Author: Beaver County Radio

PEMA Reports 911 Centers Will Have More Funding Thanks to Surcharge Increase Signed Into Law by Governor Shapiro

Harrisburg, PA – The Shapiro Administration announced today that funding for the Commonwealth’s 61 county-based Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs), commonly called “911 centers,” is on track to meet or exceed the April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, projection of $370 million. The 2024 second quarter revenue for 911 centers was $97.1 million which exceeds the projected $92.5 million quarterly revenue total.

 

“Our PSAPs, and the dedicated staff who answer the call 24 hours a day, are the backbone of the public safety network in Pennsylvania,” said PEMA Director Randy Padfield. “This revenue increase affirms the Shapiro Administration commitment to supporting their long-term, sustainable growth as we continue to build out cutting-edge Next Generation 911 technology.”

 

In 2023, Governor Shapiro signed Act 34, which extended the Commonwealth’s 911 program through January 31, 2029. A critical component of Act 34 increased funding by an estimated $47.7 million per year by increasing the monthly phone surcharge for 911 services from $1.65 to $1.95 from March 1, 2024, through January 31, 2026. The fee increase was necessary to counter the increasing costs of providing quality 911 services across the Commonwealth.

 

Since 2015, the surcharge has been integral to support the planning, coordinating, testing, and implementation of Next Generation 911 (NG911) service across the Commonwealth. NG911 includes many of the services that callers expect as mobile network technology improves, such as Text-to-911 and improved caller location data. Plans to continue the improvement of 911 service in Pennsylvania include behind-the-scenes improvements and cost saving measures, such as regionalization of services used by individual county PSAPs, better Geographic Information System (GIS) data, and building out redundant systems to ensure seamless information sharing.

 

“Both the callers who need assistance and the first responders who will provide the help they need are benefiting from this funding,” said PEMA Deputy Director for 911 Greg Kline. “It is our mission to make sure they have the best information, tools, and resources they need to do their jobs to keep residents and visitors safe across Pennsylvania.”

 

Carole A. Zemkosky (3/8/1944 — 7/27/2024)

Carole A. Zemkosky, 80 of Center Twp., passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2024 in Heritage Valley Beaver.  She was born in Sewickley, the daughter of the late Ann & Steve Zvonar.  She worked as a nurse’s aid for many years at the Beaver Valley Geriatric Center.  She loved to watch the Steelers, often watching with her son on the phone. She also loved to gamble and take trips to Vegas.  She was a member of Mary Queen of Saints Parish, Our Lady of Fatima Church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved son Michael J. Zemkosky on July 26, 2021.

She is survived by her loving daughter and son-in-law: Marcia and Dan Carney, Crescent Twp., and a brother and sister-in-law:  Steven Jeffrey & Patricia Zvonar, TX.

Shirley Ann Grundza (April 17, 1932 – July 30, 2024)

Shirley Ann Grundza, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, passed away peacefully in the early hours on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at the age of 92.

Born on April 17, 1932, in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, to the late Edward and Marie (Willenbacher) Eckroate, Shirley married her husband Edward “Ed” Grundza in 1951 and settled in Baden, PA, where they raised their five children.  A devoted wife and mother, Shirley also balanced and accomplished a career with the Sears & Roebuck and Co., where she served in Human Resources for over 25 years.

An avid gardener, Shirley truly appreciated the beauty of nature and loved spending time outside tending to her flowers.  She also loved to travel, and shared countless adventures with her husband Ed, and made many lasting memories with her children and grandchildren during summer beach trips.  Finding home each winter in Homosassa Springs, Florida, Shirley would escape the cold, soak in the Florida sunshine, and play several rounds of golf.  Shirley was also a faithful member of the Good Samaritan Catholic parish in Ambridge.

Shirley was predeceased in death by her husband, Edward Grundza, her sister and brother-in-law, Phylis and John Majcher, brother-in-law, Joseph “Joe” Zagorski, sister-in-law, Yvonne Eckroate, and son-in-law, Jonathan Baacke.

Shirley is survived by her sister, Dorthy Zagorski, of Beaver, PA; and brother, Edward Eckroate of Montgomery, AL.  She is also survived by her children: Cheryl (Kevin) Ostrowski, of Beaver, PA; Christine (Robert) Mease, of Myerstown, PA; Richard (Lisa) Grundza, of Monaca, PA; William (Kathy) Grundza, of Baden, PA; Linda Baacke, of Wexford, PA. Shirley also leaves behind her 11 grandchildren: John, Sarah, Laurie, Michael, Jeremy, Ryan, Jennifer, Christopher, Jesse, Adam, and Rachel; 16 great-grandchildren; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

Family and friends will be received on Sunday, August 4, 2024, from 1-5 PM in the John Syka Funeral Home, 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, from where a prayer service will be held on Monday, August 5, 2024, at 10 AM.  A mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday at 10:30 A.M. in the Good Samaritan Catholic Church. Interment will follow in the Economy Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the staff of Franciscan Manor and Celebration Villa for the wonderful care they provided Shirley.

Margaret L. “Marge” Yanko (December 7, 1923 – July 25, 2024)

Margaret L. “Marge” (Emrick) Yanko, peacefully passed away on July 25, 2024. She was 100 years old.

Marge was born December 7, 1923, in Woodlawn, PA and is the last surviving child of the late Andrew and Mary (Smith) Emrick. In addition to her parents, she was joyfully reunited with her beloved husband, Michael R. Yanko and her eleven siblings who also preceded her in death.

She was a member of Mary Queen of Saints Parrish, Our Lady of Fatima Church.

Margaret is survived by her cherished family: A son and daughter-in-law: Michael R. Yanko, Jr. and his wife Angela, who was like a daughter to Marge. Two cherished granddaughters: Michelle (Zach) Robertson, Maria BonAnno and Joey Welsh, three great grandchildren: Malena, Nico and Giuliana, and Albert Emrick who was very special to Marge along with numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Good Samaritan Hospice for the wonderful care that was extended to Marge.

At her request, all services were private. Entombment took place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Arrangements were with Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home Inc. 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa, PA 15001

 

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Margaret L. “Marge” Yanko please visit our Sympathy Store.

Glenn Richard Hatt (September 14, 1933 – July 28, 2024)

Glenn R. Hatt, Sr., age 90 of Monaca, PA, died July 28, 2024 at Good Samaritan Hospice, Wexford. Glenn was born September 14, 1933 to the late William B. and Dolores D. (Bard) Hatt. He was a retired power plant furnace operator for Zinc Corporation of America (St. Joe). Methodist by faith, he attended the True Life Church of Chippewa. He was an Air Force veteran of the Korean War. He was a member of the Center Township Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1821. He loved the Pittsburgh Sport Teams and was a fan of hunting and walking in the woods. Glenn is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Glenn R. Jr. and Adele Hatt of The Villages, Florida and Daniel J. and Kelly Hatt of Ohioville, six grandchildren, Tina Hatt-Pollack, Steven Hatt, Jessica Rafisardi, Cody Williams, Kelsey Hatt and Joey Hatt; six great-grandchildren, Nanette, Faith, Stephine, Jesir, Dominick and Adaline; one brother Ronald (Joe) and Charlene Hatt of New Sewickley and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Nanette J. (Shaffer) Hatt, three sisters, Eleanor Morrow, Annabelle Bork and Mary Alice Hatt and four brothers, Jack, William, Charles and Donald. Friends will be received Wednesday from 4-7 PM at the William Murphy Funeral Home, Rochester where a service will be held on Thursday at 11:00 AM with the Beaver County Special Unit presenting full military honors to their fallen comrade.

 

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Glenn Richard Hatt please visit our Sympathy Store.

Carol Ann Nelson (June 2, 1944 ~ July 27, 2024)

Carol Ann Nelson (Pike-McKelvey), also known as GeGe, 80 of Darlington, Pa passed away at home on Saturday, July 27, 2024 surrounded by family.

Carol was born on June 2, 1944 to Martha Pike (Mosca) and Harold Pike. She grew up in Bridgewater, Pa and attended Beaver Area High School. Carol worked in an array of fields throughout her lifetime. While raising her children, she was employed by Phoenix Glass in Monaca PA. Being on the road was one of Carol’s loves which led her to driving long distance for pharmaceutical deliveries and driving limousine for a friend. Carol consistently and with pleasure drove everyone everywhere. It’s just something she liked to do.

Carol was a simple woman yet a straight shooter. Encountering many battles in life she still did her best to raise four sassy girls into strong, confident, good women… mission accomplished mom! In Carol’s softer more simplistic times, she enjoyed standing at the kitchen window, watching deer prancing through the yard while birds enjoyed breakfast from the feeder. Carol absolutely adored her great-great grandbabies and loved spending time with them.

Later in life, Carol endured several blows to her health yet each and every time, with her loyal husband by her side, she fought through and always came out on top! However, in the past year, or so, Carol began having hearing trouble and worse, she began losing her sight. The latter of the two leading to her decision to stop driving as to not put others on the road in danger. No longer driving was extremely difficult for Carol and continuing to lose her sight took a toll on her. Still, every morning she put her feet on the floor and gave the day a run for its money! When the time came that her frail, tiny, body was failing her, she was most concerned about being a burden to her family, of which she never was. Carol wasn’t ready to leave, but if she had to go, she wanted it to be at home with her family and that wish was granted.

Left to cherish her memory is her devoted husband William “Bill/Bull” Nelson. Four daughters, April Swager (Donnie), Kimberly McKelvey, Jewel Collwell (Dan), Pamela McKelvey. Stepson Mike Heaton. Stepdaughter Jami Hamrick-Reese. Grandchildren, Nicole King and Corey Moorehouse, Ashley and Brandon McKelvey, Logan Collwell, Hayden Kimbrough, Gage McKelvey, Caleb, Mikey and Weston Heaton, Ally Boxen (Tyler), Kacie Hartzell (Chase). Great-Grandchildren, Samara, Aleena, Jeremiah, Julian, Kaiden, Tori, Natalie, Alivia, Maddix, Ryder, Liam, Aspen, Sutton, Aubrey, Ella, Nash, Crew and Charlotte. Great-great-grandchildren Raiden, and one on the way. Brother-in-law Robert Nelson (Birdie), sister-in-law Mary Laughlin, sister-in-law Fran Jack (Nelson). A host of nieces and nephews. A special niece Jeana Pike and good friend Marie Hawk.

Carol was preceded in death by her mother Martha Mosca, stepfather Norman Mosca, father Harold Pike, brother Bobby Pike, brother and sister-in-law Mark and Mary Pike, Nephew Mark Pike Jr., mother-in-law Mary E. Nelson, brother-in-law Dave Nelson, sister-in-law Shirley Nelson, brother-in-law John Laughlin and stepson-in-law Matthew Reese.

At Carol’s request, there will be no public service. Immediate family and closest friends will gather for a memorial picnic at a later date. Cremation entitled to J&J Spratt’s Funeral Home, New Brighton, PA.

Thank you all for the love and support shown to Carol’s family at this most difficult time.

Carol Ann Nelson (Pike-McKelvey), also known as GeGe, 80 of Darlington, Pa passed away at home on Saturday, July 27, 2024 surrounded by family.

Carol was born on June 2, 1944 to Martha Pike (Mosca) and Harold Pike. She grew up in Bridgewater, Pa and attended Beaver Area High School. Carol worked in an array of fields throughout her lifetime. While raising her children, she was employed by Phoenix Glass in Monaca PA. Being on the road was one of Carol’s loves which led her to driving long distance for pharmaceutical deliveries and driving limousine for a friend. Carol consistently and with pleasure drove everyone everywhere. It’s just something she liked to do.

Carol was a simple woman yet a straight shooter. Encountering many battles in life she still did her best to raise four sassy girls into strong, confident, good women… mission accomplished mom! In Carol’s softer more simplistic times, she enjoyed standing at the kitchen window, watching deer prancing through the yard while birds enjoyed breakfast from the feeder. Carol absolutely adored her great-great grandbabies and loved spending time with them.

Later in life, Carol endured several blows to her health yet each and every time, with her loyal husband by her side, she fought through and always came out on top! However, in the past year, or so, Carol began having hearing trouble and worse, she began losing her sight. The latter of the two leading to her decision to stop driving as to not put others on the road in danger. No longer driving was extremely difficult for Carol and continuing to lose her sight took a toll on her. Still, every morning she put her feet on the floor and gave the day a run for its money! When the time came that her frail, tiny, body was failing her, she was most concerned about being a burden to her family, of which she never was. Carol wasn’t ready to leave, but if she had to go, she wanted it to be at home with her family and that wish was granted.

Left to cherish her memory is her devoted husband William “Bill/Bull” Nelson. Four daughters, April Swagger (Donnie), Kimberly McKelvey, Jewel Collwell (Dan), Pamela McKelvey. Stepson Mike Heaton. Stepdaughter Jami Hamrick-Reese. Grandchildren, Nicole King and Corey Moorehouse, Ashley and Brandon McKelvey, Logan Collwell, Hayden Kimbrough, Gage McKelvey, Caleb, Mikey and Weston Heaton, Ally Boxen (Tyler), Kacie Hartzell (Chase). Great-Grandchildren, Samara, Aleena, Jeremiah, Julian, Kaiden, Tori, Natalie, Alivia, Maddix, Ryder, Liam, Aspen, Sutton, Aubrey, Ella, Nash, Crew and Charlotte. Great-great-grandchildren Raiden, and one on the way. Brother-in-law Robert Nelson (Birdie), sister-in-law Mary Laughlin, sister-in-law Fran Jack (Nelson). A host of nieces and nephews. A special niece Jeana Pike and good friend Marie Hawk.

Carol was preceded in death by her mother Martha Mosca, stepfather Norman Mosca, father Harold Pike, brother Bobby Pike, brother and sister-in-law Mark and Mary Pike, Nephew Mark Pike Jr., mother-in-law Mary E. Nelson, brother-in-law Dave Nelson, sister-in-law Shirley Nelson, brother-in-law John Laughlin and stepson-in-law Matthew Reese.

At Carol’s request, there will be no public service. Immediate family and closest friends will gather for a memorial picnic at a later date. Cremation entitled to J&J Spratt’s Funeral Home, New Brighton, PA.

Thank you all for the love and support shown to Carol’s family at this most difficult time.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carol Ann Nelson, please visit our floral store.

Youth indoor multi-sport complex opening in Center Township

Beaver, PA: M:7 Sports is proud to announce that Shell USA, Inc. has signed a 10-year partnership to gain exclusive naming rights to the first building at M:7 Sports Pittsburgh — a visionary new indoor multi-sport complex in Center Township designed to help local youth realize their full potential both on and off the courts and fields. Anticipated to open by the end of July, the 40,000 sq. ft. training and event space will be known as the Shell Sports Complex. 

The state-of-the-art facility is primed to become a popular all-season destination for athletes, families, and organizations to come for practice, camps, and tournaments. More than that, it will provide opportunities for growth and development outside of athletics, including academic/STEM camps, workforce development initiatives, and community events, such as expos and shows. 

Conveniently located along I-376 in Stefanik Industrial Park at 2267 Todd Rd in Aliquippa, approximately 11 miles north of the Pittsburgh Airport, the complex features 10,500 sq. ft. of premier synthetic grass, three regulation basketball courts that can be converted into four volleyball courts, and 7,500 sq. ft. of flex space for fitness and health partnerships. Offering a holistic developmental approach for its members, it will also include a Body Lab, Youth Psychology Center, and Brand Lab. Construction of a second building for the complex is scheduled to begin by the end of 2024. 

“The opening of M:7 Sports Pittsburgh would not have been possible without Shell, and we’re thrilled to partner with them,” said Jim Christiana, founder and CEO of M:7 Sports Inc. “This is yet another example of Shell’s ongoing commitment to our community. Shell Sports Complex will give young athletes not only a safe, collaborative space to train and play but also other opportunities for growth through educational and workforce initiatives. Knowing that the vast majority of them won’t go on to become professional athletes, it’s important that we provide them with valuable tools to help prepare them for their future lives and careers.” 

Christiana stressed that the complex was designed to benefit everyone, no matter their skill level or financial background, and that Shell’s sponsorship is helping to make that possible. The M:7 Sports Foundation is a 501(3)(c) nonprofit created to help break down the barriers to playing sports and provide equitable opportunities for young athletes, regardless of their circumstances.

“My team and I are excited to work with M:7 Sports to create the Shell Sports Complex in Beaver County focused on serving the local community,” said Emma Lewis, SVP US Chemicals and Products for Shell. “Our shared goal is to create a place where everyone can have access to learn, play, and grow.” 

Shell has several assets in the Greater Pittsburgh area including over a dozen gas stations and Shell Polymers Monaca, a 386-acre petrochemical complex located in Potter Township. 

Christiana added, “I couldn’t think of a better place to open our first M:7 Sports community than Southwestern Pennsylvania, where sports have long been an integral part of our lives and culture. With help from key stakeholders like Shell, we’ve built something truly special here, and we’re pumped about the positive impact this will have on the region, especially youth and families in the area.” 

Pennsylvania man arrested after breaking into electrical vault in Connecticut state office building

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Police are investigating why a man with a Pennsylvania address broke into a high voltage electrical vault in the basement of the Connecticut State Office Building, home to the state’s constitutional officers, and turned off circuit breakers.

State troopers discovered the 43-year-old shortly after 5 p.m. Sunday after he activated an alarm. Both police and state officials said the man had broken into the building’s transformer vault from an exterior hatchway and shut down power to some of the building’s systems.

State Police said in a statement that it was “not a targeted incident,” no offices were affected by the break-in and there was no threat to the public or employees in the building. No other unauthorized people were found inside during an overnight search.

The six-story structure, constructed in the early 1930s, is near the Connecticut State Capitol and houses offices for the secretary of state, attorney general, state comptroller and state treasurer, as well as some other state entities.

The building recently underwent a major renovation that was completed in 2020. It was closed on Monday as police conducted an additional sweep and as state vendors and information technology staff worked to get the building’s systems restored.

Tesla recalling more than 1.8M vehicles due to hood issue

FILE – This July 8, 2018, file photo shows Tesla 2018 Model 3 sedans sitting on display outside a Tesla showroom in Littleton, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowsi, File)

Tesla is recalling more than 1.8 million vehicles because of a hood issue that could increase the risk of a crash.

Billionaire Elon Musk’s Tesla is recalling some 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles because the hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood after it has been opened.

The unlatched hood can fully open when the vehicle is in motion, potentially obstructing the driver’s view and increasing the likelihood of a crash. The company is unaware of any crashes, injuries or deaths related to the issue.

Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Tesla began investigating customer complaints about the issue on Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in China on March 25. By mid-April, the automaker had identified the condition impacting vehicles in China as a latch switch deformation.

Tesla has continued to look at the issue and found that the rates of occurrence were higher in China than in Europe and North America, but the reason for that disparity is unknown.

Tesla said that as of July 20 it has identified three warranty claims or field reports for U.S. vehicles that are related to or may be related to the hood issue.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that Tesla has released a free software update to address the issue.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on Sept. 22.

Vehicle owners may also reach out to Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752 for more information. They may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit to www.nhtsa.gov.

Last month Tesla recalled its futuristic new Cybertruck pickup for the fourth time in the U.S. since it went on sale Nov. 30 to fix problems with trim pieces that can come loose and front windshield wipers that can fail.

NLRB champions workers’ rights, union power in PA

This month, BMW workers in Palmer Township, Penn., have overwhelmingly approved a new contract, securing raises of up to 33% and ending a two-tier wage system over the course of the agreement. (jordi2r/Adobe Stock)
Danielle Smith – Keystone State News Connection
This month, a Pittsburgh nonprofit working with immigrants was fined almost $200,000 for unfair labor practices.

It is one of a growing number of cases decided by the National Labor Relations Board. The NLRB found the organization Hello Neighbor denied pay increases and let workers go for their union support.

Buddy Maxwell, a United Auto Workers’ organizer and Mack Truck worker in Macungie, said the NLRB is necessary for its ability to protect workers’ rights, although its future may depend on who wins the presidential race in November.

Maxwell pointed out more workers seem to want to unionize, which he added has been easier under the current administration.

“As of now, we are probably at our highest of organization,” Maxwell observed. “I mean, you’re talking about wins of over 70% of organizing campaigns, as well as well over probably 100,000 that wanted to join unions and be able to have a say in their workplace.”

The NLRB said union election petitions filed with its office were up 35% in the first quarter of 2024, compared to the same time in 2023. But the agency said it has struggling to keep up with the demand, including investigations of unfair labor practices since its budget has been flat for much of the last decade.

Maxwell, an Air Force veteran, explained he has been working for Mack Trucks for 30 years and played a role in his local union’s six-week strike last year. He has also helped other workers in their organizing efforts, including at the Westport Axle plant in Alburtis.

“I became a lead organizer, and we ended up winning that organizing drive by over 70% of the vote,” Maxwell noted. “And now, I am now working on another project for UAW International, trying to organize between 5,000 and 6,000 employees.”

He emphasized the NLRB helped workers who were fired during the Westport Axle organizing drive get their jobs back. He added it is not uncommon for employers to mount anti-union campaigns. The NLRB said unfair labor practice charges were up 7% in the first quarter of this year.