Pittsburgh Man Arrested After Fleeing Wrong Way Crash on Route 422 in Lawrence County

(File Photo)

(Union Twp., Pa.) We have an update now on that head on crash that occurred on Route 422 in Lawrence County early yesterday morning.
Pa State Police in New Castle are reporting that they were dispatched to the scene of of a wrong way head on crash on Route 422 just before the intersection of Interstate 376.
Troopers said that 42-year-old Dwayne Howell of Pittsburgh was driving a 2010 Acura TL Eastbound in the Westbound lanes when his vehicle collided a red 2002 Chevrolet Silverado pick-up truck being driven by a 45-year-old Ellwood City man. Howell fled the scene but was able to be located by State Police. Howell was arrested by Troopers on an outstanding warrant for possession of Marijuana originating from Mercer County. He was also additionally arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and hit and run of an attended vehicle Among several other violations.
No one was injured in the accident and Howell is currently being housed in the Lawrence County Jail.

Gov. Wolf Highlights Administration-Long Commitment to Job Creation, Announces Life Sciences Company ElevateBio Creating 172 High-Paying Jobs in Pittsburgh

(Photo of Governor Wolf Provided by Commonwealth Media Services)

Pittsburgh, PA – Governor Tom Wolf announced today that ElevateBio, a technology-driven company focused on powering transformative cell and gene therapies, will be investing in its first Pennsylvania operation through the buildout of an ElevateBio Base Camp biomanufacturing facility with the University of Pittsburgh and creating 172 new, six-figure jobs in Pittsburgh.
“When I first took office, I promised to support Pennsylvanians with a strong business economy by creating and retaining good jobs that pay well. This investment in ElevateBio is just the latest fulfillment of that promise,” said Gov. Wolf. “I’m thrilled to welcome ElevateBio to the commonwealth, where they’re joining a $50 billion life sciences ecosystem.”
ElevateBio received a funding proposal coordinated by the Governor’s Action Team (GAT) for an $860,000 Pennsylvania First grant and is encouraged to apply for the department’s Manufacturing Tax Credit, Research and Development Tax Credit, and Enterprise Zone Tax Credit programs. ElevateBio will be making significant investments in the build-out and operations of the biomanufacturing facility, including $35 million in capital expenditures, as well as investments in the training of 172 new full-time jobs paying more than $105,000 annually within five years of the start of construction.
The ElevateBio BaseCamp facility will be dedicated to developing and manufacturing cell and gene therapies and will be located in the Pitt BioForge Biomanufacturing Center at Hazelwood Green.
ElevateBio is a technology-driven company built to power the development of transformative cell and gene therapies today and for many decades to come. Pennsylvania is home to a nearly $50 billion life sciences ecosystem driven by world-class R&D institutions, top-notch universities – like the University of Pittsburgh – and strategic investments in venture capital, technology, and infrastructure.
“ElevateBio’s mission is to enable the entire cell and gene therapy industry to accelerate the development of life-saving therapies for many decades to come,” said David Hallal, chairman and chief executive officer of ElevateBio. “We thank Gov. Wolf for his support and are excited that Pittsburgh will be home to one of our BaseCamp facilities so that we can enable greater access to our next-generation enabling technologies and end-to-end capabilities for local, national, and global scientific innovators.”
The University of Pittsburgh will finance the build out of the anticipated 80,000-square-foot ElevateBio BaseCamp biomanufacturing facility and ElevateBio will commit to a long-term lease with extensions. Construction is expected to begin in 2023 and the University of Pittsburgh and ElevateBio estimate that it will take three to four years to complete construction, fit-out and qualification as a biomanufacturing facility for cell and gene therapies.
“Western Pennsylvania is on course to become a leader in both driving and commercializing life sciences discoveries, and we have taken one giant leap forward in realizing this vision today,”
said Chancellor Patrick Gallagher. “The University of Pittsburgh is honored to partner with ElevateBio and the commonwealth on this journey, which will see us leveraging lessons from the lab – in new and exciting ways – for the benefit of the region, research and humankind.
“We are excited to welcome ElevateBio to our region as the most recent addition to our life sciences ecosystem,” said Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “We are proud of Pittsburgh’s ability to attract new and emerging life science companies and fortunate to have magnets like the University of Pittsburgh and its medical school. Along with this region’s quality of life and investment in innovation, we continue to see businesses choosing Pittsburgh and providing great career opportunities for talent to fill jobs across the ecosystem’s pipeline. We look forward to all that ElevateBio will do here.”
Through GAT, Gov. Wolf has invested nearly $17.8 billion over the past seven years to partner with nearly 430 companies to create and retain more than 191,000 jobs for Pennsylvanians.
Knowing that creating good paying jobs is only one piece of the puzzle, Gov. Wolf has also prioritized improving STEM education and manufacturing training opportunities across the commonwealth to ensure that Pennsylvanians have the necessary skills to succeed in the jobs being created. In 2018, he launched PA Smart to expand STEM education and make computer science available to all students.
Gov. Wolf’s investments in manufacturing, STEM, and education to ensure worker
success include:
• A historic $3.7 billion increase in education funding
• A $40 billion investment in STEM education
• A $28 million investment in apprenticeship training through PASmart
• $16.9 million invested in manufacturing training-to-career programs through
his Manufacturing PA Initiative
For more information about the Governor’s Action Team or the Department of Community and Economic Development, visit the DCED website

Agriculture Secretary: Support Pennsylvania Farmers – Shop Local, Buy PA Preferred this Harvest Season

(Photo courtesy of Pa Media Services)

Gibsonia, PA – Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding joined the PA Vegetable Growers
Association today at Harvest Valley Farms, a fourth-generation vegetable farm and PA
Preferred® on-farm market, to highlight investments strengthening fruit and vegetable production and to encourage Pennsylvanians to shop locally this harvest season.
“As we celebrate Pennsylvania Produce Month this August, we are reminded of fruit and vegetable growers – like Harvest Valley Farms – who go the extra mile for the communities they serve,” said Redding. “It is demonstrated through charitable food donation, conservation work, and the connections made by bringing food from field to table. This harvest season, join me in supporting Pennsylvania farmers by shopping locally and buying PA Preferred®. It is a great way to say, ‘thank you’ to all those who help bring food to our tables.”
According to the 2021 Pennsylvania agriculture economic impact update, Pennsylvania fruit and vegetable production supports more than 7,200 family farms, 31,000 jobs, and contributes more than $6.1 billion to the state economy annually.
To grow on-farm opportunities and ensure fresh foods remain available, accessible, and affordable, Governor Wolf developed the Pennsylvania Farm Bill. Since 2019, this historic package of legislation has invested more than $76 million in Pennsylvania agriculture, including dollars to support PA Preferred and grow the commonwealth’s specialty crop industry.
Many on-farm markets like Harvest Valley Farms and farmers market vendors are members of the PA Preferred program or carry PA Preferred products. PA Preferred is the statewide branding program for agricultural products grown, produced, and processed in Pennsylvania.
When purchasing items with the PA Preferred checkmark, consumers are supporting locally grown and processed Pennsylvania agricultural products and directly supporting Pennsylvania farmers.
For more information about PA Preferred, including where to find in-season produce,
visit agriculture.pa.gov.

What Is Truth, And Who Decides It? The Answers On This Week’s “Wake Up Beaver Valley”

Pastor Dave Grove talks about the one and only source of truth through scripture and prayer on this week’s edition of “Wake Up Beaver Valley”.

“Wake Up Beaver Valley” airs every Saturday morning from 9 AM to 10 AM on Beaver County Radio and is presented by the Church of The Redeemed of Beaver Valley. Archived editions of “Wake Up Beaver Valley” can be heard at the Beaver County Radio Podcast Library.

University of Pittsburgh To Distribute $7.5 Million of COVID-19 Relief Money To In-State Students

(File Photo)

(Pittsburgh, Pa.) The University of Pittsburgh will distribute $7.5 million to more than 20,000 in-state students on all five campuses, the University announced today. These funds represent 100% of Pitt’s one-time state allocation of COVID-19 relief money that was recently granted by Governor Tom Wolf’s office.

Pitt estimates in-state undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled at least half-time will receive grants of approximately $350. The final dollar amount will be determined based on in-state student enrollment numbers following the end of the drop/add period for the fall term, which concludes on Sept. 9.

“We remain grateful for the support of the legislature and Governor Wolf for preserving both the University’s longstanding partnership with the commonwealth and the in-state tuition rate that our partnership supports. This is a powerful benefit—and a lifechanging one—for Pitt students and families throughout Pennsylvania,” said David Brown, Vice Chancellor of Government Relations and Advocacy.

In late September, eligible in-state students will receive an email informing them when the grant amount has posted to their account in PittPAY, the University’s online student billing and payment system. The money will be refunded directly to the bank account students have designated on the eRefunds tab. Students are reminded to confirm they have designated an active and valid bank account.

Additional state funding will support rural education

Pitt also received $167,000 in state funding to support rural education outreach. This funding will be distributed to the University of Pittsburgh-Bradford to deliver educational services to the most rural populations in Pennsylvania. Through this program Pitt-Bradford will support the region’s special post-secondary training and business needs.

Contractor Charged with Criminal Homicide in Center Twp. Shooting

(File Photo)

Story by Sandy Giordano, Beaver County Radio News
(Center Twp., Beaver County, Pa.) Beaver County District Attorney David J. Lozier issued a press release Wednesday night with the details on the shooting that took place at approximately 10 a.m. last  Saturday morning on Cedar Ridge Drive in Center Township, Beaver County.

Center Township Police were dispatched to the scene and and upon arriving found 32-year-old Willie Edward Dawkins lying in the street suffering multiple gunshot wounds. He was unresponsive but breathing. Dawkins was air-lifted to a Pittsburgh hospital were he underwent surgery and died Sunday morning from his injuries.
Witnesses advised police that Dawkins had engaged in an argument 29-year-old Wesley Dean Deaderick over a home improvement being   performed by Deadrick for Dawkins girlfriend. Deaderick shot Dawkins during that argument, he pursued Dawkins and a second citizen and continued to fire as they tried to flee. Dawkins was shot again and the second citizen was wounded in the arm.
A criminal complaint was file by Center Township Police and the Beaver County Detective Bureau alleging that Deaderick did commit voluntary manslaughter as a Felony 1, possession of  the concealed firearm as an instrument of crime as  a misdemeanor 1, and reckless endangerment of 3 citizens  including Willie Edward Dawkins, a misdemeanor 2. Deaderick turned himself in for arrest and arraignment  on Wednesday, August 24, 2022.

Route 51 Rochester-Beaver Bridge Ramp Inspection Today in Rochester

Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is announcing inspection activities on the ramp from the Rochester-Beaver Bridge (Route 51) to Route 65 in Rochester Borough, Beaver County, will occur Thursday, August 25 weather permitting.

Lane shifts will occur on the ramp that carries traffic from the Rochester-Beaver Bridge to Route 65 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday. The ramp will remain open at all times.

Crews from Mackin Engineering and the Sofis Rigging Company will conduct the inspection.

Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.

Pa Rep. Josh Kail, Tim O’neal, and Martina White Respond to DA Krasner’s Refusal to Comply with Select Committee Subpoena

(File Photo of Pa State Rep. Josh Kail during an appearance at Beaver County Radio)
(Harrisburg, Pa.)  Reps. Josh Kail (R-Beaver/Washington), Tim O’Neal (R-Washington), and Martina White (R-Philadelphia) issued the following joint statement Wednesday on the recent news that Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner is openly refusing to comply with a lawful subpoena issued by the House Select Committee on Restoring Law and Order:
“Nobody is above the law, and that is especially true for the district attorney in the biggest city in Pennsylvania. By refusing to comply with a lawful subpoena issued by an investigative committee formed by a bipartisan vote of the full Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Larry Krasner is permitting the same lawless behavior he allows on the streets of Philadelphia to reach  the highest levels of the Office of District Attorney.
“District Attorney Krasner could have set the record straight, provided real input into the work of the General Assembly in helping make Philadelphia safer, and show his commitment to the well-being of Pennsylvanians merely by complying with the Select Committee’s subpoena. Instead, he chose the path of most resistance by turning his back on the bipartisan majority of the people’s representatives in the Pennsylvania House that authorized Select Committee to issue subpoenas and has broken his commitment to transparency and further veiled his office in secrecy. It begs the question, what is the district attorney’s office hiding?
“Refusing to comply with lawful subpoenas is a gross dismissal of the law by an official sworn to uphold and enforce it. The General Assembly has options to remedy Krasner’s refusal to comply. The District Attorney, the people of Philadelphia and all the people of Pennsylvania would be better served if he would fully cooperate with the Select Committee.”
Background: Rep. Kail was the sponsor of House Resolution 216, which formed the House Select Committee on Restoring Law and Order, and gave it subpoena power after it was approved by a 114-86 vote on June 29, 2022.

Monaca Borough Council Approves Lowest Bid for Water Disinfection System

(File Photo)

Story by Sandy Giordano, Beaver County Radio News
(Monaca, Pa.) The Monaca Borough Council met Tuesday night and approved Kukurin Construction, who was the lowest responsible bidder, for the   Water Disinfection Replacement Project at the  pump house. The bid was for $394,000.

In other business council approved the allocation of $50,000 to the Monaca Community Development Corporation for a façade improvement grant project.
The design for the borough’s civic center that will house the borough offices and police and fire departments is 90 percent complete, according to Borough Manager Dave Kramer. Kramer, and three members of council visited Penn Hills and Plum Borough to check out their municipal government offices recently to see how their facilities are constructed .

Hopewell School Board Hires Four New Teachers and a Library Aide

(File Photo)

Story by Sandy Giordano, Beaver County Radio News
(Hopewell Twp., Beaver County, Pa.) School starts on Wednesday in the Hopewell School district and four new teachers were hired at Monday night’s  school board meeting. Dana Maurer will teach math at the high school, Alison Colangelo will teach special education at Hopewell Elementary, Brenna Wandel will teach English at the junior high school, and Carly Belich  will teach 5th grade at the junior high school. Alyssa Myers was hired as  a part time elementary library aide, Pamela Loaskie was hired  as a substitute secretary.