Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published June 17, 2024 7:06 P.M.

(New Brighton, PA) A severe storm raged through the county Monday afternoon. The storm contained extremely high winds, hail, and heavy rain. New Brighton fell victim to extensive damages including an automotive shop having their roof ripped off and a large tree landing on a home.

A co-owner of All Access Automotive, located along Route 65 told Beaver County Radio they were pulling a brand new tow truck into the shop when the back end starting lifting up and then the roof of the building was torn away.

Around the same time on 5th Avenue between 16th and 17th Street, a tree fell onto a residence bring down power lines with it. The people who live in the home, who were inside when the tree came down, say that they were okay with no injuries. The tree pulled up a cement patio along with its roots.

Elsewhere in the same neighborhood of New Brighton, numerous other trees came down, with some landing on vehicles and destroying fences.

One resident told Beaver County Radio they saw a vortex in the sky. Another resident said their door blew open and the wind took a hat off of their head. Beaver County Radio witnessed sudden extremely high winds and hail after a period of heavy rain was calming down. We will await reports to learn if tornado activity was present in this storm.

Numerous trees and wires down are being reported throughout the county and numerous road detours are in place. Photos can be viewed below.

(Photo provided)

HARRISBURG – As millions of Pennsylvanians experience a surge in hot weather, and the official start of summer arrives later this week, the Public Utility Commission (PUC) is urging consumers to explore simple #WaysToStayCool and #WaysToSave – helping to conserve energy and keep summer power bills manageable.

#WaysToStayCool

Tip: Circulating air with a fan can help you feel up to 4 degrees cooler,
without needing to lower your thermostat.

There are several simple things most consumers can do, at little or no added cost, to increase summer comfort while managing power usage and energy costs:

• Fan Yourself – Fans circulate the air, keeping you feeling cooler even at higher temps.
• Follow the Shade – Spend time in rooms that do not receive direct sunlight.
• Block the Heat – Use window blinds and coverings at the sunniest time of day to reduce heat buildup.
• Don’t Add Extra Heat – Postpone using heat-producing appliances like clothes dryers, dishwashers, and stoves until it is cooler.
• Cookout, Anyone? – Consider using outdoor barbecue grills or microwaves instead of stoves or ovens, which can increase indoor heat.

#WaysToSave

Tip: Every degree you raise your air conditioning thermostat
above 72 degrees can save up to 3% on cooling expenses.

In addition to staying cool, the PUC highlights several #WaysToSave energy and money:

• Check your Thermostat – The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your cooling bill.
• Clean is “Green” – Regularly clean and replace air conditioner filters and ensure air circulation paths are clear.
• Power Off – Turn off non-essential appliances and lights to reduce power use and unwanted heat.
• Don’t Cool Unneeded Space – Close off unused rooms and adjust air vents or thermostats to avoid unnecessary cooling expenses.
• Keep the Heat Outside – Seal cracks to prevent warm air from leaking into your home.

Tip: For more energy-saving tips, visit PAPowerSwitch.com and check your utility’s website for conservation and efficiency resources.

A variety of energy conservation and savings tips are available on the PUC’s official electric shopping website – PAPowerSwitch.com.

Also, many utilities provide information on their websites about conservation, energy efficiency, energy use assessments, and other tools to help manage energy usage. Consumers should explore these resources for additional tips on saving money.

(File Photo)

AMBRIDGE, June 17 – New grant funding of up to $100,000 from the state Department of Labor and Industry will support programs by the Literacy Pittsburgh organization to ensure residents in Beaver County and around the region have the computer skills they need to succeed, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today.

Matzie – who is chairman of the PA House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee and a board member of the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority – said the funding will help residents get the skills required for good jobs and community connections.

“Knowing how to use a computer holds the key to so many important life opportunities, from finding and qualifying for good jobs to locating essential programs and services,” Matzie said. “That’s why the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority has been working to ensure that the infrastructure and funding are in place to provide residents with access to high-speed internet. But the other essential part of the equation is that folks need to have the skills to take advantage of those connections.

“The new funding to Literacy Pittsburgh to enhance their digital literacy programs is an important step toward that goal.”

The grant is part of a package of $4.9 million in funding to organizations statewide. More information is available here: https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/Labor-and-Industry-Details.aspx?newsid=855.

(File Photo)

BEAVER FALLS, PA (JUNE 17, 2024) – The Cornerstone of Beaver County (TCBC) – a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness in Beaver County – will once again serve as a cooling center throughout the summer for those experiencing homelessness or housing-related crisis.

Extreme heat can be dangerous, especially for those experiencing homelessness, utility shut-offs or malfunctions, or other housing crises. These situations can put people and families at risk for illnesses related to heat exposure such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and can exacerbate pre-existing conditions like lung and heart disease and mental illness.

TCBC’s cooling center services at its Beaver Falls office provide relief from the heat, water, basic needs, housing assistance, and additional resources.

The complete list of cooling center locations and hours is as follows:

The Cornerstone of Beaver County –

Mon – Fri 9am – 4pm

600 6th Street, Beaver Falls

New Brighton Municipal Building –

Mon – Thu 8:30am – 4pm

610 3rd Avenue, New Brighton

Uncommon Grounds –

Tues – Thu  7am – 3pm

380 Franklin Ave. Aliquippa

“Homelessness and housing-related crises can lead to many complications and risks even when it comes to something as seemingly simple as weather,” said TCBC Executive Director Marie Timpano.

Timpano continued, “Each year, TCBC and our cooling center partners provide our community’s most vulnerable people with protection from the risks of heat exposure.”

TCBC works to prevent and end homelessness in Beaver County by providing and coordinating emergency shelter, permanent housing, basic needs, and resources. TCBC brings these and various related services under one roof with a comprehensive network of human services partners and community partners.

TCBC also operates the county’s first and only 24-hour men’s emergency shelter, located at 697 State Street in Vanport. The fully-staffed, 24-hour men’s shelter is intentionally designed to provide a safe and supportive environment to help ensure that guests are able to successfully transition to permanent housing, stability, and a future of hope and possibilities.

For more information about TCBC’s emergency and permanent housing programs as well as utilities and basic needs assistance, visit CornerstoneBeaver.org or call 724-846-6400 any time day or night.

(Photos Courtesy of RCBC)

(Vanport, Pa.) Over 150 people came out to welcome The TRUMP campaign to Beaver County on Saturday morning . The Trump  47 office is now open at  the Republican Committee of Beaver County headquarters in Vanport.
The Republican Committee of Beaver County Executive team was joined by Sean Parnell who was the key noter speaker. The office will serve as a regional Trump campaign office for Beaver, Butler, and Lawerence counties.
Other dignataries who spoke were State Rep Josh Kail and Sheriff Tony Guy spoke. RCBC chairman and State Rep candidate Roman Kozak emceed the event.
The highlight of the event was the Trump cookies that were bed by Beaver County Controller Maria Longo.

If you would like to get involved in the Republican Party in Beaver County or if you want more information you can find the RCBC at https://www.beavercountygop.com/

Route 68 Joint Sealing Operations Begin Monday in Beaver County