(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)

Though it was a small gathering, the focus of Senator Elder Vogel’s visit to the emergency men’s shelter in Vanport operated by The Cornerstone of Beaver County was rather large.

Vogel, joined by TCBC director Marie Timpano and Bryce Maretzki–the director for the Office of Strategic Planning and Policy for the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA)–spoke at a brief appearance Thursday morning to talk about the beginning of funding applications for the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) Fund. The PHARE fund is designed to help improve the amount of available houses throughout Pennsylvania, as well as their affordability.

“The PHARE fund serves a critical asset to the communities in my district,” Vogel stated, “especially since it helps our local government and area organizations address ongoing housing needs for our residents.”

According to Maretzki, the PHFA has awarded nearly $240 million in over 1100 grants since 2012. PHARE receives funding from sources such as a portion of the Realty Transfer Tax in Pennsylvania as well as impact fees from natural gas drilling companies. The PHARE funding available for the 2024 window is in excess of $65 million.

“What you see behind you, and more important than the building–the programs and services that are happening within it, helping individuals to have a safe place to rest and regroup and transform their lives–couldn’t have happened without these resources,” Timpano said.

Applications for the PHARE funding can be filled out on the PHFA’s website, which also includes further information about PHARE. The applications are due by November 17.

“While the fund itself does not end these issues,” Vogel added, “it does much to ease the burden of these issues and instill in many of our residents a means by contributing life-changing funds meant to give the people in our area a brighter tomorrow.”

Story by sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published September 28, 2023 11:15 A.M.
Photo courtesy of Justin Stone.

(New Brighton, Pa) On Tuesday night at 11:10 p.m., New Brighton Police were called to the E.B. McNitt Apartments, 805 Allegheny Street, for a report that 2 people had been stabbed. Upon arrival, police discovered that Michael James North, 42, who is the caretaker for his mother, was drug induced and stabbed his mother and brother who was present. The 2 victims sustained non-life threatening injuries, according to Police Chief Ron Walton.
North was charged with 2 counts of aggravated assault, 2 counts of simple assault, and a charge of possessing drug paraphernalia.
North was taken to the Beaver County Jail, following his arrest. No bond was reported.

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published September 28, 2023 10:52 A.M.

(Hopewell Township, Pa)  Nick Mohrbacher, high journalism instructor, conducted 2 days of Link Crew training to assist in 9th grade orientation and overall transition for the incoming freshmen. Dr. Robert W. Kartychak, acting principal, said that the upperclassmen were integral in the success of getting the Class of 2027 acclimated to the high school. The information was presented to the school board at Tuesday night’s school board meeting. Mr. Mohrbacher  was thanked for leading the 2 days of Link Crew Training.

 

Taylor Swift, right, watches from a suite alongside Travis Kelce’s mother, Donna Kelce, inside Arrowhead Stadium during the first half of an NFL football game between the Chicago Bears and Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City tight end Travis Kelce calls Taylor Swift’s appearance at the Chiefs’ victory over the Chicago Bears bold but wants to remain private about any relationship with the superstar singer. Speaking on his podcast “New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce,” Kelce discussed Swift’s well-publicized appearance in a suite at Arrowhead Stadium with his family during Sunday’s 41-10 victory. The 12-time Grammy Award winner sat next to Kelce’s mom, Donna, and yelled during the game. While he acknowledged being more vocal in the media spotlight than Swift, he said he wanted to respect both of their lives and keep the discussion focused on football.

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., walks on Capitol Hill on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has voted to reverse an informal guidance issued by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer last week that senators could wear what they want when voting or speaking in the chamber. The resolution passed Wednesday night by voice vote with no objections. It requires that ”business attire be worn on the floor of the Senate, which for men shall include a coat, tie, and slacks or other long pants.” It did not specify what women should wear. The bipartisan resolution by Sens. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Mitt Romney, R-Utah, comes after backlash to Schumer’s announcement that the Sergeant-at-Arms would no longer enforce a dress code on the floor.

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) announced today that a total of 1,217 applicants have applied for the Academy since college credit requirements for the position of trooper were removed one month ago. In comparison, 1,745 applications were received during the previous hiring cycle, which was open for a full six months.

 

Of those 1,217 applications, 524 were from applicants who hold a high school diploma or equivalency and previously would not have been eligible.

 

“We’re empowering Pennsylvanians who want to serve their community, and I’m proud of the individuals who have applied to become troopers following our announcement dropping the college credit requirement,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “Policing is a noble profession, and the Pennsylvania State Police is the finest law enforcement agency in the nation. Our State Police Academy trains highly capable public servants who work hard to make our communities safer. For those who want to serve, this door of opportunity is open – and we want you on our team.”

 

“We’re pleased to see this jump in applications,” said Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris. “It’s my hope that even more of the brightest and most hard-working women and men from Pennsylvania and the surrounding area will see themselves in a rewarding a career with the PSP.”

 

Cadet applicants must possess a high school diploma or GED certificate and a valid driver’s license from any state. Applicants must be at least 20 years old at the time of application, and they must be at least 21 years old and cannot have reached age 40 upon entry into the training academy. Cadets must be a Pennsylvania resident and possess a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license at the time of graduation.

 

Applicants who meet all eligibility requirements move on to a qualifying written examination. Applicants who pass the qualifying exam must have a polygraph examination, background investigation, physical readiness test, medical screening, and psychological screening before training at the academy.

 

Cadet training lasts approximately 28 weeks and is paramilitary in nature. The training includes coursework in Pennsylvania’s crimes and vehicle codes, law enforcement principles and practices, firearms and special equipment training, and physical fitness activities.

 

Upon completion of the training academy, cadets are promoted to trooper and receive an increase in salary, currently set at $66,911 annually.

 

Governor Josh Shapiro, on his first full day in office, announced that 92 percent of state government jobs – about 65,000 positions – do not require a four-year college degree. Governor Shapiro also ordered all state agencies under his jurisdiction to take steps to emphasize work experience in their hiring.

Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona leaves Progressive Field in Cleveland on his scooter on the scheduled day of the Indians’ home opening baseball game on March 26, 2020. Slowed by major health issues in recent years, the personable, popular Francona may be stepping away, but not before leaving a lasting imprint as a manager and as one of the game’s most beloved figures. (John Kuntz/Cleveland.com via AP)
Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio News Director. Published September 28, 2023 10:36 A.M.

(Cleveland, Ohio) New Brighton native Terry Francona has been known for riding his scooter to and from Progressive Field while managing the Cleveland Guardians. According to the Associated Press, the scooter was stolen for the second time Wednesday just hours before his last home game. Francona told the AP the two-wheeled vehicle was stripped and defaced. Francona has been with Cleveland for 11 seasons, and has the most wins as a manager in club history. The AP states that he didn’t want a ceremony for his final home game, but was relented by the team handing out 20,000 “Thank You Tito” T-shirts. He won two World Series titles with the Boston Red Sox before going to Cleveland.

James Tobin and Dewey and the Decimators performing Live at Wooley Bully’s in New Brighton.

(New Brighton, Pa) On October 12, 2023 at the Merrick Art Gallery ( 1100 5th Avenue, New Brighton), Beaver Valley Artists will host Digital artist James Tobin. He will
explain and demonstrate his Digital Painting techniques at 7:00 p.m. The demonstration is free and open to the public.
James is not only an award winning Digital painter, he is a well known and accomplished musician.

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published September 27, 2023 12:52 P.M.

(Hopewell Township, Pa) On Saturday, September, 30, 2023 the Hopewell High School baseball team members will receive their WPIAL  championship rings during halftime at the soccer game. The announcement was made at Tuesday night’s school board meeting.