Department of Human Services Announces Request for Applications for CHIP Managed Care Organizations

File photo from the PA DHS

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) today announced a Request for Applications (RFA) seeking managed care organizations to administer services for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) program – Pennsylvania’s program to provide health coverage to uninsured children and teens through age 19.

First established in Pennsylvania, CHIP is a national program that allows parents to purchase commercial insurance for their children.

“Pennsylvania’s CHIP program is a resource to make high quality, comprehensive health insurance accessible to families around our Commonwealth. This program was the foundation for what is now a national model for comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance for children,” said DHS Secretary Arkoosh. “We look forward to this opportunity to build on this program’s successes for children and families.”

CHIP was first established in 1992 when Governor Robert P. Casey signed the Children’s Health Insurance Act into law. The program was designed to help families who do not qualify for Medicaid (also known as Medical Assistance in PA) and could not afford to purchase private insurance for their children. The program expanded to a national model in 1997. Today, CHIP covers more than 195,000 children in Pennsylvania, making regular check-ups, screenings, vaccines, and care when a child is sick or injured affordable and accessible for families. CHIP offers no cost or low cost, and affordable plans depending on a family’s income.

 

Potential applicants should consult the RFA on the Commonwealth’s eMarketplace for a detailed explanation of the services the Department is attempting to procure for the CHIP program. Responses are due by October 18, 2024.

All information regarding the RFA is available online through eMarketplace.

Hopewell Township having pumpkin carving contest just in time for Halloween

(Story written by Snady Giordano, Beaver County Radio News Correspondant, Published on September 30, 2024 at 10:09 A.M.)

(Hopewell Township, PA) Hopewell Township is having an annual pumpkin carving contest. The Community Outreach Committee and the township are sponsoring the contest.  Take a photo of your pumpkin and send  it to  communityoutreach@hopewelltwp.com by Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 4:30 p.m.

Contestantsphotos will be posted, and voting starts on  Friday, October 25, 2024 and closes on Wednesday, October 30, 2024  Winners will be announced on Halloween. A first place winner will receive a $75 gift card, second place will receive a $50 gift card and third place will receive a $25 gift card.

The 47th annual Pittsburgh Great Race saw hundreds of runners race in Pittsburgh for a good cause

(Story written by Noah Haswell of Beaver County Radio, Published on September 30, 2024 at 9:47 A.M.)

(Pittsburgh, PA) The race was on for runners at the 47th annual Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race on Sunday. Pittsburgh natives from all over the country came back for this event, according to organizers. The Great Race accepts donations to support medical research, with the funds every year going to the Richard S. Caliguiri Amyloidosis Fund.

Source for Photo: FILE – This April 2, 2021, file photo shows bridges spanning the Allegheny River in downtown Pittsburgh. Republicans in Congress are making the politically brazen bet that it’s more advantageous to oppose President Joe Biden’s ambitious rebuild America agenda than to lend support for the costly $2.3 trillion undertaking for roads, bridges and other infrastructure investments. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

A “mini moon” will orbit Earth for just less than two months

(Story written by Noah Haswell of Beaver County Radio, Published on September 30, 2024 at 9:26 A.M.)

(Pennsylvania) The moon will temporarily have a next-door neighbor called a “mini moon.” This moon is actually an asteroid called 2024 PT5 that started orbiting Earth on Sunday and will do so for about 57 days, even though it will not complete a full orbit. Astronomers at Complutense University of Madrid used a telescope from Sutherland, South Africa to find the asteroid, which is about the size of a school bus, in August. 2020 was the last time one of these “mini moons” was spotted, and will leave Earth to travel through space on November 25, and will not pass by Earth again until 2055. 

Source for Photo: FILE – Impact craters cover the surface of the moon, seen from Berlin, Germany, Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022. The moon is about to get walloped by 3 tons of space junk, a punch that will carve out a crater that could fit several semitractor-trailers. A leftover rocket is expected to smash into the far side of the moon at 5,800 mph (9,300 kph) on Friday, March 4, 2022, away from telescopes’ prying eyes. It may take weeks, even months, to confirm the impact through satellite images. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn, File)

Propane tank revealed as cause for Crescent Township house explosion which killed the two homeowners

(Story written by Noah Haswell of Beaver County Radio, Published on September 30, 2024 at 8:49 A.M.)

(Crescent Township, PA) Authorities have confirmed that a propane tank was the cause of an explosion in a Crescent Township home that killed 89-year-old David Mitchell and 87-year-old Helen Mitchell. A spokesperson for the Allegheny County fire marshal’s office told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that the investigation of the explosion that happened on March 12 in Crescent Township had been closed. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s safety division said Tuesday it had concluded its probe and found no evidence linking the blast to natural gas service under public utility jurisdiction. The home had no public utility natural gas service, and while Columbia Gas has natural gas mains in the general area, there were no utility gas mains in the immediate vicinity and no utility gas leaks were found, the commission said. 

 

Kennywood holds third annual Dogtober Fest Halloween Parade & Costume Contest

(Story written by Noah Haswell of Beaver County Radio, Published on September 30, 2024 at 8:03 A.M.)

(West Mifflin, PA) Kennywood partnered with Animal Friends, a full-service companion animal welfare organization in Pittsburgh, to host their third annual Dogtober Fest Halloween Parade & Costume Contest on Sunday. Over one-hundred dogs walked past the Jack Rabbit, Merry Go Round, and more, capping off with a Halloween costume contest. There were also prizes awarded for the best costume in categories such as Cutest, Creepiest, and Most Creative.  

Thomas “Tom” D. Sherbine (1952-2024)

Thomas “Tom” D. Sherbine, 72, of Aliquippa passed away on September 28, 2024 surrounded by his loving family and friends.
He was born on September 16, 1952, in Rochester, the son of the late Dave Sherbine and Doris Dawson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Nick Laurito and two brothers-in-law, Nick Laurito and Kenneth Johnston. He is survived by his devoted wife of 38 years, Betty (Laurito) Sherbine, a brother, Jim Sherbine, an uncle Dan John, his mother-in-law, Sophie Laurito, two sisters-in-law: Rose Johnston and Kim (Robert) Ackly, a brother-in-law, Tom (Terri) Laurito and numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Thomas was retired from Bank of America. He savored his time camping in Pymatuning. Over the years, he met many wonderful people who became dear friends. Tom also enjoyed riding around in his golf cart. He and his wife Betty enjoyed traveling and taking cruises to different parts of the United States and other countries. His biggest passion was right in his hometown, the Aliquippa Quips Football team. He didn’t miss a game and was one of their biggest fans.
Visitation will be held on Monday, September 30, from 4-8 p.m. in the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home Inc. 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa. A service will also be held on Tuesday, October 1st at 11 a.m. in the funeral home.

Judith (Venturella) Wisniewski (1946-2024)

Judith (Venturella) Wisniewski, passed away on September 26, 2024. She was born on April 4, 1946, the daughter of the late Joseph and Dorothy (Funaiock) Venturella.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother James J. Venturella, Sr. She is survived by her brother Joseph (Marion) Venturella, two sister-in-laws, Regina Venturella and Antionette Nowell, her husband Edward Wisniewski, her children: Annette (Greg) Gaudino, Eddie, Wendy, and Ryan Wisniewski; grandchildren, Mark, Lauren, Leah, and Gabrielle, and several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. 

Judith was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She graduated in 1964 from St. Mary’s High School in Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania. In her twenties, she moved with her friends to Miami, Florida. She later returned to Pittsburgh and raised her family here.

She worked for Bell Telephone and AT&T for 19 years. She later retired from Schroeder Industries. Judith loved traveling, especially on family vacations. Panama City Beach, Florida was a favorite destination for the family. She loved caring for animals, especially the family dogs. Judith will be deeply missed by family, friends, and the family dog Louie.

Services will be private on Wednesday, October 2 at Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the American Cancer Society (donate.cancer.org). 

John Paul “JP” West (1962-2024)

John Paul “JP” West, 62, of Chippewa Township, passed away on September 29, 2024, at Allegheny General Hospital, surrounded by his loving family and friends.
He was born on February 25, 1962, in Manhattan, New York, the son of the late Peter and Victoria (Wendt) West. He is survived by his devoted wife, Beth Ann (Lasher) West, his six children: Brendan West, Peter West, Tori (Conner Redinger) West, Becki (Bill) Quinn, Abby (Jake Smetak) Lasher, and Jimmy (Kate Barnhart) Lasher, two grandchildren, Aria and Billy, two brothers, Christian West and Ben West, and his mother-in-law, Alice Patricko.
John Paul was raised in Scarsdale, New York, in the home his grandfather built in the early 1900s. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1980 and attended Mercy College.
As a youth, John Paul spent much of his time at the Scarsdale Golf Club, where he became the club’s first third-generation member. He earned numerous championships and accolades for his skill. An exceptionally talented athlete, JP bowled thirty perfect 300 games, was a scratch golfer, won multiple club championships, and held a national ranking in paddle tennis. Beyond his personal achievements, he found joy in teaching and mentoring others in various sports.
In his professional life, John Paul excelled in the telecommunications industry, becoming a four-time President’s Club winner while serving in several key roles. Most recently, he worked as Senior Leader of Government Affairs for GloFiber in Columbus, Ohio.
John Paul was deeply committed to serving others. He sat on the board of The Adoption Connection, where he contributed to uniting families and children. Additionally, he was an active member of Chippewa Alliance Church, where he participated in the men’s devotional small group, organized a well-loved annual golf outing for the past three years, and regularly attended weekly services.
Friends will be received on Thursday, October 3rd from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., and Friday, October 4th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home, 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls. John Paul will lie in state on Saturday, October 5th from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. at Chippewa Alliance Church, 3629 37th St. Extenstion, Beaver Falls. Pastor Dan Muir will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in John Paul’s memory to the Chippewa Alliance Church Building Fund.

Richard Truman Taylor (1945-2024)

Richard Truman Taylor, 79, passed away on September 26, 2024 at Providence Health and Rehabilitation Center in Beaver Falls after valiantly battling Alzheimer’s disease.

He was born on September 4, 1945, in Duquesne, Pennsylvania, the son of the late George Taylor and Gertrude (Miller) Taylor. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, George William Taylor, mother-in-law, Ann (Pavkovich) Thomas, father-in-law, Robert Sheldrake Thomas, sister-in-law, Carol (Thomas) Podnar and brother-in-law, Robert C. Podnar. He is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Susan (Thomas) Taylor, daughter, Chelsea (Taylor) Navage, son-in-law, John J.Navage, precious granddaughter, Mia Navage, brother, Thomas Taylor, sister-in-law, Mary Vic (Plazek) Taylor, and nieces and nephews: Robert (Laura) Podnar, Thomas (Shirley) Podnar, Johanna (Billy) Higgins, Maria (Shane) Belin, Caroline Taylor and Steven Taylor.

Rich graduated from Duquesne High School, Slippery Rock University with a B.S. in Elementary and Secondary Education, and M.S. in Administration from Duquesne University. He taught for Big Beaver Falls Area School District at 37th Street School on College Hill and then 5th grade Science at the Middle School. He loved teaching and the students not only learned from him, but he learned from them as well. He was known as RTT, “Rough Tough Taylor,” to his students.

Rich’s father was a hand engraver, an art almost lost to technology. Studying and diligent practice resulted in him becoming a beautiful Old English hand writer. For several years Rich hand-wrote in Old English the names of the students receiving certificates of achievement awards. His students participated in The Daughters of the American Revolution annual essay contest and the pen pal program he established continued for several years. Rich contacted Joe DeNardo from WTAE-TV and the Beaver Falls Middle School was Joe’s first visit in Beaver County. After 34 years, he retired and went on to work in Lawn and Garden at Walmart for 15 years, treating customers like he would want to be treated.

Rich was a member of Big Beaver Falls Education Association, PSEA, and NEA. He was also an active member of the College Hill United Methodist Church (CHUM). Rich was a lifelong fan of the Beaver Falls tigers, Steelers, Pirates and Pens. He was also a member of the Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity, Slippery Rock chapter, where he continued to have so many great times with his brothers.

His daughter, Chelsea though, was his joy. He took her to dance class for seven years, summer book readings at the Beaver Falls Library, Legion softball games where he was an assistant coach, gymnastics class, and cheering practices and games. He loved all of it.

Friends will be received on Monday, September 30, from 4-8 p.m. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls.

A private service will be held on Friday, October 4, followed by interment at St. Joseph Cemetery, New Brighton.

The family would like to thank the afternoon/evening nursing aides and RN’s on the 3rd floor (memory impaired unit) at Providence Health and Rehab Center. The family would also like to thank Dr. Carl Sestito for his genuine care and immediate feedback. They also appreciated Grane Hospice Nursing services.

The family has asked that any memorial contributions be made in Richard’s name to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.