Central Pennsylvania man gets federal charges for allegedly posting social media threats to assassinate former Vice President Kamala Harris

(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Washington, D.C.) A central Pennsylvania man recently got federal charges for allegedly posting social media threats to assassinate former Vice President Kamala Harris. Thirty-seven-year-old Steven A. Hartford acted during the 2024 presidential campaign and allegedly threatened her on some TikTok videos from the Daily Mail, which is a British news outlet. According to the indictment, Hartford, as “thealex13one13,” responded to a July 21st, 2024 video by commenting, “I will assassinate her if she runs for pres,” and he responded to another video as “thealex13one13” by posting “I will assassinate her.”  According to a statement from the U.S. Department of Justice, Hartford could face up to ten years in prison in connection with the charges.

Hopewell School Board adopts 2025-2026 budget and makes some decisions at a recent meeting

(File Photo of the Hopewell Area School District Logo)

(Rpeorted by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano)

(Hopewell, PA) The Hopewell School Board adopted their 2025-2026 general fund budget of $49,510,675 on Tuesday night. Appropriations will be $49,827,340. Real estate tax millage will be about 12.61. Superintendent Dr. Jeff Beltz explained that the  appropriations represent funding needed for capital improvements in the district. A resolution was adopted authorizing the chief county assessor to direct inspection of all properties where improvements were made after September 1st, 2024 that aren’t included in the tax duplicate to the treasurer. Coaches and fall coaching staffs got approved for the upcoming fall season. A one year sponsor-to sponsor agreement with the Private Industry Council for meals for a Head Start Classroom at Hopewell Elementary School from July 1st, 2025 to June 30th, 2026. The next meeting for the Hopewell School Board is scheduled for July 22nd, 2025 at 7 p.m.

American Red Cross urges people to donate blood or platelets through the middle of summer

(File Photo of the American Red Cross logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania is asking people to donate either platelets or blood through the middle of summer. Type O blood is needed the most. Everyone who givesfrom July 1st-14, will get an exclusive pair of sunglasses with the Red Cross and goodr brands on them. Those who give by June 30th will get an email of a $15 Amazon gift card and be entered to win one of two gift cards worth $7,000. You can visit redcross.org for more information.

According to a release from the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania, you can make an appointment by choosing one of these options and they also provide some things to remember when donating blood: You can visit RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Former Monaca resident gets a prison sentence for obstructing justice and sexually exploiting a minor

(File Photo of Handcuffs)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) A former Monaca resident got a prison sentence for obstructing justice and sexually exploiting a minor. According to the Department of Justice, twenty-eight-year-old Nicholas Sittig got twenty years in prison, followed by ten years of supervised release on Monday. Investigators confirm Sittig persuaded a minor from California from August of 2023 and April of 2024 to make Snapchamessages that were sexually explicit and todestroy the evidence. Homeland Security Investigations agents identified another minor from the Eastern District of Pennsylvania that Sittig also sexually exploited. From December of 2023 to March of 2024, this Eastern District of Pennsylvania minor was sexually exploited by Sittig.

Central Valley School Board approves 2025-2026 budget and makes several motions at recent meeting

(File Photo of the Central Valley School District logo)

(Reported by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano)

(Monaca, PA) The Central Valley School Board approved their 2025-2026 budget on Monday night. The budget was worth $46,621,205. The millage is about 10.78, a 5% increase, of around .51 mills. Expenditures are expected to be $47,176,479. Several motions were also approved at the Central Valley School Board meeting on Monday night. It was announced at the meeting that eleven professional employees attained their tenure and received permanent contracts in the district. The boys soccer coach resigned effective on May 29th, 2025. Carina Pavlinch  was granted an extended year contract from July 7th to July 17th, 2025 and will earn $18 an hour. Frye Transportation goes into the second year of their five-year contract on July 1st, 2025. Four special education teachers were hired effective August 19th, 2025. They are Adrian Anzelone, Elisabeth Dodson, Lisa Lindner and Zachary Rosa. Bridget Sweterlich and Amy Dronel were hired as school nurses, and  their salaries will be $36,500 each  for 3 year contracts. Brenda Stoyer, a school nurse resigned effective July 1st, 2025. Catherine Senior was hired as an elementary teacher effective August 19th, 2025. Jamie Economos was hired as a middle school secretary effective July 21st, 2025.

Senate approves legislation to strengthen Pennsylvania’s no-cost breast cancer screening law in Harrisburg

(File Photo: Background of a October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month Picture)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) According to a release from the Senate Republican Communications Office, the Senate approved legislation Tuesday to strengthen Pennsylvania’s no-cost breast cancer screening law. This was in Harrisburg and will ensure fully covering diagnostic imaging, which will remove barriers of finance for patients. Senate Bill 88 ensures people who get abnormal results from screenings that are supplemental can get access now for diagnostic imaging that is necessary at no cost.

Pennsylvania House of Representatives unanimously passes bill to crack down on deed fraud from State Representative Chris Rabb and Representative Tim Bonner

(File Photo of the Seal of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) According to a release from State Representative Chris Rabb’s office, Rabb announced his bipartisan bill passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives unanimously on Tuesday. This bill known as House Bill 1406 has the intention of grading theft involving property titles or deeds as a second-degree felony. Rabb worked on this bill with Representative Tim Bonner. The State Senate will now look over the bill for consideration.

Scam in which scammers pretend to be an employee from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by getting older Pennsylvanians to pay money out of their texts and emails is spreading in Pennsylvania

(File Photo of Scam Alert Background Photo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) A scam has been recently going around in which the Shapiro administration has been recently telling Pennsylvanians to avoid. A reported scam was identified when the scammer pretended to be an employee for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. They are assisted by a fake email to make older Pennsylvanians pay through an inheritance that is a fraud and licensed financial institutions. According to a release from the the Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID), Pennsylvania Department of Aging, Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities (DoBS), and the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), here are some ways to protect yourself from these scams:

  • Don’t respond to suspicious emails or texts;
  • Don’t trust messages about winning money or getting an inheritance from someone you do not know;
  • Do not feel pressured to act quickly or in secrecy;
  • Check email addresses. Scammers can spoof emails, sending an email that looks like it is from a trusted source. Official emails from Pennsylvania state agencies always end in @pa.gov;
  • Watch out for fake websites. Official Pennsylvania Commonwealth websites end in pa.gov and will always display the Commonwealth logo with the text “Official website of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania” on the top left corner of a web page; and know that Pennsylvania agencies will not threaten immediate legal action or license suspension without proper notice.

 

2025 Beaver County Boom sure to start off summer with a bang with fireworks, live music and more

(File Photo of Fireworks)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) The 2025 Beaver County Boom will be held in Bridgewater on Saturday, June 28th. There will be artisans that are local, live music, a variety of foods and an award-winning Zambelli fireworks show. That show is called “Cosmic Connections,” and it won Festival Grand Champion at the GlobalFest International Fireworks Competition in Calgary, Alberta, Canada in 2024. The full schedule and more information can be found at boomonthebridge.com.

Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission providing some tips to stay safe and save energy during the summer

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commisssion)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) Pennsylvania continues to be affected by the heat this summer, and the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission is providing some tips to stay safe and save energy during the summer. Accoridng to a release form the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, here are the tips they recommend to stay safe and conserve energy as well as a link fro more information.

#WaysToStayCool

Even simple, low-cost changes can make a noticeable difference:

  • Use Fans – Circulating air can make you feel several degrees cooler.
  • Follow the Shade – Spend time in cooler rooms away from direct sunlight.
  • Block the Heat – Use blinds or curtains to block the sun and reduce indoor heat.
  • Skip the Heat – Postpone use of stoves, ovens, dryers, and dishwashers until cooler hours. Consider grilling outdoors or using a microwave instead.

#SaveInPA – Conserve Energy and Support the Grid
Reducing energy use during peak hours helps manage electric bills and supports grid reliability across the state:

  • Adjust the Thermostat – Raising it a degree or two can lead to significant savings.
  • Clean is “Green” – Keep filters clean and vents clear to maintain efficiency.
  • Turn It Off – Switch off unnecessary lights and electronics to reduce heat and usage.
  • Cool What You Use – Close off unused rooms and focus cooling where it’s needed most.
  • Seal It Up – Prevent hot air from entering by sealing cracks around windows and doors.

Shared Responsibility = Resilient Energy
Late afternoon and early evening hours see the highest electricity demand. Collective efforts during these times can make a meaningful impact:

  • Delay Laundry & Dishwashing – Run large appliances late-evenings or early-mornings.
  • Limit High-Energy Use – Avoid using multiple energy-heavy devices at once.
  • Use Smart Thermostats – Program slight temperature increases during peak hours.

Safety First – Especially During Heat Events

 

  • Check on Neighbors – Especially older adults, children, or individuals with health issues.
  • Stay Hydrated – Drink plenty of fluids and avoid strenuous activity during peak heat.
  • Know Where to Go – Check for community cooling centers and/or public buildings like libraries or community centers for relief from extreme temperatures.

More Information and Resources
For additional summer energy tips and links to utility programs and tools, visit www.PAPowerSwitch.com. (Scroll over the website name for a link to click on.)