Pittsburgh’s move to decriminalize marijuana possession has been stalled, with lawyers working out legal conflicts. State law makes possession of small amounts of pot a misdemeanor. For now, officials tell the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review police in the city have been told to keep filing misdemeanor charges.
Author: Beaver County Radio
State Representative From Allegheny Co. Charged In Connection With Illegal Gambling Ring
The Pennsylvania attorney general’s office announced the filing of criminal charges against Mark Gergely, a state representative from Allegheny County who is accused of using his position as an elected official to assist the illegal gambling enterprise of a longtime friend. The 46-year-old Gergely of White Oak is charged with two counts of corrupt organizations and one count each of dealing in the proceeds of illegal activity, criminal attempt/ gambling devises, criminal conspiracy and violation of state election code prohibiting cash or anonymous contributions. Gergely represents the 35th legislative district, which includes Mckeesport and various other municipalities in Allegheny County.
Grand Jury: 2 Bishops Hid Sex Abuse of Hundreds of Children
Two Roman Catholic bishops who led a central Pennsylvania diocese helped cover up the sexual abuse of hundreds of children by over 50 priests or religious leaders over a 40-year period. That’s according to a grand jury report issued today. The 147-page report on sexual abuse in the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese was based partly on evidence from a secret diocesan archive uncovered through a search warrant executed in August, said Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane, who announced the findings. No criminal charges are being filed in the case because some abusers have died, the statute of limitations has expired and, in some cases, victims are too traumatized to testify, she said. The report is especially critical of Bishops James Hogan and Joseph Adamec. Hogan, who headed the diocese from 1966 to 1986, died in 2005. Adamec, who succeeded him, retired in 2011.
Beaver County Nun Seeks To Educate People on Human Trafficking in Center Township Tonight
A Beaver County nun is trying to bring attention to a growing problem in this country – Human Trafficking. Sister Jeanette Bussen of the Sisters of Saint Joseph in Baden gives speeches throughout the county on how we as a community can eliminate human trafficking from society. Sister Jeanette will play host to a discussion about human trafficking beginning at 7:30 tonight at King’s Restaurant in Center Township. The public is invited to attend.
3 Injured in Aliquippa Crash
At least three people were injured in a crash in Aliquippa Sunday morning. The accident happened around 2:30 a.m. on Route 51 in Aliquippa, near the Ambridge Aliquippa Bridge. There is currently no word on any of the victims’ conditions or what led up to the crash.
Supreme Court Standoff May Affect Race For Senator Toomey
The Supreme Court standoff is showing signs it is galvanizing black voters, with the prospect it could affect the re-election race for Republican Senator Pat Toomey. University of Pennsylvania professor Daniel Hopkins says the nomination fight is part of a broader story of sometimes racialized hositility between President Barack Obama and his political opponents.
Skier Dies In Accident At Seven Springs
A collision on the slopes between two skiers at the Seven Springs resort over the weekend has left one man dead. State police say Jeffrey Behr of Delmont was on a trail near the resort’s main lodge when he was hit by another skier, leaving Behr with head and neck injuries.
WPIAL Boys Basketball Class AA Championship-Lincoln Park 45 vs. Aliquippa 45 (Final)
Beaver Falls 56, Highlands 45 (Final)
It’s not often that a championship team is described as not being “exceptionally talented”. But that’s how head coach Doug Biega described his team to Beaver County Radio following Beaver Falls’ 56-45 win over Highlands in the WPIAL AAA Boys’ Championship Friday night at the Petersen Events Center.
“My 2005, 2012, and 2013 teams were exceptionally talented. This team is not.” said Biega. “This team found a way to win a WPIAL Championship this year, and I’m very proud of the effort it took to do that.”
The Tigers jumped out to an early 15-6 lead after one period thanks to an 11-0 run, and kept its lead by a combination of missed shots by the Highland Golden Rams (11% 3-point shooting), and strong guard play by Donovan Jeter, whose countless defensive rebounds kept Mars out of the Tigers’ zone.
Josh Creach led the Tigers in scoring with 17 points, including a perfect 7-7, while Mitch DeZort scored 16 for the Golden Rams. Both players were named the CCBC Players of The Game for this title bout.
Beaver Falls wins its 10th WPIAL title in school history, its first since 2013. The championship is the fourth for Biega, who has coached the Tigers since 1999. This is also the Tigers’ first Class AAA title since 1994.
The WPIAL (District 7) Champion Tigers take on Steel Valley (7th seed out of the WPIAL) in the first round of the PIAA Playoffs next weekend. Highlands takes on Girard, the 3-seed out of District 10.
The crew of Bob Barrickman, Tom Hays, and Bruce Frey have tonight’s scoring recap, as well as the interviews with Josh Creach and Doug Biega of Beaver Falls.
Final Call of The Game
Josh Creach Interview
Doug Biega Interview
Aliquippa School District Superintendent Dave Wytiaz Stepping Down
Aliquippa school district superintendent Dave Wytiaz is stepping down. Wytiaz submitted his resignation effective April 2nd. Beaver County Radio news correspondent Sandy Giordano reports that at last night’s special meeting, the district appointed Dr. Peter Carbone, currently the elementary school principal, as the acting superintendent. Wytiaz tells Beaver County Radio newsman Pat Septak that he is not stepping down because of his anger over what’s going on (or what some say would say- what’s not going on) in Harrisburg when it comes to the state budget and lack of school funding. Wytiaz says he will assume the duties as the administrative director of the Beaver County Career & Technology Center in Center Township April 4th.

