(Homewood Boro, Pa.) Pa State Police in Beaver are reporting that they were dispatched to the Super 8 Motel in Homewood Boro Monday morning, June 28, 2021 at 6:20 AM for a report of tools being stolen from a truck.

Upon arrival and investigating Troopers reported that Jose & Aylin Siding & Windows, from Elridge, Maryland, employees were staying at the motel and had their 2009 Chevrolet Silverado parked in a rear parking lot. It was discovered early Monday morning that an unknown suspect loaded tools into his silver Dodge Caravan, which had a black hood and black trim around the vehicle, that he took from the bed and tool rack of the truck.

Troopers say a Gutter Bender, Coil Nailer, Jig-saw and air-compressor valued at $1600.00 were the items that were stolen.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Pa State Police in Beaver at 724-773-7400.

(Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Curtis Walsh)

(New Brighton, PA)  New Brighton School Board Met tonight for a meeting that started off with Superintendent Joe Guarino stating that as of now, the New Brighton School District will not require masks and will go back to a full 5-day school week for the 2021-2022 school year.  The only stipulation would be if the health department would decide to reinstate any mandates in the future.  One citizen in attendance was not happy with the stipulation and participated in a heated argument with board president John Ludwig, stating that they felt the district was abusing children by requiring the wearing of masks. Ludwig took strong offense to the comment and assured that children wearing masks is in no way child abuse. Audio of Ludwig’s’ response can be heard below, the citizens’ comments were omitted for the privacy of the child.  The board went on to approve a health and safety plan to follow state and CDC guidelines that is required in order for the district to receive funding through ESSER/ARP.  The board also approved resolution No. 7, which allows the superintendent to develop alternate instructional plans to employ in-person, virtual, and distance learning in accordance to the Pennsylvania School Code.  In addition, the board approved a contract with KeySolution Educational Staffing LLC, to provide school psychologist services until the end of July 2022.  Lastly, the board approved the adoption of a new general fund budget of $26,413,399.00.

Segment of Ludwig’s’ response:

(Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Curtis Walsh)

(Rochester Township, PA)  Rochester School Board met tonight for their last meeting until August.  The board started off with a private executive session that lasted 15 minutes to discuss a litigation and real estate matter. Once the public meeting got underway, the board paid the general fund bill of $396,682.93 and cafeteria fund bill of $26,652.32.  Three tax exonerations were approved for properties at 824 First Street, 102 Landell Street, and 737 Beaver Street for years that the properties were in the repository.  Also on the agenda was a motion for the purchase of two parcels of unused and undeveloped land on Maryland Avenue at a cost of $8,500 to develop additional parking.  The motion was rejected.  The board also approved a renewal contract for 2021-2022 with Nutrition Group Inc., as it was approved by the state, as well as a sponsor agreement with the YMCA to supply summer lunches until the end of June 2022.  In addition, a lease agreement with Head Start was approved to utilize one classroom at a rate of $12,000 for the 2021-2022 school year.

US airstrikes target Iran-backed militias in Syria, Iraq
By LOU KESTEN Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Defense Department says the U.S. military conducted airstrikes against what it says were “facilities used by Iran-backed militia groups” near the border between Iraq and Syria. Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby says the militias were using the facilities to launch unmanned aerial vehicle attacks against U.S. troops in Iraq. Kirby says the U.S. military, under the direction of President Joe Biden, targeted three operational and weapons storage facilities Sunday — two in Syria and one in Iraq. He is describing the airstrikes as “defensive,” saying they were launched in response to an “ongoing series of attacks by Iran-backed groups targeting U.S. interests in Iraq.”

Taylor Twp., Pa.) Pa State Police in New Castle are reporting that they were called to the scene of a fatal one vehicle accident on US 422 in Taylor Twp. Lawrence County at 2:31 AM Saturday morning.

Troopers stated via release that 39-year-old Jason Geminiani was driving westbound at an unknown speed on US 422 in the area of the Martha Street overpass when he exited the roadway and struck an embankment which divides the east bound and west bound lanes. His vehicle then struck the guard rail of the eastbound lanes and continued going west in the eastbound lanes. The vehicle then struck the end of a guard rail in the east bound lanes and overturned. Geminiani was ejected from the vehicle at that point and the vehicle continued to travel until it hit a street and came to a final rest overturned on the south embankment of US-422 East.

The Lawrence County Coroner’s Office pronounced Geminiani dead at the scene.  Pa State Police are continuing to investigate.

ARRISBURG, June 25 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny issued a release of his thoughts after voting yes for the State Budget that passed the house on Friday.

“Budgets are never easy. Finding common ground is often difficult. This particular budget was no different. There are some areas that came up short, but enough positives that I voted in its favor.

“First and foremost, this budget is on time with no tax increase of any kind.

“Equally as important is a large investment in education. Basic education, special education and early education all will see significant increases in funding. In addition, there is a new program called Level Up that brings additional dollars to our lowest income schools, benefiting several schools in my district. Colleges and job training programs will also be fully funded.

“Other key highlights include nearly $40 million for a new Water Assistance Program that will help folks struggling with keeping the water turned on and nearly $300 million for nursing, assisted living and personal care homes.

“This budget is not perfect, but it holds the line on state taxes, makes important investments and moves us closer to recovering from the pandemic.”

HARRISBURG – Rep. Joshua Kail (R-Beaver/Washington) issued the following statement regarding the passage of the 2021-22 budget and how he’s fighting for taxpayers:

“This budget dedicates money to sectors with the biggest needs, but at the same time the bill would maintain fiscal responsibility, such as saving $5 billion in federal American Rescue Plan funds for future needs and another $2.5 billion for the Rainy Day Fund. We’ve learned the hard way what happens when every dollar is spent. This bill allows us to devote funding to places with immediate needs while also protecting our future. Senate Bill 255 would prohibit the Department of Human Services from creating new programs without authorization from the General Assembly. This eliminates unilateral spending without seeking approval from the House and Senate.

“The 2021-22 budget includes no new taxes and fees. Families have struggled to make ends meet due to missed job opportunities created by systematic flaws. This is one less obstacle for every Pennsylvanian to face.

“One of the promises I made to my constituents was I’d do everything in my power to create job opportunities so everyone can go to work and provide for their families. This budget would allocate $279 million in federal relief funding for transportation infrastructure because it’s crumbling, and it also keeps crews working on road and bridge projects. In addition, $44 million in federal relief funding would be set aside for career and technical schools to ensure students have the skills necessary for jobs available today. We continue to support our state’s top industry, agriculture, by maintaining funding for key operational and research needs, as well as adding $3 million to increase the PA State Food Purchase Program.

“There would be a big emphasis on protecting our communities. Under this budget, the Pennsylvania State Police would be able to train two new cadet classes, which equates to an additional 180 troopers in the streets throughout the state. Also, $372 million would be dedicated to the ongoing pandemic response, another $30 million towards violence intervention and prevention, and $5 million to support our first responders.

“Families are everything. Everyone should be protected, especially our children and senior citizens.  In this budget, $282 million from federal relief funds would be distributed to help nursing homes, assisted living facilities and personal care homes to help with pandemic-related costs.

“Children are the future. Education is crucial, especially during a time when they are behind due to lost learning from the COVID-19 pandemic. The budget for PreK-12 education would be a record high $13.55 billion. The Basic Education Funding line would see an increase of $300 million. $30 million more would go towards early childhood education funding. Special education funding would receive an extra $50 million.

“$350 million in federal funding would be set aside for learning loss, summer enrichment and after school programs. The budget would also include a $40 million increase to the Educational Improvement Tax Credit.

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Beaver/Lawrence) today voted “no” on the state budget for Fiscal Year 2021-22. Bernstine issued the following statement citing excessive government spending led to his negative vote.

“When it comes to spending taxpayers’ money, I don’t think we ought to look at a budget and say it’s not perfect, but it’s good enough. This budget is an 8.8% increase in government spending, and that will set the stage for excessive borrowing and tax hikes when President Biden’s bailout money disappears. This budget does nothing to help our struggling local businesses or help to rebuild our economy, and I cannot ignore those glaring realities when it comes to other peoples’ money.

“Harrisburg is really good at one thing — spending your money. They have proven time and time again they have no restraint when it comes to growing government and increasing spending. It’s long past time we enact the Taxpayer Protection Act and put in place constitutional spending limits that will permanently curb chronic overspending.

“While thousands of small businesses are suffering and Pennsylvania’s economic recovery is still lagging, public schools are profiting off the pandemic. They are raking in $300 million more in additional taxpayer funds in the budget despite sitting on more than $4.8 billion in reserve funds and being closed for most of the past year. That money would have been better spent on policies that incentivize work, strengthen the economy, and directly aid students and families to help address their unique learning losses.”

For more information about this, or any state-related issue, contact Bernstine’s district office in Ellwood City located at 438 Line Ave. The phone number is 724-752-2120. Information can also be found on online at RepBernstine.com.