Author: Beaver County Radio

Aliquippa City Council award bid for Phase III demolition

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published August 29, 2024 2:17 P.M.  

(Aliquippa, Pa) Unis Demolition’s bid of $197,000.00 for a demolition project was approved. A bid from another firm for $179,000 was withdrawn even though they were the lowest bidder. Engineer Ron Rizzo said that Uni is able to handle the project. ARPA funds will be used to pay for the project.

Council adopted a resolution for the city to  issue bonds or notes to fund various capital improvements to the city’s facilities and reimburse the capital reserve,  construction and general funds for expenditures for the projects. This motion was made because Lefty Cepull Field’s property will be sold to Aaron Donald’s firm to construct affordable housing at the site. Bids will be accepted by the city until September 25, 2024 at 4pm. Bid opening will be at the October 2, 2024 council meeting.
Mayor Dwan B. Walker said he went to the DNC in Chicago last week and told officials the city hasn’t received any funding for infrastructure they are entitled to since 1996.
Council meets in regular session on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at 7pm.

Various road projects to take place in New Brighton

(New Brighton, Pa) Road milling and resurfacing of various roads is scheduled to start the week of September 9.  As part of the 2024 road paving program the roads listed below will be milled and paved.

Work will be conducted during daylight hours and is anticipated to continue for several weeks. The schedule is tentative and subject to change depending on weather. Drivers should anticipate travel delays and parking restrictions during this time.  Please plan accordingly.

A map highlighting the referenced roadways is posted online at www.facebook.com/NewBrightonPA.

  • Allegheny Street from Eleventh Avenue to Valley Avenue
  • Grove Avenue from Allegheny Street to the Pulaski Township Municipal Boundary
  • Nineteenth Avenue from Seventh Street to Eighth Street
  • Thorn Street
  • Eighteenth Avenue from Fifth Street Ext. to Seventh Street
  • Seventh Street from Eighteenth Avenue to Grove Avenue
  • Dewhirst Avenue
  • Portion of T Street
  • School Alley from Eighth Avenue to Penn Avenue
  • Eleventh Street from Eighth Avenue to Penn Avenue
  • Ninth Avenue from Eleventh Street to Ninth Street
  • Tenth Street from Eighth Avenue to Ninth Avenue
  • Eighth Avenue from Eleventh Street to Thirteenth Street
  • Vincent Street from Townsend Street to Thirteenth Street
  • Townsend Street from Eighth Avenue to Vincent Street
  • Twelfth Street from Sixth Avenue to Penn Avenue
  • Twelfth Street from Fourth Avenue through the Fifth Avenue Intersection
  • Sixth Avenue from Eleventh Street to Thirteenth Street

Nippon Steel develops $1 billion plan to upgrade U.S. Steel’s Mon Valley Works program

(Story written by Noah Haswell of Beaver County Radio, Published on August 29, 2024 at 10:40 A.M.)

(Pittsburgh, PA) Nippon Steel has put up a deal and they have successfully implied an investment of $1 billion to U.S. Steel into their operation called Mon Valley Works. On Wednesday, Nippon Steel announced that through this billion-dollar fund given, they hope to upgrade the steel industry and to provide steel to be more adaptable and to place emphasis on its quality. The Mon Valley Works operates in four separate plants, residing in Clairton, Braddock, West Mifflin, and Fairless Hills.

Pennsylvania Auditor General Tim Defoor and agency officials differ on “spread pricing” for Medicaid

(Story written by Noah Haswell of Beaver County Radio, Published on August 29, 2024 at 10:36 A.M.)

(Harrisburg, PA) Pennsylvania Auditor General Tim Defoor and agency officials are disagreeing about money paid by pharmacies. Defoor released a report Wednesday that claimed the Department of Human Services caused $7 million in difference between reimbursement and price of the health plan for a prescription, which is “spread pricing” in 2022. However, agency officials have considered the differences as “transmission fees.” The report also noted that around 2.8 million Pennsylvanians are participating in The Physical Health Choices program involved with Medicaid.

Diana Lee Rape (1944-2024)

Diana Lee Rape, 79, of New Sewickley Township passed away on August 28, 2024 at her home. She was born on November 4, 1944 in Rochester, the daughter of the late Edward R. and Florence (Johnston) Weigel. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Duane J. Rape, one daughter and son-in-law, Deana R. Rape and her husband Keith Ditmore of New Sewickley Township, two grandsons, Colten Ditmore of New Sewickley Township and Levi Ditmore of Henderson, Kentucky, a sister, Marylouise Chandler of Rimersburg, Pennsylvania and a brother-in-law and sister-in-law David and Susan Rape of New Sewickley Township, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Diana was a retired employee of Freedom Valvoline of Freedom and had been a past employee of the former Sears and Roebuck Company where she worked in Human Resources. She was a member of the Unionville United Methodist Church.  Friends will be received on Saturday, August 31 from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. in the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester where services will be held on Sunday, September 1 at 2:00 PM with Rev. Alan Morrison presiding. A private interment will be held Tuesday, September 3 at Oak Grove Lutheran Church Cemetery of New Sewickley Township.

Thomas M. Bowser (1942-2024)

Thomas M. Bowser, 81, of Center Township, passed away on August 27, 2024, after a brief illness with his family by his side. He was born on September 30, 1942.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Clara (Black) Yoho, his parents-in-law, Ed and AnnaMae Becker. A son, Tommy Bowser, a daughter, Jana Perich, and an infant son. He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Jeanne Bowser, his children, Sherry (Bill) Cottage, Janine (Matt) Sneed, Jakki (JaQuan) Pennington, Jocelyn (Dennis Miller) Bowser, former-son-in-law, Chris Scabora, grandchildren, Billy (Mallory) Cottage, Brandy (Thomas) Brown, Addi Bowser, Jaxon and Maddox Sneed, Jionna Scabora, and Jiovanni and Juju Pennington, great-grandchildren, BC, Ophelia, and Ranger, brothers and sisters, Isabel Bowser, Jeannie (Larry) Richael, George (Erma) Yoho, and Bill (June) Roho. Sisters-in-law, Vicki (Adrian Butter) Becker, Bernadette (John Sr.) Girata and a brother-in-law, Edwin (Anne) Becker, nieces and nephews, John (Megan), Michael (Rachel), Christine (Jimmy), and Miles and Juda, his former wife, Linda Whippo, special neighbors, Mark and Julie Oresconin, and friends Bob and Sue Frey. Thomas worked at St. Joe and Zinc Corp. and was the founder of Bowser’s Restaurant along with his son, Tommy. He was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan. He cherished the moments spent watching the Steelers with his son-in-law Bill. He had a passion for bowling and golf, often spending his leisure time perfecting his swing or aiming for a strike. Tom also found joy in puzzling with his daughter Sherry. He eagerly anticipated and looked forward to attending PGA tournaments with his brother-in-law Adrian, where they bonded over the shared love for the sport. Tom was a beloved neighbor, known for his friendly waves as he sat in his driveway, greeting everyone with a warm smile. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Tom’s legacy of love, family, and sportsmanship will forever remain with his family.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 3rd, from 3 p.m. until the time of service at 6 p.m. in the ANTHONY MASTROFRANCESCO FUNERAL HOME INC. 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.

Pennsylvania ammunition plant upgrading production for artillery shells

(Story written by Noah Haswell of Beaver County Radio, Published on August 28, 2024 at 9:53 A.M.)

A Pennsylvania ammunition plant upped production by 50% to meet surging demand. The Scranton Army Ammunition Plant, who makes a key artillery shell in Russia’s attack against Ukraine recently increased production of 155 mm howitzer shells from 24,000 to 36,000 rounds per month. Government officials say three new production lines are under development that will allow the Scranton facility to produce even more of the critical munitions. On Tuesday, plant officials gave a tour of the plant to showcase an modernization that continues and is priced at $400 million.

Southwestern Pennsylvania experiences fracking increase

Fracking is on the rise in southwestern Pennsylvania, leading to more plastic production and harsh consequences for residents. Washington County is heavily fracked, with almost 4,000 fracking wells on top of current and legacy coal mines. Sarah Martik, Executive Director of the Center for Coalfield Justice, says conversations are happening at the national and global level about fracking, impacting the way the fossil fuel industry wants to operate in the area. She adds the demand for more plastic is driving some of the increased fracking in the area.

(Reported by Danielle Smith, reporter from Keystone State News Service, Published at 9:46 A.M.)

Permit applications will be accepted to sell ready-to-drink cocktails in Pennsylvania

(Story written by Noah Haswell of Beaver County Radio, Published on August 28, 2024 at 9:19 A.M.)

(Pittsburgh, PA) Permit applications are now being accepted by The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board to sell ready-to-drink cocktails. Governor Josh Shapiro signed a bill this summer that gives several grocery stores in Pennsylvania to sell alcoholic beverages with 0.5% to 12.5% ABV in containers up to 16 ounces for off-premise consumption. The law will take effect on September 16, and the permits will not be given until that date.

Man robs more than $85 from Dollar General Store in Aliquippa

(Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published August 28, 2024 at 9:12 A.M.)

(Aliquippa, PA) A black male was caught on Sunday night after robbing a Dollar General Store in Aliquippa on Sheffield Road. According to the police report, the black male stole $85.34 in items at 5:58 p.m. The man was caught on the store’s surveillance camera.