retired after 30 years Dawnlyn Valli retired after 27.9 years.

Jim Frederick (left) and Bruce Frey call a game at Oak Hill Field in New Brighton.
(Photo/BCR Archives)

Longtime WBVP and WMBA sports broadcaster Jim Frederick has passed away at the age of 71.

Frederick started as sports director at WMBA in 1995, and served as a sportscaster at Beaver County Radio for over a decade, up until the early 2010s. He called dozens of football and basketball games for the two AM stations along with Tom Hays, Bruce Frey, and the late Bob Barrickman among others.

One of Frederick’s most legendary calls took place on February 26, 2005 at the former A.J. Palumbo Center in Pittsburgh, when a three-overtime match between Beaver Falls and Aliquippa for the Class 2A WPIAL Championship was decided on a last-second shot by Lance Jeter (shot takes place at :56 in the clip below):

Frederick also served for nearly two decades as Deputy Treasurer in the Beaver County Courthouse, working from 2002 until 2020. Prior to his work at WMBA and later WBVP, Frederick worked at WHIZ-TV as sports director from 1974 until 1989.

File – United States Steel’s Edgar Thomson Plant in Braddock, Pa. is shown on Feb. 26, 2019. With two bidders revealed in a matter of days and more in the wings, United States Steel Corp. seems poised to be purchased by a competitor sooner than later. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

United States Steel Corp. seems poised to be soon purchased by a competitor, with two bidders revealed in a matter of days and more in the wings. It would mean the takeover of a symbol of American industrialization that for more than a century helped build everything from the United Nations building in New York City to the New Orleans Superdome. After rejecting a $7.3 billion buyout proposal from rival Cleveland-Cliffs on Sunday, U.S. Steel said it was considering alternatives. On Monday, industrial conglomerate Esmark offered $7.8 billion for Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel.

FILE – West Virginia head coach Bob Huggins talks to his players during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Texas Tech in the first round of the Big 12 Conference tournament Wednesday, March 8, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. Former West Virginia men’s basketball coach Bob Huggins has entered a 12-month diversion program to resolve a drunken driving arrest. Huggins had been scheduled for a formal arraignment on Thursday, Aug. 17. According to court records in Pittsburgh, that hearing was canceled last month after he was accepted into the program. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)

Former West Virginia men’s basketball coach Bob Huggins has entered a 12-month diversion program to resolve a drunken driving arrest. Huggins had been scheduled for a formal arraignment on Thursday. But court records in Pittsburgh show that the hearing was canceled last month after he was accepted into the program. Under the agreement, his one-year probation period can be done after six months if he meets all conditions, including completion of an alcohol treatment program. Huggins was assessed $2,810 in court costs and fees and his driver’s license was suspended for at least 60 days. Huggins was arrested June 16 and West Virginia announced he had resigned the next day.

This image provided by the U.S. Air Force shows a rendering of a blended-wing body prototype aircraft. The Air Force has promised $235 million to help start-up manufacturer JetZero build a jet with a blended-wing body that officials say could provide greater range and efficiency for military tankers and cargo planes and perhaps eventually be used to carry airline passengers. JetZero and the Air Force, which announced the award Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023, say they hope that the full-size demonstrator plane will be ready to fly in 2027. (U.S. Air Force via AP)

The U.S. Air Force is throwing its support behind a program to develop a sleek, futuristic-looking jet that could provide greater range and efficiency for military tankers and cargo planes. On Wednesday, Air Force officials announced a $235 million award for start-up aircraft maker JetZero. The company says it will build a full-size demonstrator blended-wing plane that will be ready to fly in 2027. On blended-wing planes, the body and wings look like one piece. That makes them more aerodynamic and fuel-efficient than conventional planes of the same size.