Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published April 6, 2023 11:55 A.M.

(Aliquippa, PA) Mayor Dwan B. Walker and Police Chief John Lane spoke on the recent car thefts that have occurred in the city. The mayor is asking parents to watch their kids, summer is coming. “The chief said 4 vehicles  were stolen in 2 hours on Tuesday. A 15 year-old boy stole a car from in front of the library after the driver left it running, there was a police pursuit into Center Township, and the juvenile was arrested. He’s now in the Beaver County Jail. Residents are advised, if you see something going on, call the police.”

Hopewell Police issued the following statement in regards to recent car thefts:

(Hopewell Township, PA) Vehicle thefts are on the rise and Hopewell and other surrounding departments have seen an increase in stolen vehicles in the last several weeks.  We are asking residents to be vigilant  and aware of any suspicious activity or persons, and to report such activity to 9-1-1, please don’t confront suspicious persons. Hopewell Police are being proactive in investigating  with other departments to catch the responsible parties in the rash of vehicle thefts

(Dr. John Guzzetti, Tom Hays, and Bruce Frey along with Bob Barrickman’s sisters Barbara and Mary Lou) (Photos taken by Beaver County Radio’s Frank Sparks)

(Beaver, Pa.) Wednesday night was a night to celebrate the memory and legacy of Beaver County Radio Sports Director and longtime play by play announcer Bob Barrickman who passed away in December of 2022.

Former Beaver County Radio play by play man Tom Hays returned to Beaver County Radio to host this special edition of the Coaches Corner live from the patio at Robert’s Roadside Inn. Bob hosted the Coaches Corner there for over 30 years. Joining Tom on the broadcast was current Beaver County Radio color analyst, Bruce Frey.

Tom and Bruce interviewed numerous people who were part of Bob’s life on both a professional and personal level.

The owner of Robert’s, Bob Skerlic and Bob were the best of buddies and Skerlic wanted to honor Barrickman by renaming the patio in Bob’s honor. Skerlic said that the patio will now be known as the Bob Barrickman Patio at Robert’s Roadside Inn.

Check out all photos from last night below.

Story by Beaver County Radio News Staff. Published April 6, 2023 10:47 A.M.

(Rochester, PA) A call was received by Police at 8:45 P.M. for a standoff type situation Tuesday evening in Rochester. An alert was sent out around 9 P.M. asking residents to remain indoors and go to the lowest floor do to an active police incident in the area of Jefferson Street in Rochester. Rochester Police declined to comment to Beaver County Radio on the situation after two attempts to receive a statement. The Police Clerk stated the Chief isn’t permitting any info to be released.

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published April 6, 2023 10:38 A.M.

(Aliquippa, PA) Sidewalk replacement on the city’s west end is underway in the 1100 block of Franklin Avenue. Residents in the 12 and 1300 blocks will be notified when the replacements will take place there. City manager Sam Gill reported on the future development of the East End and the proposals were approved for release for the remediation to get rid of underground gas tanks off Route 51 leading to the tunnel.

New Brighton Borough released the following statement:

(New Brighton, PA) Columbia Gas has started a significant gas line replacement project in the Grove Avenue neighborhood.  Work will affect portions of Grove Avenue, Nineteenth Avenue, Eighteenth Avenue, Valley Avenue, Allegheny Street, Ninth Street, Seventh Street, Thorn Street, and Cemetery Lane. The work is expected to take place from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with Saturday work possible.  Motorists can expect road closures and lane restrictions during working hours only.  The project is anticipated to be complete in late summer or early fall.

MIDWAY – To provide gun owners with the information they need to be responsible with their Second Amendment rights, Rep. Joshua D. Kail (R-Beaver/Washington) will be hosting a concealed carry seminar on Wednesday, April 12, at 5:30 p.m. at the McDonald Sportsmen’s Association, located at One Sportsman Way, Midway.

“As gun owners, it is our responsibility to know how to safely operate our firearms and work within the law, particularly for anyone with a concealed carry permit,” Kail said. “This seminar is a convenient opportunity to become more informed.”

Jim Stoker, president of Firearms Owners Against Crime-Institute for Legal, Legislative and Educational Action (FOAC-ILLEA), will share information and answer questions about Pennsylvania’s concealed carry laws.

While there is no charge for this seminar, space is limited. Please RSVP to Kail’s district office at 724-728-7655 or online at RepKail.com to reserve a spot.

(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)

At a time of year when many schools, clubs, and other groups are very busy, the April 5 work session proved that the Beaver County Commissioners were no exception to the rule.

The meeting started with Public Works director Dan Colville notifying the Commissioners that there is an issue with power at Brady’s Run Lodge, and that the current status for its restoration remains up in the air. The Lodge is the main site for the upcoming Maple Syrup Festival on April 22 and 23, and there are traffic restrictions in the area with the power lines down.

“There’s actually a wire down,” Colville stated, “the main road is closed down going through the park.” Colville added that the delay to response for the Lodge is due to the priority of returning power to all residences in Beaver County following this past weekend’s storms.

Solicitor Garen Fedeles informed the Commissioners that Governor Josh Shapiro has mandated that Norfolk Southern set up a $1 million fund to help assist those dealing with the fallout from the East Palestine train derailment for Pennsylvania residents. “We’re still in the process of trying to get clarification from the governor’s office on what [are the] parameters, or how that money should be spent,” Fedeles said, adding that it’s still unclear how much money Norfolk Southern will pay.

The Commissioners addressed the request for an inspection for the public garage next to the Beaver County Courthouse, and if a full renovation and repair of the facility is needed. Dan Colville pointed to recent discoveries of water damage and “chunks of concrete falling from the ceiling” as to major concerns for the garage, and the Commissioners decided that the next phase would be to hire a professional engineer to give a full inspection. The repairs to the garage could come at a price surpassing $1 million.

Following the Commissioners’ remarks, they were given a presentation from the non-profit Inspired Hearts & Hands, presented by founder/executive director Mindy Schnitgen along with Sue Vogel. The organization headquartered in Gibsonia is looking to bring its programs for helping and assisting children to Beaver County, having started some of its programs in the Freedom School District as a “lily pad”.

The meeting concluded with praise for District Attorney David Lozier following the evacuation of Hopewell High School one week prior while all parties involved dealt with the possibility of an active shooter on campus–a possibility that turned out to be a hoax. The Commissioners shared their emotional testimony of the situation, and gave credit to the DA and its staff for the preparedness of the students, teachers, and officers in the school district.

The next Commissioners’ work session is scheduled for 10:00 AM on April 12.

Ohio – The season is underway for 1,071 student athletes participating in the Pennsylvania State High School Target League (PASHSCTL) this spring. Those athletes are competing on 44 high school teams across the state, supported by over 250 coaches, team staff, and other volunteers.

“Parents want safe, school-based, non-traditional outdoor activities for their students. They want their youth to have the sense of belonging and camaraderie that team activities provide without the high costs and limited playing opportunities of traditional high school sports.” said John Nelson, President of the USA Clay Target League, the program’s parent organization.

“Every year 95% of non-graduating students return to participate in the League’s programs, and nearly 9,800 new athletes joined the League this spring through their school’s teams nationwide. In the League there are no benchwarmers – everyone participates thanks to the efforts of the shooting ranges, coaches, and parents that make teams flourish.”

For high school athletes, their nine-week spring season is already underway, and will conclude May 20th. The season is followed by State Tournaments in June, leading up to the High School National Championship in July.

About the USA Clay Target League

With over 47,000 participating athletes in the 2022-23 school year, the non-profit USA Clay Target League is America’s largest clay target shooting organization. The League offers trap, skeet, sporting clays, and 5-stand leagues to secondary and postsecondary schools across the country.

The League the only 100% school-approved clay target shooting sport program in America. Every team must have school approval to participate. Most participating schools have lettering programs as well as yearbook inclusion for the teams. In addition, tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships are provided to qualifying seniors by the League and post-secondary institutions each year.

The League’s co-ed and adaptive nature are key attractions to schools nationwide: it’s fully Title IX compliant with both male and female athletes competing on the same team, and it’s an ‘adaptive’ sport, which allows students with physical disabilities to take part.

The League’s priorities are safety, fun, and marksmanship – in that order.

The League is the safest sport in school, with not one reported injury since the inception of the League in 2001. Each athlete must complete firearm safety certification before participation.

Kennywood – Pittsburgh’s Thrill and Entertainment Destination – launches its season-long celebration of 125 years starting April 22 and 23 by honoring First Responders with free admission. All first responders, including Police, Fire, Dispatch, Corrections, EMTs, Military Personnel, and Healthcare Workers, will receive free admission for themselves and discounted admission for up to four (4) friends and family members at the gate with proof of valid identification. There is no better way to begin this momentous season than by celebrating the brave individuals in our community and showing our appreciation for their hard work and sacrifices.

Also starting with opening weekend, Kennywood kicks off the all-new 125^th Celebration Weekends. Over the first five weekends of operation, April 22 through May 21, the park celebrates decades of thrills and innovation. This special event will pay tribute to the eras of the park’s past with entertainment, nostalgic photo opportunities, historical displays, commemorative giveaways, and specialty merchandise honoring the past 125 years.

The fun continues with a non-stop line-up of thrills with the biggest birthday party all season long. With the debut of the first ride of its kind in the U.S., Spinvasion, coming Memorial Day Weekend, plus an expanded Bites & Pints Food & Drink Festival, and much, much more – Kennywood’s 125^th season cannot be missed.

For more information about First Responder Days, 125^th Celebration Weekends, and Kennywood’s 2023 Season, visit Kennywood.com.