Consumer Protection Committee approves bills to improve fee transparency, help data breach victims, boost energy & aviation fuel production

HARRISBURG, June 11 – The Pennsylvania House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee voted today to send four bills to the full House for consideration, including two bills to strengthen protections for Pennsylvania consumers, a bill to boost energy production statewide, and legislation introduced by Committee Chair Rob Matzie that would encourage the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel.

 

Matzie was optimistic about the committee’s progress.

 

“Today’s meeting was an important one,” Matzie said. “We moved several bills to protect consumers and other bills that would boost the state’s energy production, including my bill that would jumpstart Pennsylvania’s production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel. I’m looking forward to seeing these bills shepherded through the House.”

 

Matzie said the Pittsburgh International Airport provides a unique opportunity to boost production of SAF – an alternative, bio-based fuel now being used by the aviation industry.

 

“Our airport is unique because there are solar and gas wells right on the property,” Matzie said. “With the necessary resources and the ability to locate production facilities close to the airport, we have an ideal opportunity to meet a growing demand for this fuel, create jobs and reduce our carbon footprint. My bill would ensure we are positioned to take advantage of this opportunity by extending the law to include a tax credit for producers.”

 

The bills reported out of committee include:

 

  • H.B. 1977, which would require businesses to clearly post any surcharges or fees on credit or debit transactions in a visible place.
  • H.B. 2338, which would help expand the state’s energy production by modernizing the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority.
  • HB 2402, which would amend the law to provide a tax credit for producers of Sustainable Aviation Fuel.
  • S.B. 824, which would provide free credit monitoring for data breach victims.

Route 2003 Hoenig Road Drilling Begins Wednesday in Beaver County

Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is announcing drilling operations on Hoenig Road (Route 2003) in Economy Borough, Beaver County will begin Wednesday, June 12 weather permitting.

Single-lane alternating traffic will occur on Hoenig Road near the Conway Wallrose Road intersection weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Monday, June 17. Crews from Armstrong Drilling conduct drilling operations.

Please use caution if traveling in the area.

Bernice Marie Ewanko (October 21, 1933 ~ June 9, 2024)

Bernice Ewanko, of Bell Acres, 90, passed away peacefully on Sunday June 9, 2024. She was the daughter of the late Berlin and Ruth Sines. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Phillip Ewanko, son, Phillip Ewanko Jr., sister, Violet Wasko. Surviving is her son, Hosea Ewanko, sister, Dorothy Rexroad, one niece, one nephew, and numerous cousins and friends.  Bernice served over twenty years for the Bell Acres Borough Police Department. She will be dearly missed by all that knew and loved her.  Friends will be received on Saturday, June 15, 2024, from 1-4 PM in the  Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC., 547 8th Street, Ambridge, 724-266-2549.

Susanne Cordes (March 17, 1950 ~ June 9, 2024)

Susanne Cordes, 74, New Sewickley Twp., passed away peacefully on June 9, 2024. She was the daughter of the late Lester and Guy Eula Scarbro. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Cordes Sr. and seven siblings. Surviving are her children, Michael Cordes, Lisa (Marco) Garofalo, Edward Jr. (Billie) Cordes, siblings, Priscilla (Dean) Accord, Smokey Scarbro, John Scarbro, grandchildren, Clayton and Alec Cordes, Nicholas, Matthew, and Madison Garofalo, Kaitlyn Cordes, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and especially her loving dog and companion, Max. Suzanne loved being a homebody and cherished watching her favorite television shows. She had a deep affection for her family, especially her grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved her. Friends will be received on Thursday, June 13, 2024, from 5:00 PM until time of funeral service at 8:00 PM in the Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, 724-266-2549.

James Paul Smoot (June 15, 1965 – June 8, 2024)

James Paul Smoot, 58, of Center Twp., passed away on June 8, 2024. He was born in
Pittsburgh, PA., on June 15, 1965, a son of Nancy Smoot and the late Jack Smoot and his wife,
Marylou Smoot.
He worked as an operating Engineer at Local 66 and enjoyed his job.
He is survived by his mother, Nancy Smoot. A daughter, April Smoot. Two stepdaughters,
Samantha and Heather. Six grandchildren, Jayden, Jasmyn, Maddox, Jaxson, Cameron and
Adelyn. A brother, Michael Smoot and a niece and a nephew, Christy and Jacob. He is also
survived by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Visitation will from Thursday from 11:30 am until 1:30 pm in the ANTHONY
MASTROFRANCESCO FUNERAL HOME INC. 2026 McMinn Street Aliquippa PA 15001 724-
375-0496, A private interment will follow.

 

Joseph Dell (June 2, 1988 – June 9, 2024)

Joseph Dell, 36, of Pittsburgh, beloved husband, father and son passed away unexpectedly on June 9, 2024.
He was born June 2, 1988, and is the son of Peggy Dell and the late Brian Dell. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Kim.
Joseph lived his life to the fullest. He enjoyed hiking and being outside mowing the lawn, washing cars and attending car cruises. Joseph was a computer wiz and whenever there was a problem with a computer everyone turned to the “IT guy of the family”.
Above all Joseph was truly a family person. He loved being with his family and cherished the time they spent together.
He is survived by his loving wife of 12 years, Casey Dell, a cherished son Andrew Dell. In addition to his wife and son, Joseph is also survived by his mother Peggy, a sister Jenna (Matt) Czaplicki and his in-laws: Anthony Dorazio, Scott (Barb) Jennings, Mela (Alicia) Jennings, Alyssa (Kyle) Bass and nieces: Madison and Kylie, nephews: Mark, Noah, Nicholas, and Kolby, his many friends and his dog Lady.
A memorial visitation will be held on Friday from 4:30 pm until time of service at 5:30 pm in the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home Inc. 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa, PA 15001

 

Harry W. Kirchner (Died June 9, 2024)

Harry W. Kirchner, 78 passed away peacefully on June 9, 2024, at his residence in Monaca surrounded by the love and care of his family.

Born in Rochester, Harry was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Sarah Kirchner, his cherished spouse, Lee Kirchner, brother Thomas McPadden, Sr., and his caring sister, Margaret Evans. Harry’s legacy continues through his beloved children, Terra Albala and her husband Jason of Hilton Head, S.C., Sara Stone and her husband D.J. of Monaca, Cory Dugan and his wife Jacqui of New Brighton, and Shane Dugan and his wife Ashley of Aliquippa. His sisters Kathy Householder and her husband Dave of Columbus, Ohio, and Elaine Milligan and her husband Dave of Rochester also hold his memory dear. Harry’s grandchildren, Evan, Avery and Jayce Stone, and Miles Albala, will miss their grandfather’s boundless love and the stories he shared.

Harry’s educational journey culminated in earning an Associate’s Degree. Employed as a tool and die maker for Precision Kidd Corp., Harry’s commitment to his craft was paralleled only by his love for the great outdoors. An avid fisherman, hunter, and trapper, he found solace and joy in nature’s embrace.

Gardening was another of Harry’s passions, along with his talent for making wine, which he lovingly shared with friends and family. A gifted cook, Harry was famous for his Sunday family dinners, where his children and grandchildren gathered around the table to enjoy his delicious creations and the warmth of his company.

Harry’s life was marked by his service to his country as a member of the U.S. Army Signal Corps. Harry served as a sergeant from 1963 until 1966 during the Vietnam War. His service was a point of pride and contributed to his character as a man of honor and courage.

As a lifelong member of the Monaca Saxon Club, Harry found camaraderie and community.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, June 12th from 3 pm – 7 pm at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca where services will be held on Thursday June 13th at 10 am. with Reverend Angela Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park with military honors provided by the U S Army.

Rather than flowers, the family has suggested memorial contributions be made in Harry’ memory to the Beaver County Sportsman Conversation League, Youth Foundation P O Box 376, Monaca, PA 15061

To share online condolences, view Harry’s video tribute, add photos, get directions, please visit www. simpsonfuneralhome.com

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

MARGARET LORRAINE (REDPATH) KEITH (3/23/1928 — 6/10/2024)

Margaret Lorraine (Redpath) Keith, 96, of Moon Twp., died on June 10, 2024 in Good Samaritan Hospice House, Wexford.  She was born in Milton, Massachusetts on March 23, 1928 the daughter of the late Chesleigh & Annie (Gray) Redpath.

Lorraine received her BA from Simmons College in Boston. She retired from Moon Area School District as a secretary in 1993.

Having an extremely generous nature, she volunteered her time helping friends in addition to donating time with various organizations including Moon Library, West Hills Food Pantry, and at Apple Blossom Memory Care.

Lorraine was a long-term member of Sharon Presbyterian Church, MASCA, Moon Area AARP, RUAEA (Retired United Airlines Employee Association).

Lorraine enjoyed her crossword puzzles, bowling, reading, gardening, hockey, socializing with friends, spending time with her family and loved to swim.

In addition to her parents, Lorraine was preceded in death by her husband Walter Keith in 1988. A granddaughter, Jennifer Smith; a sister, Audrey Redpath and nephew Rick Redpath.

She is survived by her four children:  Deb Bennett (Jeff), NE; Dave Keith (Kim), WA; Brian Keith WA; Shelley Smith (Jeff), Hopewell Twp.  Eight grandchildren, Justin Bennett (Amy), KS; Christina Bennett, CA; Megan Nunns (Rob), NE; Brandon (RuthAnn), WA; Andy Keith (Chelsea), CA; Clara Brown (Jake), VA, William Smith (Brittany), Fl and Steven Smith, Hopewell, 12 great grandchildren and another on the way.

A memorial service will be held at the Sharon Community Presbyterian Church, Moon Twp. on Saturday June 15th at 11 AM.   Private interment will take place at Sewickley Cemetery, Sewickley, PA.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to:  Sharon Community Presbyterian Church (www.sharoncpc.com) and or the West Hills Food Pantry (www.westhillsfoodpantry.org)

The Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Moon Twp. is in charge of arrangements.

Ronald L. Hummel Jr (May 13, 1966 ~ June 8, 2024)

Ronald L. Hummel, Jr., 58, of New Brighton, passed away Saturday, June 8, 2024 at UPMC Presbyterian, Pittsburgh.

Born May 13, 1966, in Beaver Falls, he is the son of the late Ronald Sr. and Phyllis (Lowe) Hummel, Sr.  He worked for A.R. Oliastro, Inc. as a truck driver.  Ronald loved hunting and riding motorcycles.  There was nothing that brought more joy toRonald than his family, grandchildren, and his dog, Bo.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Ronald L. Hummel III.

Ronald is survived by his wife, Kimberly S. (Klingensmith) Hummel; a daughter, Jessica Hummel (Ed Steiner), Beaver Falls; two grandchildren, Sophia and Micah; brother, Charles (Kathy) Hummel, Chippewa; sisters, Vicky Holland (Barry Wright), Beaver Falls; Lisa Miller (Sam Rossi), New Brighton; Amy (James) Nicgorski, New Brighton, Lori Kindleberger, Butler; several nieces, nephews and their families.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 15, 2024 from 2 pm until time of service at 4 pm.
The family appreciates and would be very grateful that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to J&J Spratt to help pay for funeral costs.Thank you all who have been there for us this far in our heartbreak and thank you also to those who have sent loving thoughts and prayers. They will never be forgotten. God bless you all.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ronald L. Hummel Jr, please visit our floral store.

Regional Baton competition Saturday at Aliquippa High School

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published June 11, 2024 1:53 P.M.

(Aliquippa, Pa) The Aliquippa High School Marching Band is presenting the Twirling Unlimited Competition Saturday, June 15, 2024 at the high school. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. in the high school gym. Featured at the competition will be high ceiling, novice level, and instate and visitor solo, beginning and advanced show routine.  An interview clinic will be available.

Donations of small bags of chips, pretzels, and cookies, juice boxes and tortilla chips are needed for the concession stand.,
All proceeds from the event will benefit the  QUIP band.