US Congressman Conor Lamb Weighs in on Passage of American Rescue Plan

(WASHINGTON, DC) – Representative Conor Lamb’s (PA-17) statement following the House of Representative’s final passage of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319) to address the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic:

“Help is on the way, and western Pennsylvania deserves every dollar.  Family budgets, union pensions, schools, transit agencies, and the airport will all be stronger because of this bill.”

The legislation is now headed to the President for his signature.  Visit Lamb’s website for additional details on what is included in the final $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

Congress OKs $1.9T virus relief bill in win for Biden, Dems

Congress OKs $1.9T virus relief bill in win for Biden, Dems
By ALAN FRAM Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress has sent President Joe Biden the landmark $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill. The House approved the bill Wednesday over solid Republican opposition in a vote that gives the new president and Democrats a victory just seven weeks after he took office. Biden tweeted that “help is here” and said he would sign the bill on Friday. The 628-page measure represents Democrats’ effort to bridle the catastrophic pandemic and revive the enfeebled economy. Republicans say the measure is bloated, crammed with liberal policies and heedless of signs the dual crises are easing. The Senate passed the measure over unanimous Republican opposition four days ago.

Pirates’ Winning Creating Positive Atmosphere, Says Bob Walk

Do the wins in Spring Training truly count? In one sense, perhaps they do.

Bob Walk joined Matt Drzik from Bradenton for another Spring Training Report on Wednesday, one day after the Pirates came within one strike of a combined no-hitter and put up 10 runs against the Atlanta Braves in Kissimmee. Walk said that such games are good for a young team as far as building a winning atmosphere.

Walk also talked about the recent performance of Steven Brault, the stars-to-be on this Pirates roster, and the more conservative approach to the remainder of spring training.

To listen to the full conversation, click on the player below!

Beaver County Partnership with Huge News on Teleforum Thursday

The Beaver County Partnership is pairing with Johns Hopkins University to improve the education in the county-Partnership members will be Eddy’s guests on Teleforum Thursday to explain just what that means for Beaver county. The Best of Beaver County Show with Mike Romigh happens at 11a, the Scott Tady visit to talk entertainment holds forth at 11:30. A busy Thursday indeed on Teleforum; and you can hear it all on am1230, am1460, and 99.3fm presented by St. Barnabas.

VIDEO: “Hometown Heroes” Project Honors New Brighton Veterans & Active Duty

Whether you’re cruising down 65 from Oak Hill or taking 3rd Avenue toward Junction Stretch, soon you’ll be seeing the names and faces of those who served adorning the streets of New Brighton.

This is due to a new project brought forth by the New Brighton Rotary Club and the New Brighton Memorial Day Committee. Members John Proano and Noah Kairis joined Matt Drzik to discuss the “Hometown Heroes” project that has already begun to claim its presence within the town.

Kairis & Proano talked about the inspiration behind getting the project started, the input from local businesses to allow the project to flourish, and the possibility of a Memorial Day ceremony to honor all the veterans and active duty honored through this project.

If you would like to donate to the “Hometown Heroes” project, you can contact the New Brighton Business District Authority or the New Brighton Rotary Club on Facebook.

To watch the full discussion, click on the Facebook feed below!

Candidates file for Pennsylvania Supreme Court opening

Candidates file for Pennsylvania Supreme Court opening
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — The election for a single vacancy on Pennsylvania’s highest court is a step closer after several candidates made a petition filing  at the deadline to appear on the primary ballot. The Department of State website on Tuesday posted that it had received filings by three Republicans. They are Commonwealth Court judges Kevin Brobson and Patricia McCullough, as well as by Philadelphia Common Pleas Court Judge Paula A. Patrick. Brobson is from Dauphin County and McCullough is from Allegheny County. The lone Democrat to file for the high court is Superior Court Judge Maria McLaughlin of Philadelphia. The primary is May 18.

US aid to Pennsylvania draws GOP warning to use it for 1-time costs

US aid to state draws GOP warning to use it for 1-time costs
By MARC LEVY Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania state government is expected to receive more than $7 billion from the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 rescue package making its way through Congress, or almost one-fifth of its operating costs this year. On Tuesday, some lawmakers warned that the one-time sum of money should only be used for one-time costs. Many across the state government were still trying to determine exactly what restrictions are on the money. The estimated $7.3 billion coming to Pennsylvania state government dwarfs the roughly $2.5 billion deficit projected next year for state government next year by the Independent Fiscal Office, a legislative agency.

Major Step Towards Completion of Shell Cracker Plant Happening Today

(Potter Twp., Pa.) A Huge step towards completion of the Shell Cracker Plant in Potter Twp. will be happening today. Shell Pennsylvania Chemicals stated today on their Facebook Page that it is anticipated that National Fuel Gas Supply Corporation will introduce natural gas into the pipeline connected to the site. Shell is stating that you may notice an elevated flare associated with this and it may produce a visible flame both onsite and offsite. The flare is expected to be active for approximately 60 minutes. Shell says this is part of the normal commissioning procedure.

Heritage Valley Health System announces the 2020 Cameos of Caring Awardees

Moon Township, PA, (March 8, 2021) – Heritage Valley Health System is announcing their 2020 Cameos of Caring Awardees. The Award honors exceptional bedside nurses who work in acute care hospitals. Recipients must demonstrate a commitment to consistent, evidence-based clinical decision-making and excellence in nursing care, serve as an effective advocate for patients and their families, encourage and motivate others, be recognized as a role model for the profession of nursing, practice nursing involving direct patient care, be a licensed RN and be a direct employee of the hospital.

This year’s awardees are Darby Hupp an RN who works in the  Cardiopulmonary Unit at Heritage Valley Beaver, Rich Pongratz an RN in the Emergency Department at Heritage Valley Kennedy, and Sara Manfredi an RN who works in the  Progressive Care Unit at Heritage Valley Sewickley. The Cameo of Caring Program & Awards was established in 1999 in keeping with the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing’s commitment to the advancement and promotion of the nursing profession.

Darby Hupp an RN at Heritage Valley Beaver

Darby Hupp, RN works on the Cardiopulmonary Unit at Heritage Valley Beaver hospital. Darby finds that the most satisfying part of her career is having a role in improving a person’s life. She has learned to take time at the beginning of a shift for each patient — to get to know them, assess their condition, pass medications and talk with them about their goals for the day and plan of care. Darby has been part of the COVID-19 Unit during the pandemic.  “As the pandemic unfolded and the idea of the nurse as a hero emerged, it initially made me very uncomfortable,” said Darby.  “Truly though, this year every nurse on the front lines deserves to be recognized for the sacrifices they made and the risks they took to their own health.”

Rich Pongratz, RN at Heritage Valley Kennedy Twp.

Rich Pongratz, RN, is a nurse in the Emergency Department at Heritage Valley Kennedy hospital. Energetic, compassionate and dedicated, Rich proactively provides a high level of care to all his patients. He is a preceptor to nursing students and a nurse that his peers rely on for guidance and support. Rich is motivated to deliver high quality care and to treat all patients as he would want his family to be treated. “As a nurse you get to be hands-on, frontline, especially in the Emergency Department,” said Rich. “It’s rewarding to see people feeling better than when they first arrived.” 

Sarah Manfredi, RN at Heritage Valley Sewickley

Sara Manfredi, RN, is a nurse in the Progressive Care Unit at Heritage Valley Sewickley hospital. For nearly ten years, Sara has practiced the highest level of clinical judgement and critical thinking to ensure quality care is provided to patients. Her telemetry and stroke knowledge is invaluable to her department and peers. As a preceptor, Sara mentors graduate nurses and is a consistent source of knowledge, kindness, patience and encouragement. “The most satisfying part of being a nurse is watching a patient’s recovery and knowing that I aided in that,” said Sara. “It’s such a fulfilling feeling to know that you are helping someone get better.”