Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) today unveiled PSP Tips, a new way for the public to share information related to active investigations, cold-cases, the apprehension of wanted persons, or locating missing persons.

 

“Assistance from the public is often vital to solving crimes or locating missing or wanted individuals,” said Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens, Deputy Commissioner of Operations. “The social media platforms, the toll-free number, and the online tip form are all easy ways to send us information that may solve a case or get a dangerous individual off the streets.”

 

PSP Tips includes information on nearly 100 cold case homicides, missing persons, and other unsolved crimes. New cases will be added frequently.

 

Featured cases include the 1973 homicide of an 8-year-old girl in Greene County, the unsolved killing in 1977 of a high school junior in Blair County, the 1981 disappearance of a Lackawanna County teenager, and the search for the children of Susan Reinert, a Montgomery County teacher found murdered near Harrisburg in 1979.

 

Your tip could provide investigators with a long-awaited breakthrough that will finally bring closure and justice for the victim’s families.

 

All information submitted to PSP Tips can be provided anonymously, if desired.

 

Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Nancy A. Walker today underscored the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to expanding apprenticeship opportunities for the next generation of Pennsylvania workers during a visit to Sigma Resources, a Pittsburgh company that prepares high school students for careers in video-game development through a registered pre-apprenticeship program supported by L&I’s Schools-to-Work initiative. During this visit, Secretary Walker announced Schools-to-Work awards totaling more than $3.3 million to 14 organizations throughout Pennsylvania, including Sigma Resources, which hosted the event.

Since the start of his Administration, Governor Josh Shapiro has been focused on creating real opportunities for people to obtain good-paying jobs. That’s why Governor Shapiro’s 2024-25 budget proposal builds on the 2023-24 budget with bipartisan support for investments in workforce development, including $6 million for registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. Schools-to-Work grants support workforce development programs, in partnership with schools, that establish or enhance employment and training pathways for Pennsylvania students.

“Students who have access to career training before they leave high school are empowered to make informed decisions about their next steps into the workforce, whether through training or higher education. Pre-apprenticeship programs are a critical tool in preparing the next generation of Pennsylvania workers, and I look forward to seeing the life-changing impacts of the programs funded through the Schools-to-Work initiative,” Secretary Walker said.

Sigma Resources, in partnership with its subsidiary Simcoach Games, will use its $250,000 Schools-to-Work grant to recruit 120 more students into its Junior Game Developer pre-apprenticeship program over the next few years.

With earlier Schools-to-Work funding, Sigma Resources launched a six-week long, summer workforce development program in game design and development. The program developed and trained 40 high school students to build transformational games, accelerating their ability to pursue higher education and workforce opportunities in emerging, non-traditional technology vocations. In 2022, the program held its first summer cohort as a registered pre-apprenticeship in the Commonwealth, and 120 students have since successfully completed the program.

“The grant we’ve been awarded amplifies our efforts to use game design as a powerful teaching tool, bridging the gap between immersive technologies and vital workforce skills. Through our registered pre-apprenticeship, students gain a holistic education in digital art, design, production, and more — preparing them for success across the technology sector,” said Sandeepa Kaleida, CEO of Sigma Resources.

Details about the programs of each Schools-to-Work grant recipient follow. Additional information about the Schools-to-Work program can be found on L&I’s website.

St. Marys Area School District (Elk County – $249,534)

St. Marys Area High School will establish a diversified occupations program known as the Dutch Innovation Lab and offer flexible learning options like independent study and hybrid learning, along with courses in electrical occupations and welding. Through a partnership with Penn State DuBois, students will receive stackable and transferable credentials that adhere to industry standards.

 

Bucks County Community College (Bucks County – $250,000)

Bucks County Community College is expanding its building and construction trades pre-apprenticeship program. In partnership with the Bucks County Workforce Development Board, local unions, and employers, the program aims to train graduates to enter registered apprenticeship programs with high-paying wages. The program aims to increase diversity in enrollment and offer math and literacy skills for entry into the trades.

 

Pennsylvania Society for Biomedical Research (Bucks, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties – $250,000)

Well-trained laboratory animal caretakers are needed in the biomedical science sector, but there is no established pathway to these positions from secondary education in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Society for Biomedical Research (PSBR) plans to address this by establishing the first registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship program in Pennsylvania to train laboratory animal caretakers. These programs will offer students a path to American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) certification and entry-level jobs in the biomedical and life science sectors.

 

Sigma Resources LLC (Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Washington, and Westmoreland counties – $250,000)

Sigma Resources LLC (Simcoach Games) plans to recruit 120 high school students during the summers of 2024, 2025, and 2026 for a pre-apprenticeship program training students for academic pursuits and meaningful employment in the technology industry and related fields. The program aims to prioritize diversity by recruiting minorities, women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals with disabilities.

Hamilton Health Center (Dauphin County – $250,000)

Hamilton Health Center will create a program for 30 low-income, at-risk high school seniors to join a Pennsylvania registered medical assistant apprenticeship program. Hamilton Health Center will offer education, clinical skills, life skills, and job opportunities to students facing significant barriers to entering healthcare careers. The project partners with K-12 school districts with high numbers of low-income students with the goal of connecting students with local healthcare employers.

 

York Electrical Institute (Adams and York counties – $248,185)

YEI is enhancing its pre-apprenticeship programming in York and Adams counties by offering high school students exposure to registered apprenticeships in the electrical industry. YEI will also engage 9th and 10th graders from 13 high schools in one-day Junior Achievement STEM Summits. With the addition of a youth program director and training director, YEI aims to provide training and resources to underrepresented populations in the electrical trades, including women and people of color.

 

Schuylkill Technology Center (Schuylkill County – $227,350)

Schuylkill Technology Center (STC) is launching a program to connect high school students in Schuylkill County with employment or post-secondary education opportunities. This project expands STC’s existing programs in residential/industrial electricity and electro-mechanical technology by introducing a pre-apprenticeship program sponsored by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Labor Union Local 743. The initiative will create pathways for 20 high school seniors to enter advanced manufacturing and building and construction fields in electrical occupations.

 

Catalyst Connection (Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Somerset, Washington, and Westmoreland counties – $250,000)

Catalyst Connection will broaden its industrial manufacturing technician pre-apprenticeship program by expanding work-based learning opportunities for participants. This initiative caters to the needs of regional manufacturing firms by supplying a talent pool with verified competencies, technical skills, and strong work ethic. Leveraging connections with more than 2,500 manufacturing companies and 60 school districts, along with community partnerships, the program will provide pre-apprenticeship experiences to 100 students.

 

Partnership for Career Development (Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry counties – $250,000)

The Transition Accommodated Pre-Apprenticeship (TAPA) for registered manufacturing technicians is designed for high school students with individualized education plans (IEPs). The program will accommodate diverse learning styles, offering participants a competitive advantage for entering registered apprenticeships, work experiences, or further education and training. The program will feature a customized intake process for all participants and will identify suitable manufacturing sites for visits and future opportunities.

Learned Potential (Philadelphia – $248,000)

The High Impact Tutor to Teacher Pre-Apprentice Program recruits, trains, and mentors tutors from various institutions to assist K-12 students in reading and math. Collaborating with Community College of Philadelphia, Sankofa Freedom Academy Charter School, Community Partnership Schools, and Boys Latin Charter School, the program aims to provide educational support and mentorship by creating a pipeline of tutors, fostering community engagement, academic excellence, and aspiring future educators.

 

We Love Philly (Philadelphia – $250,000)

Schools-to-Work funding will support the expansion of a registered digital media and marketing pre-apprenticeship and the launch a cybersecurity pre-apprenticeship. Both programs include basic literacy and math skills and socio-emotional support to help participants develop self-awareness, recognize self-worth, and build supportive connections, empowering them as leaders and agents of change in their communities.

 

School District of Philadelphia (Philadelphia – $250,000)

The Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Pre-Apprenticeship Pipeline Program offers specialized education and training in CEA production methods, intending to meet the demand for CEA workers in Pennsylvania, especially in Philadelphia. Preparing high school students for careers in indoor farming, the CEA program will serve as a model for other districts to implement similar programs. The curriculum includes hands-on learning, internships, and research opportunities, preparing students for careers in agricultural technology.

 

Chester Upland School District (Delaware County – $250,000)

The Exit 6 Pre-Apprenticeship Training Academy at Chester Upland Career and Technical Center prepares students for the workforce by developing the essential skills and experiences necessary for a seamless transition from the high school classroom into the workforce. By partnering with local businesses and universities, the registered apprenticeship programs will build connections between school and work, offering hands-on experience in carpentry, labor union, and marketing, including academic support.

 

Workforce Solutions for North Central PA (Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, McKean, and Potter counties – $156,000)

The North Central Workforce Development Board, in collaboration with local employers and school districts, will establish pre-apprenticeship to registered apprenticeship pathways, connecting high school students with employment or postsecondary education opportunities in nursing and the electrical trades. Students will gain the basic skills needed for apprenticeship entry exams.

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Departments of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Transportation (PennDOT) today encouraged residents, local leaders, businesses, and organizations to join in cleaning up their communities as part of the “Pick Up Pennsylvania” spring community improvement campaign, now through May 31.

Pick Up Pennsylvania is a year-long initiative, however, events scheduled from March 1 through May 31 receive free trash bags, gloves, and safety vests provided by support from DEP, PennDOT and Keep America Beautiful, as supplies last.

Events may include litter cleanups, illegal dump cleanups, community greening and beautification, special collections and litter education events. Events must be registered at keeppabeautiful.org to receive free cleanup supplies. To support their efforts, DEP and the Pennsylvania Waste Industries Association sponsor no- or low-cost trash disposal at participating landfills for registered events during the month of April.

“Litter impacts our quality of life, the natural environment and economic development in communities all across Pennsylvania. We all need to take responsibility for clean and beautiful neighborhoods.” said President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Shannon Reiter. “By working together to pick up a little litter or plant a tree, we can make big improvements in our quality of life. We’re hoping even more people turn out for this year’s event. It’s amazing what can be accomplished in a few short hours.”

Last year, the Pick Up Pennsylvania initiative welcomed more than 71,000 volunteers who disposed of over 2.9 million pounds of trash, cleaned 8,462 miles of road and waterways and planted more than 8,000 trees, flowers and other greens.

“PennDOT spends around $14 million each year cleaning up litter on our roadways, money that we’d much rather spend maintaining and improving them,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “We’re thankful for the thousands of Adopt-A-Highway volunteers who every year provide critical support to our efforts to keep Pennsylvania’s roads and waterways clean and litter-free.”

Groups in PennDOT’s Adopt-A-Highway program, which involves volunteers cleaning roadsides year-round, are longtime participants. Adopt-A-Highway volunteers collect litter on a two-mile section of state highway at least twice a year. In 2023, the program had over 4,400 participating groups, more than 117,700 registered volunteers, and over 9,000 miles of adopted state-maintained roadways resulting in 32,272 bags of litter collected.

“Pennsylvania is a beautiful state. Everyone should be able to enjoy our scenic byways, streams and waterways, and state parks without litter obstructing the view,” said DEP Interim Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley. “DEP, PennDOT, and other agencies are leading efforts to prevent litter across the Commonwealth. I hope you’ll consider joining thousands of other Pennsylvanians to help to pick up PA and reduce litter in our communities. Let’s all work to keep Pennsylvania beautiful.”

Hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians, including Scout troops, businesses, watershed organizations, Trout Unlimited, Rod and Gun Clubs, and others, have participated in Pick Up Pennsylvania events for over 20 years.

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published March 28, 2024 11:18 A.M.
Photos courtesy of Jeff Finch.

(New Brighton, Pa) The well-known Brighton Hot Dog Shoppe in New Brighton has underwent it’s first major renovation in decades. Customers will notice a new dining room experience when they visit the New Brighton location, which possesses the title as the original Brighton Hot Dog Shoppe founded in 1959.

Beaver County Radio had the opportunity to speak with location owner Alex Winger about the renovation. He says, “This location holds a lot of memories for several generations for many families in the Beaver County and surrounding region. However, it has been several decades since a major renovation has been completed.  The changes were made to brighten up the interior dining room space while holding true to our brand and culture. Customers will see a new floor, a new ceiling configuration, and all new seating options along with a fresh paint scheme that is matched in the lobby area. We do plan on doing additional work to the lobby at some point in time in the future. We trust our loyal customers, and welcomed newcomers will enjoy the fresh look as much as they love our food!”

Winger went on to say, “We are extremely proud we can continue to serve the good people of these communities and contribute to the area. We look forward to having all our guests continue to build memories at the Brighton Hot Dog Shoppe in New Brighton.”

Brighton Hot Dog Shoppe has been a favorite spot by many in the Beaver Valley and beyond. Currently, the company has 9 locations spread between 4 counties in Western PA, and one location in Ohio.

 

 

 

Keystone State News Connection – Danielle Smith

The Environmental Protection Agency has set new air pollution standards under the federal Clean Air Act for cars and light/medium vehicle models from 2027 through 2032 and beyond.

Pennsylvania ranks 43rd among states for average exposure of the public to airborne soot of 2.5 microns or less, according to America’s Health Rankings.

And the Pittsburgh and Weirton area is on the American Lung Association’s list of cities with the most year-round particle pollution.

Cara Cook, director of programs at the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, said nurses are seeing firsthand the effects of tailpipe pollution on community health, as more people end up in hospitals and doctor’s offices suffering from asthma and other diseases linked to breathing in dangerous air pollutants found in soot and smog.

“Research shows that traffic pollution is linked to premature death, lung cancer and asthma,” Cook pointed out. “What we’re seeing among nurses is that they’re increasingly concerned about the transportation sector as a leading source of pollution.”

According to the EPA, the new air-quality standards will prevent more than 7 billion tons of carbon from being emitted and save the country $13 billion in health care costs related to improved air quality. Experts said they expect the rule to be challenged in court by the fossil fuel industry.

Chris Harto, senior policy analyst for Consumer Reports, said the move is a historic step toward cleaning up the transportation sector, bringing the nation closer to the Biden administration’s goal of a 60% reduction in emissions from new vehicles by 2030 and increasing quality of life for people living in areas with high levels of vehicle traffic.

“They will deliver over $1 trillion in consumer savings, eliminate billions of tons of climate pollution and save thousands of lives,” Harto asserted.

The Biden administration said once fully implemented, the new standards will save the average driver an estimated $6,000 in reduced fuel and maintenance over the life of a vehicle.

FILE – Shopping carts are parked outside a Home Depot in Philadelphia on Sept. 21, 2022. Home Depot is buying SRS Distribution, a materials provider for professionals, in a deal valued at approximately $18.25 billion. The home improvement retailer said Thursday, March 28, 2024, that the acquisition will help speed up its growth with the contractors. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

Home Depot is buying SRS Distribution, a materials provider for professionals, in a deal valued at approximately $18.25 billion. The home improvement retailer said Thursday that the acquisition will help speed up its growth with the contractors. SRS provides materials for those including professional roofers, landscapers and pool contractors.

FILE – In this May 28, 2020, file photo, mail-in primary election ballots are processed at the Chester County Voter Services office in West Chester, Pa. Pennsylvania’s highest court on Thursday, Sept. 17. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A federal appeals court says a requirement for Pennsylvania voters to put accurate handwritten dates on the outside envelopes of their mail-in ballots doesn’t run afoul of a civil rights law. The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Wednesday to uphold enforcement of the required date on return envelopes. The dates are a technical mandate that caused thousands of votes to be declared invalid in the 2022 election. The total number is a small fraction of the large state’s electorate. The court’s ruling puts additional attention on Pennsylvania’s election procedures ahead of the presidential election.

(Pittsburgh, Pa) The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is seeking the public’s feedback on winter services through an online survey.

“The PennDOT team works diligently to keep roadways safe and passable in the winter months, often in challenging conditions,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “The public’s feedback helps us review operations and also identify ways we can enhance public information.”

The survey is available through April 17 and should take about five minutes to complete. All responses are anonymous.

The 16-question survey asks respondents about their timeline expectations for safe and passable roadways, how they rank snow-removal priorities, and how they rate PennDOT’s winter services.

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published March 28, 2024 10:15 A.M.

(Aliquippa, Pa) State Police in Beaver have released some additional information regarding a shotting in Aliquippa Tuesday. They say they were dispatched to the area of 404 Linmar Terrace around 6:30pm. Upon arrival, they found Maurice Mathis had sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his lower extremities. Aliquippa PD requested the State Police assume responsibility for the shooting investigation. Mathis was transported to the hostiptal for his injuries and an investigation is ongoing.

Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is announcing the bridge preservation project on the Rochester-Monaca Bridge, which carries Route 18 over the Ohio River, in Rochester and Monaca boroughs, Beaver County will begin on Monday, April 1 weather permitting.

Work on the bridge and surrounding state roads will begin on Monday, April 1 in preparation for the anticipated 67-day closure and detour of the bridge will occur according to the following schedule:

Rochester-Monaca Bridge (Route 18)

• Single-lane alternating traffic will occur on the bridge from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays through mid-June for paint containment installation, barrier repairs, and other miscellaneous construction work.

Route 51

• Single-lane restrictions will occur on westbound Route 51 in Rochester Borough from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays as needed through late September. Restrictions will occur between the South Route 18/East Route 68 Rochester off-ramp and the North Route 51/West Route 68 Beaver/Chippewa off-ramp for platform installation, downspout work and other miscellaneous construction activities.

Additionally, median island removal work is expected to begin in early April requiring single-lane alternating traffic at the intersection of Seventeenth Street (Route 51) and Pennsylvania Avenue (Route 4044). Details including work hours will be provided in advance of the work.

Additional information will be provided in advance of the 67-day closure and detour of the bridge. All restrictions above will be in place, as needed, until the bridge closure and detour begins.

This $6.69 million project includes bridge preservation work on the Rochester-Monaca Bridge between Atlantic Avenue in Monaca Borough and Pleasant Street in Rochester Borough. Preservation work includes expansion joint replacement, zone painting, concrete deck overlay, downspout repair and replacement, steel and concrete repairs, as well as sidewalk, deck, barrier, and fence repairs, pavement marking upgrades, and other miscellaneous construction activities. Motorists will see a full 67-day closure and detour of the bridge via the Monaca-East Rochester Bridge between June and August 2024. Bicycle and pedestrian access will be maintained during construction. This project is expected to be completed in late 2024.