Department of Health Completely Clears Backlog of Birth Certificate Amendment Requests

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today announced it has eliminated a backlog of birth certificate amendment requests. In January 2023 when Governor Josh Shapiro took office, the backlog stood at 6,200 requests. As of today, that backlog has been eliminated.

“Streamlining our processes eliminated a large backlog of requests over the past six months,” said Dr. Debra Bogen, Acting Secretary of Health. “I am very proud of the birth amendment unit staff, who aggressively addressed the backlog and increased efficiency to better serve Pennsylvania residents. This is one example of how the entire Shapiro Administration is striving to become more efficient and effective in service to the Commonwealth.”

Last year, the Department received more than 32,000 requests to amend birth certificates and continues to receive approximately 2,400 requests each month. The backlog developed from an increase in requests and workforce shortages. To tackle the backlog, the Department made significant process improvements that focused on streamlining staff workflow. This aligns with Governor Shapiro’s goal to create a better customer experience across all agencies of the Commonwealth, and follows similar accomplishments in the Department of Human Services.

While the backlog was being addressed, new amendment requests were completed on schedule. With the backlog now eliminated, the Department is working to further decrease response times for birth amendment requests.

Pennsylvania State Police Seized $14M in Prohibited Drugs during Second Quarter of 2023

Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania State Police today announced Troopers seized cocaine, methamphetamines, heroin, fentanyl, marijuana, and other prohibited drugs with a combined approximate street value of approximately $14 million during the second quarter of 2023.

 

Troopers seized 144 pounds of cocaine, 164 pounds of methamphetamines, 60 pounds of fentanyl, 11 pounds of heroin, 1,617 pounds of processed marijuana, and 74,074 pills of assorted narcotics.

 

The Pennsylvania State Police also collected 1,227 pounds of prescription medication in the second quarter as part of its Prescription Drug Takeback Program. Sixty-five state police stations offer boxes for disposing of unused or unwanted medications 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

 

Table 1: Amount and value of prohibited drugs seized, second quarter of 2023

 

Drug Total Seized Estimated Value
Cocaine  140.43 lbs. $3,089,460
Crack Cocaine  4.84 lbs. $77,440
Heroin  10.95 lbs. $372,300
Fentanyl  57.97 lbs. $927,520
LSD – Pills and Paper  81 doses $1,620
Marijuana THC – Liquid  62.73 pints $420,291
Marijuana THC Solid  72.87 lbs. $364,350
Marijuana Plants  2,277 plants $375,705
Processed Marijuana  1,617.34 lbs. $4,852,020
Methamphetamines  163.73 lbs. $1,637.300
MDMA – Ecstasy  .44 lbs. $14,520
MDMA – Pills  179 DU $2,685
Other Narcotics  19.54 lbs. $39,080
Other Narcotics (pills)  73,814 $1,845,350
  Total Value $14,019,641

Bob Huggins says he plans to stay in rehab and wants to return to West Virginia as coach

FILE – West Virginia head coach Bob Huggins reacts to a call in the second half of a first-round college basketball game against Maryland in the NCAA Tournament in Birmingham, Ala., March 16, 2023. In a statement released Monday, July 10, Huggins said he checked into a rehabilitation facility following a drunken driving arrest and disputes that he resigned at West Virginia, accusing the university of releasing a “false statement” about him stepping down. (AP Photo/Butch Dill, File)

Bob Huggins says he has checked into a rehabilitation facility following a drunken driving arrest and disputes that he resigned at West Virginia. Huggins issued a statement Monday saying he wanted to “set the record straight” on the events of the past two weeks since his arrest in Pittsburgh on June 16. Huggins says he never gave formal notice to resign under the terms of his contract. He also says a resignation statement issued by the university on June 17 indicating it was from Huggins was not drafted or reviewed by him. The university says it has no plans to reinstate Huggins.

Bank of America to pay more than $100M for doubling fees, opening accounts without customer consent

File – A customer uses an ATM at a Bank of America location in San Francisco, Monday, April 24, 2023. Bank of America is being ordered to pay more than $100 million to customers for double-dipping on some fees imposed on customers, withholding reward bonuses explicitly promised to credit card customers, and misappropriating sensitive personal information to open accounts without customer knowledge or authorization. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)

Bank of America is being ordered to pay more than $100 million to customers for double-dipping on some fees, withholding reward bonuses and opening some accounts without customer consent. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency found that the bank’s double-dipping on fees was illegal. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said Tuesday that Bank of America will pay $90 million in penalties to its organization and $60 million in penalties to the OCC.

Pennsylvania police searching for escaped homicide suspect find possible campsites near jail

This booking photo provided by the Warren, Pa., City Police Department shows Michael Burham. Authorities searching for the inmate described by police as “very dangerous” who used bed sheets to escape from a northwestern Pennsylvania jail on Thursday, July 6, 2023, say they believe he is still in the area and have found stockpiles or campsites in the woods he may have been using. Burham was a suspect in a homicide investigation and was being held on $1 million bail on kidnapping, burglary and other charges, authorities said. (Warren City Police Department via AP)

WARREN, Pa. (AP) — Police searching for a homicide suspect who used bed sheets to escape from a northwestern Pennsylvania jail say he is likely still in the area and that someone may be helping him to evade capture. Thirty-four-year-old Michael Burham fled the Warren jail late Thursday by climbing on exercise equipment and fashioning a rope from bed sheets to escape through a window. State police say they have found stockpiles or campsites in woods near the jail that indicate Burham may have been staying there. Burham is accused in the May 11 killing of 34-year-old Kala Hodgkin, and a related arson in Jamestown. He’s also suspected of abducting an elderly couple in Pennsylvania before his arrest in South Carolina.

Crime Solvers offering a reward for information in Saturday night’s homicide in Aliquippa

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published July 11, 2023 6:27 A.M.

(Aliquippa, PA) District Attorney David J. Lozier was joined by Mayor Dwan B. Walker, Aliquippa Police and PA State Police Sunday afternoon at Main and Knoll Streets for a press conference. This is the area where Dahvea Sparrow, 15  was shot to death at 11:19 p.m Saturday night after he left a party.

The DA told those in attendance that Aliquippa Police requested assistance from state police. Both agencies have been working non-stop since Saturday night which was 17 1/2 hours as of 5 p.m. Sunday. He said the city, citizens of the county, and Dahvea’s  family ask for your assistance . He said our communities are battling an epidemic of juvenile crime including car thefts, shootings, robberies and firearms crimes.
Crime Solvers has posted a $5,000 reward for one week that is payable to anyone who provides information leading to the conviction of the murderer. The caller’s identity and information may remain confidential Information will be accepted by calling PSP 724-773-7400, Aliquippa Police 724-375-6682 or Crime Solvers at 724-774-2000.
Mayor Dwan B. Walker told those in attendance “This is lovely Aliquippa and our babies are suffering” This city has 10,000 people, our community is crying out” If you know something, say something!” It’s time to step up your city needs you.!”
Daveah’s mom, Nicole Sparrow told everyone” He’s gone that was mine, my only baby, and I got to plan his funeral.”
Dr. Phillip K. Woods, school district superintendent ,spoke to those in attendance, about his cousin who liked football and boxing. Mayor Walker added that he coached him in the youth football program in the city.

“Hills Snack Bar” announce grand opening

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio New Director. Published July 10, 2023 7:44 P.M.

(Aliquippa, PA) The “Hills Snack Bar”, a pop up incarnation of the former in store eatery found at the now defuct Hills stores has announced they will be having their official grand opening Saturday, July 15th. They plan to set up at a car dealership in Green Garden Plaza in Aliquippa, across from what they refer to as the former “Hills #28” store. They are set to serve food from noon until approximately 3pm. They state they will close the line at 2:30pm. The snack bar held a “soft opening” this past weekend in Independance Township.

Dale Reckless From MRS Physical Therapy will Talk About MRS’ Hottest Programs on Wednesday’s Teleforum

(File Photo of Dale Reckless from MRS Physical Therapy during a recent appearance on Beaver County Radio) 

(Beaver Falls, Pa.)  Dale Reckless from MRS Physical Therapy in Bridgewater will discuss “The Hottest Programs” that MRS is offering this month. Dale will have tips and treatments that he will share with host Eddy Crow and the listeners. Tune in to see Dale Reckless’  monthly appearance on Teleforum with Eddy Crow at 9:10 AM Wednesday, July 12, 2023.

The phone lines will be open throughout the show to answer your questions about knee pain or any other ailment you made need advice about at 724-843-1888 and 724-774-1888.

The show is presented on all platforms of Beaver County Radio, on-air at 95.7 FM and 99.3 FM along with 1230 WBVP and1460 WMBA and on-line at beavercountyradio.com.

You can also click on the Facebook Logo below at show time to watch the show streaming live on the Beaver County Radio Facebook Page.

In the meantime before Wednesday’s show check out the latest MRS Physical /Therapy Newsletter at :http://mrsphysicaltherapy.com/

Ambridge Police release statement on Sunday Shooting

(Ambridge,PA) Ambridge Police released the following statement on Facebook regarding the fatal shooting that took place Sunday.

“On July 9, 2023 at approximately 1840 hrs. the Ambridge Police were dispatched to the 1100 block of Church Street for report of shots fired with a suspect possibly hit. Upon arrival officers found a male juvenile unresponsive in the middle of Church Street. Upon medics arrival, the juvenile was pronounced deceased. Currently, the juveniles name is not being released.

Citizens in the area did give descriptions of two male shooters fleeing the area at which time some citizens did give chase and notified the police. Officers then spotted one of the suspects that was observed fleeing into an apartment building on Olive Lane. At that time the police held the area and Beaver County ESU (SWAT) was contacted to extract the suspect.

The Beaver County Coroner was called to the scene and upon all review, the scene was released. At this time the coroner will notify the next of kin of the deceased juvenile, and upon completion of medical investigation, release the name of the deceased juvenile.

The homicide is being investigated by the Ambridge Police in conjunction with a Beaver County detectives office.

Anyone with information related to this case can you call 724-266-5977.”

Chief, John A. DeLuca

Choi Slugs 2-run Homer as Pirates Beat Diamondbacks 4-2 to End 4-Game Losing Streak

PHOENIX (AP) — Pittsburgh’s bullpen wasted a strong start by All-Star Mitch Keller by giving up a late run and a walk-off hit Saturday night.

Given a second chance less than 24 hours later, seven Pirates took turns shutting down the dangerous Arizona Diamondbacks.

Ji Man Choi hit a two-run homer, Pittsburgh’s bullpen combined on a four-hitter and the Pirates ended a four-game losing streak with a 4-2 win over the Diamondbacks on Sunday.

“It’s always nice to have a second chance the following day to redeem yourself,” said Pirates reliever Colin Holderman, who allowed a hit in the eighth inning after giving up the tying homer on Saturday.

Choi homered off Zach Davies (1-5) in the second inning and the Pirates bullpen took turns shutting down the Diamondbacks, a day after giving up a late lead in a 3-2 loss to Arizona.

Osvaldo Bido (1-1) allowed a hit in 1 1/3 innings for his first big league win and Jared Triolo hit a run-scoring single in the ninth inning for a two-run lead. All-Star closer David Bednar worked around a walk in the ninth inning for his 17th save in 18 chances after giving up the winning hit the night before.

“We played a really good game against one of the better teams in baseball and I’m proud of the way our group finished in this road trip going in the All-Star break,” Pirates manager Derek Shelton said. “They did a really nice job.”

Alek Thomas homered for the second straight game for the Diamondbacks, who failed to score a runner from third three times. Arizona has lost five of seven, but still heads into the All-Star break tied with the Los Angeles Dodgers atop the NL West at 52-39.

“Probably a little more of a frustration day for me,” Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said. “We had some opportunities to score some runs. We didn’t.”

Davies gave up four runs on two homers in a no-decision against the New York Mets in his last start.

The long ball hurt him again on Sunday when Choi hit his third homer of the season out to center. Jack Suwinski put the Pirates up 3-2 with a sacrifice fly in the fifth inning.

Davies allowed three runs on five hits with five strikeouts in 5 1/2 innings.

“Zach, for me, was very good, but their designated hitter clipped him for a two-run homer that kind of changed the momentum of the game,” Lovullo said.

The Diamondbacks flashed their speed to score a run off Carmen Mlodzinski in the first inning.

Geraldo Perdomo initiated a double steal by breaking from second early and scored when Pirates catcher Austin Hedges threw the ball into center trying to get the trail runner.

Thomas provided a dose of power in the third inning, lining a solo homer to right to tie the game at 2, but the Diamondbacks didn’t put up much of a fight the rest of the way.