(Ambridge, Pa.) More than $140,000 in grant funding will help close connectivity gaps for students in the Ambridge Area School District by ensuring all students have access to internet and technology resources, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today.

Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the funding from the Emergency Connectivity Fund will help schools and libraries ensure students have equal access to tech tools that are so important for off-campus learning.

“Digital access is key to helping reinforce what kids learn in the classroom, but for some, access to those tools is not a given,” Matzie said. “Securing this funding will help us close the digital divide and ensure all kids have the access they need to achieve, regardless of household income.”

Matzie said the program will help schools and libraries cover costs associated with digital devices such as laptops, tablets, Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers and broadband connectivity purchases for off-campus use by students, educators and library patrons who currently lack sufficient access to broadband and connected devices.

The funding is part of a package of $20 million in funding to school districts statewide under the Emergency Connectivity Fund, a temporary fund created through the American Rescue Plan and administered by the Federal Communications Commission.

More about the awards is available here.

The grant is part of the first wave of ECF funding. A second application window is now open, and eligible schools and libraries can apply at www.emergencyconnectivityfund.org.

(Ellwood City, Pa.) Working to assist people in the 10^th Legislative District who are seeking employment, Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) will be hosting a job fair on Tuesday, Oct. 19, from 3-7 p.m. at the Butler County PennDOT offices located at 351 New Castle Road in Butler.

Those interested in a career with PennDOT are encouraged to attend the event to learn about the various seasonal opportunities available. District employees will be on-hand to answer questions regarding job opportunities and assist those interested with employment applications.

“PennDOT offers competitive wages, a rewarding career, and the opportunity for full-time permanent employment,” said Bernstine. “These employment opportunities can help you build skills and experience that will last throughout your career, even if you change careers later in life.”

Bernstine notes that a person may apply online at https://www.employment.pa.gov/Pages/jobopportunities.aspx.  CDL Medical Certification and drug and alcohol testing are required.

Attendees to the event will be able to apply, interview and road test (if eligible).

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.

(Washington, D.C.) The CDC has released new guidance ahead of the holiday season, adding what they say you can do in order to keep your friends and family safe and healthy.

The Delta variant of COVID-19 remains a big concern, so the CDC is saying if you’re not vaccinated, there are things you should do to make sure you’re protecting your loved ones.

The agency says the safest way to celebrate the holidays is by having virtual celebrations, gathering outside in a socially distanced way, and by celebrating only with people who live in the same household.

If you are gathering indoors, make sure your windows and doors are open for better ventilation, and follow CDC guidelines like wearing a mask indoors if there are a lot of people at the gathering.

It’s also suggested to hold off on holiday travel like flying if possible, unless you’re fully vaccinated. If you’re not fully vaccinated and you’re traveling with children, choose otherways to get to your destination, like driving.

Looking past Thanksgiving, Dr. Anthony Fauci said it’s too soon to tell how things will look by Christmas time.

(Beaver Falls, PA) Photos and story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published October 3, 2021 at 12:41 A.M.

In the featured photo, Cheryl Johnston from Geneva College joins Beaver County Radio’s Frank Sparks during a live remote broadcast held on campus as part of homecoming festivities 2021.
Geneva College started their 2021 Homecoming celebration with a parade through Beaver Falls on Saturday morning. The Golden Tornado Marching Band could be heard throughout downtown as student and other community based organizations followed them as the parade made its way from 12th street to the Geneva campus.  The parade wouldn’t have been complete without the Beaver County Radio fleet also making an appearance. Station Manager Mark Peterson, a Geneva graduate, led the fleet of station vehicles customized with signage from Signs Made Fast .

Once the parade wrapped up, Beaver County Radio’s Frank Sparks and Curtis Walsh maintained a position at the entrance of Reeves Field to give away prizes and conduct  interviews with many Geneva College representatives.  Throughout the afternoon,  Frank Sparks spoke with Geneva staff members Cheryl Johnston, Van Zanic, Dr. Anthony Comer, Dave Layton, Dr. Gordy Richards, President Dr. Calvin Troup, Judy Wilson, and Sarah Faulkner.  Students Mattie Burleigh, Julia Gallagher, Grant Dieter, and Manny Bravo were interviewed as well. Overall the day was a big success and Geneva College enjoyed a well deserved celebration. Photos from the day can be seen below:

 

 

The National Aviary in Pittsburgh continues to get closer in our efforts to bringing Kody home. Thanks to a sighting of Kody in the North Park area, our team was able to identify and find Kody’s location, where he was roosting at the highest point of one of the tallest trees. This team of animal care experts as well as our Executive Director camped out to monitor Kody’s roost throughout the night. Through their observations, they were able to confirm that Kody is still in excellent health and body condition. The Aviary team placed food to encourage Kody to fly towards them; unfortunately earlier this morning Kody did not come down, and was last sighted flying towards North Park.

We are extremely grateful to the community for their support in sharing their sightings of Kody with us. Having had this experience, we are more hopeful that Kody will come home soon, though obviously disappointed that today is so far, not the day. We believe Kody is spending time between North Park, Riverview Park, and may return to Northside areas. If you see Kody, please call the National Aviary at 412-323-7235 right away. Thank you.

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Ban on ‘surprise’ medical bills on track for Jan. 1 rollout
By RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is putting final touches on long-sought consumer protections against so-called “surprise” medical bills. The ban on charges that hit insured patients at some of life’s most vulnerable moments is on track to take effect Jan. 1. Patients will no longer have to worry about getting a huge bill following a medical crisis if the closest hospital emergency room happened to have been outside their insurance plan’s provider network. They’ll also be protected from unexpected charges if an out-of-network clinician takes part in a surgery or procedure conducted at an in-network hospital.