Category: News

Social media, music world go dark for Black Out Tuesday

Social media, music world go dark for Black Out Tuesday
By MESFIN FEKADU AP Music Writer
NEW YORK (AP) — Though Black Out Tuesday was originally organized by the music community, the social media world also went dark in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, joining voices around the world outraged by the killings of black people in the U.S. Instagram and Twitter accounts, from record labels to everyday people, were full of black squares posted in response to the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor. Most of the captions were blank, though some posted #TheShowMustBePaused, black heart emojis or encouraged people to vote. Seven states and the District of Columbia on Tuesday host presidential primary elections. But some on social media question if posting black squares diverts attentions.

United States Health and Human Serivces Secretary Alex Azar came to Beaver County Friday May 29, 2020

Story and photos by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Beaver, Pa.) United States Health and Human Serivces Secretary Alex Azar came to Beaver County Friday May 29, 2020 and met with Heritage Valley officials and the Beaver County Commissioners. He was introduced by Heritage Valley CEO  Norm Mitry. The topic of discussion was the Brighton Rehab and Wellness Center just across Dutch Ridge Road.  The  nursing home is the site where most of the county’s COVID-19  cases  have occurred, and approximately 90% of the coronavirus  deaths have occurred there, according to statistics compiled since mid-March. Azar said that between May 12-14 HHS was on site  and there is a federal investigation  and findings, according to Secretary Azar,  will be released  soon.”He said a series of negative findings  and the tragic loss of many patients is unacceptable.” He said,”We’ll look at the rules and regulations  from CMS .”  He said, “States have to take care with infection control and systems control  at nursing homes seriously .”He said, “We’re focusing on protections  immediately.”He said, “We will certainly demand accountability.  As of Sunday there were 589 Covid-19 cases and 73 deaths in Beaver County.

Azar said a meeting with govenors and health commissioners is another step to be taken  to ensure the health and safety of our nursing home patients.
Below are Photos of Secretary Azar’s visit:

“STOP,STAND, AND SUPPORT PEACEFUL PROTEST” IN ALIQUIPPA SUNDAY MAY 31, 2020

PHOTOS COURTESY OF AUTUMN IVEY

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Aliquippa, Pa.) AUTUMN IVEY SAID  SHE WAS DRIVING THROUGH ALIQUIPPA SATURDAY NIGHT ON HER WAY TO WORK.   SHE SAID GOD TOLD HER TO  ORGANIZE A PROTEST IN ALIQUIPPA. SHE CALLED AND GOT PERMISSION ACCORDING TO POLICE AND IT WAS A PEACEFUL PROTEST OF  100 PEOPLE.  IVEY SAID IT STOOD FOR JUSTICE AND EQUALITY.  MAYOR DWAN B. WALKER SAID IT WAS BEAUTIFUL. THE PROTEST WAS AT THE POLICE STATION AT 10 A.M.SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2020

IVY SAID SHE REACHED OUT TO HER LONG TIME FRIEND DEMETRIUS DORSETT ,  AND HE AND HIS FRIENDS WEREN’T AWARE OF ANY PROTESTS BEING HELD ON SUNDAY. SHE CALLED POLICE  TO LET THEM KNOW WHAT SHE INTENDED ON DOING . SHE SAID  THAT HER  INTENTION WAS TO STAND IN PEACE AND ASKED THE COMMUNITY TO JOIN HER, NO MARCHING OR RIOTING OCCURRED.   SHE SAID SHE GOT 200 COMMENTS ON FACEBOOK  SUPPORTING HER INTENTIONS.  . SHE INTRODUCED HERSELF TO MAYOR WALKER SUNDAY MORNING , AND TO THREE  ALIQUIPPA POLICE OFFICERS, SHERIFF TONY GUY,  AND COUNTLESS OTHER COMMUNITY OFFICIALS AND BUSINESS OWNERS. IVEY GAVE A SHOUT OUT TO HERB AND ANGEL BAILEY FROM UNCOMMON GROUNDS  CAFE’ FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND SHARING THEIR AMAZING ENERGY. SHE SAID THE COMMUNITY STOPPED AND STOOD TOGETHER, ARMS LENGTH APART, MASKS ON AND SIGNS IN THEIR HANDS.
SHE SAID THE PROTEST LASTED ONE HOUR AND AT 11 A.M. THEY LOCKED ARMS, HELD HANDS, AND STOOD AROUND THE AMERICAN FLAG IN FRONT OF THE ALIQUIPPA POLICE DEPARTMENT. REVEREND BAILEY  LED THEM IN THE LORD’S PRAYER FOLLOWED BY THE CHANT “NO JUSTICE. NO PEACE”.
CHECK OUT PHOTOS OF THE RALLY BELOW COURTESY OF AUTUMN IVEY

Man gets life plus 11 to 22 years in homicide, rape case

Man gets life plus 11 to 22 years in homicide, rape case
PITTSBURGH (AP) — A western Pennsylvania man has been sentenced to life in prison without possibility of parole and a consecutive 11- to 22-year sentence in the strangulation death of a man and the rape of a woman last year. Fifty-nine-year-old Richard Mickens pleaded guilty Tuesday in Allegheny County to first-degree murder in the death of 51-year-old Luke Connelly in Carnegie in May 2019. Mickens also pleaded guilty to the rape and aggravated assault, for which the consecutive term was imposed. In exchange for the plea, prosecutors withdrew their bid to seek the death penalty in the case.

Pa. Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19, 6/2/20: Beaver County up One New Case and One New Death

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., June 2, that there are 612 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 72,894. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.

There are 5,667 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 100 new deaths. County-specific information and a statewide map are available here.

Locally in Beaver County we are at 591 cases an increase of one case. 3889 people have tested negative and one new death in the county for a total of we 74.

“As Pennsylvania continues to move forward in the process to reopen, we need to remember that the threat from COVID-19 has not gone away,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “As counties move into the yellow and green phases, we must take personal responsibility to protect others. Wearing a mask, continuing to maintain social distancing, and washing your hands frequently are all steps we can take to help protect others, including our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians, our essential workers and our healthcare system.”

There are 616 patients who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure, which are considered probable cases and not confirmed cases. There are 399,361 patients who have tested negative to date. Of the patients who have tested positive to date the age breakdown is as follows:

  • Nearly 1% are ages 0-4;
  • Nearly 1% are ages 5-12;
  • Nearly 2% are ages 13-18;
  • 6% are ages 19-24;
  • Nearly 37% are ages 25-49;
  • 25% are ages 50-64; and
  • 28% are ages 65 or older.

Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older. More data is available here.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 15,660 resident cases of COVID-19, and 2,696 cases among employees, for a total of 18,356 at 609 distinct facilities in 44 counties. Out of our total deaths, 3,597 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 5,523 of our total cases are in health care workers.

For the latest information for individuals, families, businesses and schools, visit “Responding to COVID-19” on pa.gov.

Non-life-sustaining businesses in the red phase are ordered to be closed and schools are closed statewide through the remainder of the academic year. Currently, 57 counties are in the yellow or green phase of reopening. The first 18 counties moved to green on May 29. All remaining red counties are expected to move to yellow by June 5.

Department of Agriculture, PA Veterinary Medical Association Remind Pennsylvania Pet Owners to Maintain Up-to-Date Rabies Vaccinations

Department of Agriculture, PA Veterinary Medical Association Remind Pennsylvania Pet Owners to Maintain Up-to-Date Rabies Vaccinations

Harrisburg, PA – Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association president Dr. Kate Harnish today reminded Pennsylvanians of the importance of getting back on track with regularly scheduled pet vaccinations and boosters. Maintaining up-to-date vaccines is not only important for the health and well-being of cats and dogs, but for the health and safety of Pennsylvanians.

“As we work to safely reopen Pennsylvania and counties move from red to yellow and green phases, it’s important for Pennsylvanians to schedule well visits for their four-legged companions to keep them up to date with necessary vaccines and boosters, especially rabies,” said Agriculture Secretary Redding. “Because of its ability to be transmitted from animals to humans and its fatality rate, rabies vaccines and boosters are incredibly important to be maintained.”

By Pennsylvania law, all cats and dogs three months of age and older are required to have current rabies vaccinations. Even pets that are indoors only are required to be vaccinated. Each year, dog wardens visit neighborhoods across Pennsylvania to conduct dog license and rabies compliance checks. Owners of pets without current rabies vaccines can face fines of up to $300.

“Veterinarians cannot express enough how important it is to keep your pets up to date on vaccination, especially rabies. When dogs and cats are not vaccinated, it puts them, you, and us at risk. Treating a sick pet without a current rabies vaccine can be problematic, as even the friendliest pets will bite and scratch when they are stressed and do not feel well,” said PVMA president Dr. Kate Harnish. “Vets may have to report these incidents to the PA Bureau of Animal Health, recommend quarantine, or even take more drastic measures such as euthanasia. This is the time of year when potentially rabid wildlife could interact with your pet. Vaccination results in overall improved health.”

Rabies is a virus of the central nervous system that can affect any mammal, it is widespread throughout Pennsylvania. It is of great public health concern because it can be transmitted to humans and is nearly 100 percent fatal without post-exposure treatment. Since 2000, between 350 and 500 animals in Pennsylvania annually are confirmed in a laboratory to have rabies. The most commonly affected animals are raccoons, bats, skunks, and cats. The last diagnosed human case of rabies in Pennsylvania was in 1984. The best way to prevent the spread of rabies and protect human health is vaccination of domestic mammals.

For more about Rabies in Pennsylvania visit pa.gov/guides. For a current map of rabies cases in Pennsylvania, visit agriculture.pa.gov.

For information as it relates to agriculture during COVID-19 mitigation in Pennsylvania visit agriculture.pa.gov/COVID. For the most accurate, timely information related to Health in Pennsylvania, visit on.pa.gov/coronavirus.

Street Sweeping to Resume in Ambridge

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Ambridge, Pa.) Ambridge street sweeping resumes Monday, June 15, 2020 . Residents are asked to observe parking restrictions on the street  signs posted in each neighborhood. Borough Manager Joe  Kauer  said warnings will be issued in advance  as a reminder  on the streets during the street sweeping hours.  Enforcement begins on the 15th and continues through October 9, 2020.

PennDOT Driver License Centers to Resume Driver’s Skills Tests

PennDOT Driver License Centers to Resume Driver’s Skills Tests

Customers may reschedule canceled test due to COVID-19 emergency

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that beginning Tuesday, June 2, 2020, driver’s skills test, including motorcycle skills test, will resume at reopened Driver License Centers.

Customers whose driver’s skills tests were canceled due to the COVID-19 emergency will be given priority in rescheduling skills tests by contacting the PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services Call Center at 717-412-5300. All other customers will be able to schedule a skills tests in the appointment system beginning June 20, 2020.

Customers who have skills tests scheduled on or after June 2 will be able to obtain a driver’s skills test at all open Driver License Centers that perform skills testing. The skills test has been modified to mitigate potential exposure of PennDOT staff and customers while maintaining the integrity of the testing process.

As part of the enhanced safety measures for non-commercial skills test the following safety protocols will be in place:

  • PennDOT staff will remain outside the vehicle during the entire skills test and the test taker and accompanying driver will remain in the vehicle.
  • In yellow phase counties, examiner will conduct basic health pre-screening of applicant.  If applicant is displaying any COVID-19 symptoms, test will not be administered. There will be no pre-screening for customers in green counties.
  • All customers and accompanying drivers must wear appropriate face masks during testing.
  • Examiners will be required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves, eye protection during the exam.
  • Examiners will utilize iPads during the administration of testing, which will be routinely disinfected using wipes or spray sanitizer.

 

PennDOT-Authorized Third Party Testers in yellow or green counties are also available for non-commercial testing and adhering to restrictions on work and social interaction set by Governor Tom Wolf and the Department of Health.  They must follow official phased reopening guidance outlined by the Governor’s Office and the Department of Health. For a list of PennDOT Authorized Third Party Vendors, please visit our website at www.dmv.pa.gov.

Customers may continue to complete various transactions and access multiple resources online at www.dmv.pa.gov. Driver and vehicle online services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and include driver’s license, photo ID and vehicle registration renewals; driver-history services; changes of address; driver license and vehicle registration restoration letters; ability to pay driver license or vehicle insurance restoration fee; and driver license and photo ID duplicates. There are no additional fees for using online services.

More COVID-19 information is available at www.health.pa.gov. For more information, visit www.dmv.pa.gov or www.PennDOT.gov.

Sheldon Jeter’s Preliminary Hearing on a Murder Charge was Continued

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Aliquippa, Pa.) Beaver County District Attorney David J. Lozier reported a short time ago that Aliquippa resident Sheldon Jeter’s preliminary hearing was continued. DA. Lozier said it will be held on Thursday, June 25 at 1 p.m. Jeter was charged with criminal homicide  following the death of Tyric Pugh, 22 of Aliquippa  on Friday night  May 15. According to Beaver County Coroner David J. Gabauer Pugh died as a result of multiple gun shot wounds  to the head and chest .

Another night of Violent Protests in Pittsburgh

(Pittsburgh,Pa.) After a peaceful group of thousands of protesters gathered in Pittsburgh’s East Liberty neighborhood yesterday afternoon to protest the death of George Floyd the Young man who died in police custody in Minnesota a small group of the protesters split off once the protest reached the area of a target store and began to  damage businesses in the area. Pittsburgh Police via their twitter account said they started to throw rocks and other items at law enforcement, and smoke was thrown after officers gave numerous orders for them to disperse.

Pittsburgh Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich said nine officers were injured. All officers were evaluated and released from the hospital. The vandal broke at least four windows, but it doesn’t appear any businesses were looted. Two protesters were transported to the hospital with injuries that they said they got from bean bags. Hissrich said 20 people were arrested last  night, which included four people who are not from Pennsylvania.