Author: Beaver County Radio

Potter Township Supervisors Grant Conditional Use Permit For Shell Cracker Plant In Monaca

The Potter Township Supervisors have granted a conditional use permit for a $6 billion ethane cracker plant proposed by Shell Chemicals. Township supervisors on Wednesday night approved the plan, but imposed noise limits and promised to address light pollution and traffic problems if they crop up once construction begins in the next two years. Shell says the plant will create 6,000 construction jobs and 600 permanent jobs.

Ambridge Teachers Union Representative Told She Wasn’t Allowed To Speak

Ambridge teachers returned to the classroom without a new contract on January 5.
Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano reports the board attempted to deny the teachers the right to speak at the work session, according to Chris Konkus, communications director of AAEA. The board solicitor Hoby Webster told Lauren Mawhinney, board president was told the teachers contract wasn’t on the agenda, even though item 8 is listed as budget and finance. Teachers were told they can speak at next week’s meeting under public comment.  In the meantime, the teachers have been working under the old contract since July 1 2015.
Konkus said that the board’s actions are violating the teachers first amendment rights. No date for selection of an arbitrator for both sides to  resolve the contract issues that include salary and health care costs has been scheduled.

Ambridge Council Adopts Ordinance To Establish Food Regulations

An ordinance was adopted at Tuesday’s Ambridge council meeting regarding Food handling establishment regulations, according to Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano.  Establishments are required to follow the PA Food Employee Certification Act.  One employee per establishment is to be certified in food safety, according to Joe Kauer,  borough manager. The new regulation is in accordance with the PA Dept. of Agriculture Food Code title 7 Act 106 as amended.

Beaver County Commissioners Hold Short Work Session Today

The Beaver County Commissioners held a 15-minute work session today and, according to Beaver County Radio’s Greg Benedetti,  financial administrator Ricardo Luckow reported the leaking roof at the human services building in Beaver Falls is being repaired. 85 percent of the cost is being assumed by the state related agencies occupying the building. Luckow said the county’s share will be about 25-thousand dollars, considerably under budget. The commissioners stated they met at the Sugar Shack at Brady’s Run Park and agreed to partner with the Beaver County Conservation District to make the necessary roof repairs. The Maple Syrup Festival will begin April First.

Ambridge Council Votes To Hire Three Part-Time Firefighter Code-Enforcement Officers

Ambridge council voted last night to her 3 part time firefighter/ code enforcement officers. According to Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano, Hirees include Eric Dunmyer a Baden firefighter, Robert Charlovich current Conway fire chief, and Lawrence Charlton , a volunteer firefighter in Ambridge. Council president mike Mikulich said the the borough;s mission relating to code enforcement as it relates to code enforcement is to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the community.”

High Winds Cause Damage, Power Outages Across Beaver County

High winds last night and this morning caused damage and power outages across Beaver County and southwestern Pennsylvania. West Penn Power reported thousands of customers lost power, including more than 80 in Beaver County. A West Penn Power spokesman says there was no single event that caused the large number of outages. Instead, he said it was the accumulation of several wind damage incidents. Duquesne Light reported around 100 customers without power in Robinson Township and Shaler in Allegheny County.

Macy’s At Beaver Valley Mall To Close March 6; 83 Jobs To Be Lost

83 people will be out of jobs when the Macy’s at the Beaver Valley Mall closes on March 6, according to a document filed with the state Department of Labor and Industry. Called a WARN notice, the documents are required by law to be filed by any company that anticipates mass layoffs.  The Ellwood City Ledger reports Macy’s officials previously said affected employees could be offered positions in nearby stores where possible. Macy’s has locations in Robinson and Ross townships in Allegheny County.