Category: News

Winter Storm Warning Issued for Late Wednesday Through Friday Morning

(Photo By Frank Sparks, Beaver County Radio News/Program Director)
(Beaver Falls, Pa.) The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh has issued a Winter Storm Watch from late Wednesday, February 2, 2022,  through Friday morning, February 4, 2022. You can read the release below.
WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT
THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING...

* WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation possible. Total snow and sleet
  accumulations between 3 and 6 inches and ice accumulations between
  one tenth and three tenths of an inch possible.

* WHERE...Portions of east central Ohio. Portions of northwest,
  southwest, and western Pennsylvania. Portions of northern and the
  northern panhandle of West Virginia.

* WHEN...From late Wednesday night through Friday morning.

* IMPACTS...Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice.
  Travel could be nearly impossible. The hazardous conditions could
  impact the Thursday morning and evening commutes.
The Forecast for is below for Today through Sunday
Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 41. Southeast wind 3 to 8 mph.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 29. Southeast wind 3 to 6 mph.
Wednesday: A slight chance of snow between 8am and 10am, then rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44. Light southeast wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.
Wednesday Night: Rain. Low around 33. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Thursday: Rain. High near 37. Light and variable wind becoming north 5 to 7 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Thursday Night: Rain, freezing rain and sleet, possibly mixed with snow before 10pm, then snow, possibly mixed with sleet between 10pm and midnight, then snow after midnight. The sleet could be heavy at times. Low around 21. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Friday: Snow likely, mainly before 8am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 27. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 7.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 24.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 7.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 35.

US Congressman Conor Lamb: PA Eligible for $104 Million From Infrastructure Law To Plug Abandoned Wells

(File Photo)

(WASHINGTON, DC) – Today, the U.S. Department of Interior announced that $1.15 billion in funding is available to states from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for oil and gas well cleanup.  Representative Conor Lamb (PA-17) announced that Pennsylvania is eligible to receive up to $104 million in the first funding phase announced today.  Lamb supported this program’s inclusion in the infrastructure package, and joined a bipartisan letter in June 2020 highlighting the importance of addressing this issue.

Abandoned oil and gas wells leak methane into the atmosphere, pose health and safety risks, and can pollute local groundwater.  Many experts estimate that there are hundreds of thousands, if not millions, more abandoned or orphaned wells across the country.

“Plugging these wells will create jobs and protect the environment.  In a divided Washington, this issue has strong bipartisan support,” said Lamb.  “This federal investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a huge win for Pennsylvania.”

In Pennsylvania, more than five percent of the state’s human-caused methane emissions come from abandoned wells.  Lamb has been working in Washington on finding and fixing these wells to help curb emissions.  Lamb introduced the bipartisan Abandoned Well Remediation Research and Development Act (H.R. 4270) to establish an abandoned wells research, development, and demonstration program at the Department of Energy.  This legislation would help develop cutting edge technologies and approaches to finding and capping these wells, building on the progress from much-needed funding from the infrastructure bill.  H.R. 4270 recently passed the House Committee on Science, Space & Technology, and Lamb is pushing for a vote by the full the House as quickly as possible.

Plugging orphaned wells will also help advance the goals of the U.S. Methane Emissions Reduction Action Plan, as well as the Interagency Working Group on Coal and Power Plant Communities and Economic Revitalization, which focuses on spurring economic revitalization in the hard-hit energy communities.

Click here for more details on how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will deliver for Pennsylvania, and visit Lamb’s website to learn more about the Abandoned Well Remediation Research and Development Act.

AAA: Gas Prices Decrease in Western PA; Crude Oil Nears $90 Per Barrel

(Pittsburgh, Pa.) Gas prices are two cents cheaper in Western Pennsylvania this week at $3.481 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report.

This week’s average prices: Western Pennsylvania Average                $3.481
Average price during the week of January 24, 2022                               $3.508
Average price during the week of February 1, 2021                                $2.722

The average price of unleaded self-serve gasoline in various areas:      

$3.498      Altoona
$3.534      Beaver
$3.501      Bradford
$3.367      Brookville
$3.459      Butler
$3.495      Clarion
$3.300      DuBois
$3.482      Erie
$3.479      Greensburg
$3.503      Indiana
$3.484      Jeannette
$3.499      Kittanning
$3.480      Latrobe
$3.494      Meadville
$3.521      Mercer
$3.419      New Castle
$3.505      New Kensington
$3.499      Oil City
$3.518      Pittsburgh
$3.451      Sharon
$3.530      Uniontown
$3.497      Warren
$3.479      Washington

Trend Analysis:

Crude oil prices continue their upward climb this week, closing in on $90 per barrel. Higher oil prices typically lead to higher pump prices for motorists and today’s average is no exception. The national average for a gallon of gas has risen to $3.36, three cents more than a week ago. Uncertainty over Russia’s intentions toward Ukraine is contributing to higher crude oil prices and any sanctions based on their actions toward Ukraine may cause Russia to withhold crude oil from the global market.

At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, West Texas Intermediate increased by 21 cents to settle at $86.82. The cost of crude oil rose last week despite the Energy Information Administration (EIA) reporting that total domestic crude stocks increased by 2.4 million barrels to 416.2 million barrels. The current crude stock level is approximately 13 percent lower than in mid-January 2021, contributing to pressure on domestic crude prices.

According to new data from the EIA, total domestic gasoline stocks grew by 1.3 million barrels to 247.9 million barrels last week. On the other hand, gasoline demand rose slightly from 8.22 million barrels per day to 8.51 million barrels per day. The increase still puts gas demand in a typical range for the winter driving season, which pre-COVID was 8.8 million barrels per day in mid-January 2020. Continued growth in crude oil prices has helped maintain elevated pump prices. If oil prices continue to climb toward $90 a barrel, pump prices will likely follow suit.

Today’s national average of $3.36 is eight cents more than a month ago and 94 cents more than a year ago.

 

Motorists can find current gas prices nationwide, statewide, and countywide at GasPrices.AAA.com.

AAA East Central is a not-for-profit association with 72 local offices in Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia serving 2.7 million members.  News releases are available at news.eastcentral.aaa.com.  Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Beaver County Humane Society Seizes 16 Dogs From Beaver Falls Home

(Photos Courtesy of Beaver County Humane Society)

(Aliquippa, PA ) Late Friday afternoon and with help from the City of Beaver Falls Police Department, BCHS humane officers Tristan Wenzig and Samantha Scobie seized 16 dogs from a home in Beaver Falls. The dogs were taken into safekeeping by Beaver County Humane Society (BCHS). Beaver Falls Police had notified BCHS humane officers about the large number of dogs abandoned in a home after the homeowner was taken to the hospital.

BCHS humane officers tried working with the owner on surrender options, but when that wasn’t an option, the officers proceeded to get a warrant to remove the dogs from the home.

“It was deplorable. The dogs were locked in rooms with no access to food or water. The home had space heaters but no running water. The floor was saturated with what appeared to be urine and animal waste.” said Susan Salyards, Executive Director of BCHS. The Beaver Falls Code Enforcement Officer has since condemned the home.

Salyards said, “This situation is an example of how quickly good intentions can go astray, especially since none of the dogs had been spayed or neutered.” “We suspect that the homeowner ultimately lost control of the situation. It doesn’t necessarily mean they’re bad, it just means they’re wrong, and in this case, it’s the animals who suffer,’’ she said.

All of the dogs found were alive and are being triaged for various conditions. They were taken to BCHS, which is handling the cost of their medical care. 

Two dogs had to be taken to a local emergency hospital for surgery. 

The dog pictured to the right had a collar embedded into its neck. The collar was deep and very close to the dog’s trachea, so the collar had to be surgically removed. “The collar would have taken weeks, if not months, to become embedded so deeply,” Salyards added.

Another dog had toenails so long that they had to be surgically removed. The dogs are also suffering from dental and skin issues, hair loss, and overgrown nails. “It’s clear these dogs were not up to date with vet care.” 

The animals will ultimately be placed up for adoption.

If concerned community members would like to help BCHS care for the animals, donations such as dog food can be dropped off at BCHS, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001 on Tuesdays or Thursdays through Sundays from 10 AM to 4 PM. The shelter is closed on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Monetary donations to help with the cost of vet care, vaccines, worming, flea treatment, etc. also are being accepted by mail or online via the BCHS Web site at https://beavercountyhumanesociety.org/donate-2.

Please visit our Facebook page at @bchumanesociety to follow their story or donate to their care.

Since 1950 the Beaver County Humane Society has been committed to helping animals in the Beaver County Area.  Seventy-one years later, more than 4,000 animals receive comfort and care each year.

 

Tuesday’s AMBC: One Down, 11 To Go

February kicks off on A.M. Beaver County with a look into the full approval of the Moderna vaccine, a preview of Tuesday night hoops on Beaver County Radio, and much more.

Frank Sparks and Matt Drzik get your morning started at 6:30 with news.

What the Tuesday Teleforum Program Won’t Have

Tuesday’s Teleforum program with Eddy Crow will Not discuss the following: Dr. Johnny Fever; Gubernatorial dog backsides, and Live show Debacle stories. ( topics subject to change) Teleforum happens every weekday from 9:10 till noon on am1230, am1460, fm99.3 presented by St. Barnabas, and now on 95.7fm as well!

Moderna announces full US approval for its COVID-19 vaccine

(AP Photo)
By MATTHEW PERRONE AP Health Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) — Moderna says U.S. health regulators have given full approval to its COVID-19 vaccine after reviewing additional data on its safety and effectiveness. The decision Monday by the Food and Drug Administration comes after many tens of millions of Americans have already received the shot under its original emergency authorization. Full approval means FDA has completed the same rigorous, time-consuming review for Moderna’s shot as dozens of other long-established vaccines. Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine received full approval last summer. Public health advocates initially hoped the distinction would boost public confidence in the shots. But there was no discernable bump in vaccinations after the Pfizer decision.

State Rep. Aaron Bernstine (10th) Announces Food Equipment Grants for Area Schools

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today announced state grants were awarded to schools in the 10th Legislative District that will help schools upgrade their facilities to continue to provide critical food services to students.
The grants were made possible by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). The department awarded more than $946,000 in competitive grants to 44 elementary, middle and high schools in 23 counties to purchase new food service equipment for cafeterias.

Schools receiving funding include:

  • Big Beaver Elementary School – $22,174 to be used for a convection steamer and gas oven.
  • Central Elementary School – $22,174 for a convection steamer and gas oven.
  • Mohawk Area Junior Senior High School – $3,933 for a heated holding cabinet.

“Studies have shown that outdated and poorly equipped food service facilities hindered staff efforts to prepare and efficiently serve healthy and appetizing meals,” said Bernstine. “These grants will allow schools to respond to the growing need to provide meals to our kids. We must provide children with nutritious meals to help them learn and grow.”

Funding for the grants is made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Grants are awarded to schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program. Schools use the grants to purchase or upgrade equipment such as refrigerators, freezers, stoves and dishwashers.

NFPA urges added caution when using home heating equipment, the second-leading cause of U.S. home fires

(Photo Provided by NFPA)
January 31, 2022 – The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is urging the public to use added caution when heating their homes during the winter months, when nearly half (48 percent) of all U.S. home heating equipment fires occur. Home heating equipment is the second-leading cause of U.S. home fires and home fire injuries, and the third-leading cause of home fire deaths and direct property damage.
According to the latest U.S. Home Structure Fires report from NFPA, an average of 45,800 home heating fires occurred each year between 2015 and 2019: resulting in an estimated 480 civilian deaths, 1,350 civilian injuries, and $1 billion in direct property damage.
“During the coldest months of the year, home heating equipment kicks into high gear,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA. “Understanding when and where home heating fires happen is critical, so that they people can take the steps to minimize associated risks and safely heat their homes.”
Space heaters are most often responsible for home heating equipment fires, accounting for more than two in five fires, as well as the vast majority of associated deaths (81 percent) and injuries (80 percent).
“Space heaters can be effective tools for heating smaller areas, but they need to be used with caution and care,” said Carli, pointing to the tragic fire that occurred earlier this month in Bronx, N.Y., which reportedly began with a malfunctioning space heater and resulted in 17 fatalities.
A failure to clean equipment was the leading cause of home heating equipment fires. Fires in which a heat source was too close to combustible materials caused the largest shares of civilian deaths, injuries, and direct property damage. Half of home heating fire deaths were caused by placing equipment too close to things that can burn.
NFPA offers these tips and guidelines for safely heating your home during the winter months:
  • Heating equipment and chimneys should be cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
  • Keep anything that can burn at least three feet (one meter) away from all heating equipment, including furnaces, fireplaces, wood stoves, and space heaters.
  • Always use the right kind of fuel, as specified by the manufacturer, for fuel-burning space heaters.
  • Create a three-foot (one meter) “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.
  • Make sure space heaters are in good working order and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
  • Fireplaces should have a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container, which should be placed outside at least 10 feet away from your home.
  • All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
  • If you smell gas in your gas heater, do not light the appliance. Leave the home immediately and call your local fire department or gas company.
  • Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are located throughout the home; test them monthly to ensure that they’re working properly.
NFPA offers a wealth of home heating safety tips, information, and resources to help better educate the public about ways to safely heat their homes. In addition, NFPA’s “Put a Freeze on Winter Fires” campaign with the U.S. Fire Administration works to promote a host of winter safety issues, including home heating.
For this release and other announcements about NFPA initiatives, research and resources, please visit the NFPA press room.
 
NFPA: 125 Years of Protecting People and Property
The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) is a global self-funded nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property, and economic loss due to fire, electrical, and related hazards. The association began its work to solve the fire problem in a young, industrialized nation in 1896 and has since become a global force known for advancing safety worldwide. NFPA delivers information and knowledge through more than 325 consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach, and advocacy; and by partnering with others who share an interest in furthering the NFPA mission. In celebration of its 125th Anniversary, NFPA is hosting a Conference Series through March 2022 and undertook several initiatives in 2021 that reflect the association’s steadfast commitment to advancing fire and life safety. For more information or to view NFPA codes and standards for free, visit www.nfpa.org.

Pittsburgh Basketball Club To Honor Two Former Beaver Falls Tigers

(Frank Sparks/Beaver County Radio)

A pair of Beaver Falls hoops legends are getting recognized in a major way.

Per the Larry Bruno Foundation via their Facebook page, Alvin Gibson (Class of 1977) and Dwight Collins (Class of 1979) will be inducted into the Pittsburgh Basketball Club for 2022. The ceremony will take place at Chartiers Country Club on February 5.

Collins and Gibson become the fourth and fifth Tigers inducted into the PBC, following their former coach Frank Chan, along with former players Oscar Jackson and Ken Waggoner. Under Chan and with Collins, the Tigers won the 1979 Class 3A WPIAL Championship.

Collins is also a 2021 Circle of Achievement inductee into the Larry Bruno foundation, who said in their announcement of these two inductees “Anytime BFHS athletics are recognized in the Pittsburgh arena it’s something to be proud of…verifies the fact that our student athletes stack up against any in western PA and the entire state.”