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Story by Sandy Giordano, Beaver County Radio News Correspondent

(Center Twp., Beaver County, Pa.) Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano is reporting that Dr.Nick Perry, Central Valley Superintendent said an issue at the middle school concerning some students is under investigation and those involved will be disciplined. The issue was brought to the administration’s attention , according to Dr. Perry
No other information is being released at this time.
Reports are saying that the incident revolves around accusations of a yearlong problem with some black children being the target of offensive racial gestures and names by white students.
It’s also alleged that a list was circulated last week that has the names of primates next to the names of students.

Keystone State News Connection

Jonah Chester

Advocacy groups in Pennsylvania are calling on lawmakers to redistribute billions of dollars in federal coronavirus relief aid to Commonwealth residents.

Pennsylvania received more than $7 billion through the American Rescue Plan, and $2.2 billion has not yet been allocated. Nick Pressley, director of campaigns for the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, said investing federal aid directly with working families would help the state’s economy continue to recover from the pandemic.

“The best way to help Pennsylvania families and small businesses,” he said, “is to send them direct checks to help offset the costs that are coming as a result of an economic recovery that was faster than expected.”

Pressley said one approach supported by some lawmakers calls for one-time rebate checks to low-income renters and homeowners, low-to-moderate-income families, and individuals or small businesses that own vehicles below a certain size. They also want to see grants to small businesses affected by the pandemic. Republicans have advised saving the relief aid, pointing to future operating deficits outlined in a
report by the nonpartisan Independent Fiscal Office.

Most of the proposals are included in Gov. Tom Wolf’s “Brighter Pennsylvania” plan. GOP lawmakers have suggested the federal relief be used for a gas-tax holiday, which would cut the state’s gas tax by one-third through the end of this year. Pressley argued that kind of tax cut would mostly benefit large corporations, who use the roads for shipping.

“The record is very clear,” he said. “When gas taxes go down, wealthy oil companies do not reduce prices at the pump at the same rate, if at all. ”

All told, Pressley said, the proposed rebate checks and small-business grants would cost more than $3 billion, which is more than the state technically has left in federal funds. But Pressley said lawmakers placed most of the Rescue Plan dollars in the state’s general fund, which is on track to have a roughly $4.7 billion surplus at the end of the fiscal year. Some advocates and lawmakers believe Pennsylvania should pull from that fund to support the stimulus programs.

(AP File Photo)
By ZEKE MILLER and JOSH BOAK Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is ordering the release of 1 million barrels of oil per day from the nation’s strategic petroleum reserve for six months in a bid to control energy prices. Biden says it’s not known how much gasoline prices could decline as a result of his move, but he’s suggesting it might be “anything from 10 cents to 35 cents a gallon.” Gas is averaging about $4.23 a gallon, compared with $2.87 a year ago, according to AAA. Prices have spiked as the U.S. and allies have imposed steep sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. Biden also is calling out oil companies that he says are focused on profits instead of putting out more barrels.

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Story by Sandy Giordano, Beaver County Radio News Correspondent

(Hopewell Twp., Beaver County, Pa.) Board member Jeff . Winkle notified the Hopewell School Board that he is resigning as of April 1, 2022.  . Any resident of District 1 in Raccoon Township that is 18 and over may  send a letter of interest to Hopewell Area School District, attention Nancy Barber, board secretary , 2354 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA. Deadline for applications is Friday, April 8, 2022.

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Story by Sandy Giordano, Beaver County Radio News Correspondent

(Aliquippa, Pa.) Aliquippa City Council met via ZOOM  Wednesday night and awarded a bid  of $50,000  submitted by S. WATKINS , INC. for  “THE BRICKS! CLEARING PROJECT.   Council also approved  a BCCD Block Grant application of $277,000  for 2022 to  be used for paving Franklin Avenue, Main Street hill ,Sharon and Waugaman  Street, also a portion of Sohn Road that is located in Aliquippa..  .

Warrendale, PA (3/30/2022) – AHN Healthcare@Home, a leader in home and community care services, has acquired TCM Home Health, an award-winning provider of home health services. The agreement was finalized on March 7, 2022.

AHN said via release that with the addition of TCM Home Health, AHN Healthcare@Home expands its ability to deliver consistent, high-quality care across the spectrum of home-based services throughout Western Pennsylvania. From palliative care, hospice care, hospital at home, infusion therapy, skilled nursing at home, home medical equipment and other personalized home care solutions, patients can maintain their independence and continue the healing process at home.

“AHN Healthcare@Home is committed to making healthcare simpler, smarter and more seamless, which includes enabling individuals to be healthy and heal in the most comfortable and cost-effective setting possible: at home,” said Monique Reese, DNP, ARNP, FNP, senior vice president, home and community care, Highmark Health. “TCM Home Health shares our deep commitment to reimagine the patient experience, accelerate clinical innovation, improve outcomes and satisfaction, decrease costs and enhance home-based services.”

“For more than 20 years, we have focused on assisting, educating and rehabilitating our patients in the privacy and comfort of their own home,” said Sherri Hewitt-Laird, Executive Director, TCM Home Health. “AHN Healthcare@Home is a leader in patient-centered home care in Western Pennsylvania, and joining them will make us stronger. AHN also understands that creating a remarkable employee experience will enable our providers to give patients the best quality of care.”

Allegheny Health Network’s 2,600 physicians and specialists will ensure patients receive a seamless continuum of care, whether in a hospital, an outpatient care center, a doctor’s office or at home. AHN Healthcare@Home ranks #1 in market share for Medicare patients serviced in Western Pennsylvania, based on the latest third-party data from Trella Health and Medicare claims, ahead of 40 other home health providers in the region.

AHN Healthcare@Home retained all 22 TCM Home Health employees. They will support their new staff with enhanced benefits, operational efficiencies and advanced clinical and technology innovations.  In the coming months, the newly acquired organization will be rebranded as AHN Healthcare@Home.

This acquisition is part of a joint partnership between AHN and Graham Health Care Group. AHN now owns a 60% stake of TCM Home Health, with Graham Health Care Group owning the remaining 40%.