(Photo by Sandy Giordano)

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Aliquippa, Pa.) EAT ‘n’ PARK  was located  at 2103 Sheffield Road in Aliquippa for several years. Aliquippa  School District bought the property in 2008  and intended to turn  it into an administration building, but the project  never went forward.

(Photo Courtesy of Commonwealth Media Services)

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) today hosted an event to kick off National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW). The week, designated to highlight the critical importance of safe driving through work zones, runs through April 30. The theme of this year’s work-zone safety campaign is “Drive safe. Work safe. Save lives.”

Surrounded by first-responder vehicles and equipment, Lieutenant Colonel Scott Price, deputy commissioner of operations for the Pennsylvania State Police, began the event by acknowledging the dangers faced by first responders while providing roadside assistance.

“In addition to today being the beginning of Work Zone Awareness week, changes made to Pennsylvania’s Move Over Law go into effect tomorrow,” Lieutenant Colonel Price explained. “Last year, 55 state police vehicles were struck while troopers were responding to traffic stops, disabled motorists, or crash scenes. The goal of the Move Over Law is to prevent these dangerous situations.”

Pennsylvania’s Move Over Law requires drivers to change lanes when approaching an emergency response area. Updates to the law, which include a new point system for violators and sets a fine of $500 for first-time offenders, $1,000 for a second offense, and $2,000 plus 90-day license suspension for a third or subsequent offense, take effect on April 27. The revamped Move Over Law also mandates drivers change lanes or slow down when approaching disabled vehicles when at least two emergency displays, such as vehicle hazard lamps, road flares, and/or cones or caution signs are present.

According to PennDOT data, in 2020 there were 1,412 work zone crashes, resulting in 15 fatalities. Additionally, since 1970, PennDOT has lost 89 workers in the line of duty. The PA Turnpike has lost 45 workers since 1940.

In an effort to change unsafe driving behaviors in work zones, Pennsylvania implemented the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement (AWSZE) program in March 2020. Pennsylvania’s AWZSE program uses vehicle-mounted systems to detect and record motorists exceeding posted work zone speed limits by 11 miles per hour or more using electronic speed timing devices. AWZSE systems are operational in active work zones where workers are present.

Results included in the AWZSE Annual Legislative Report, released today online at workzonecameras.PennDOT.gov, show that the program is meeting its goals of reducing work zone speeds, changing driver behavior, and improving work zone safety for both workers and motorists. Work zone speeds trended downward throughout AWZSE enforced work zones. Data shows a 16.6 percent reduction in the percentage of vehicles traveling over the posted work zone speed limit and a 43.6 percent reduction in the percentage of vehicles excessively speeding (11 miles per hour or more over the posted work zone speed limit). There is also evidence that overall work zone speeds have declined in projects that have had long-term deployments, regardless if the AWZSE units have been deployed or not. Additionally, overall work zone crashes in Pennsylvania work zones were down 19 percent in 2020.

“Construction season too often means hazards for the men and women who are delivering improved roads and bridges,” said PennDOT Acting Executive Deputy Secretary Melissa Batula. “Work zones may be a temporary inconvenience, but these workers all deserve to get home safely. Please slow down and never drive distracted, especially in work zones where roadway conditions can change every day.”

After limited travel during the pandemic, 93 percent of drivers are now returning to the roadway and 62 percent plan to travel by car this summer for vacations, according to Outdoor Advertising Association of America (OAAA).

“As drivers return to the road after months of limited travel, we are seeing an increase in the severity of roadway incidents impacting our road crews,” explained Craig Shuey, PA Turnpike Chief Operating Officer. “Today, you have learned of our multi-pronged approach to keeping our workers and drivers safe in work zones and along the roadway. However, the core component to protecting workers and motorists is driver behavior. Don’t forget your safe-driving manners and be certain you are fully aware of what is happening on and along the roadway.”

For more information on work zone safety or Pennsylvania’s updated Move Over Law, visit www.PennDOT.gov/Safety.

For more information on the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement program, including a list of projects where the units are deployed, visit https://workzonecameras.penndot.gov/.

For more information on work zone safety and an opportunity to take the safe-driving pledge, visit https://www.idriveorange.com/.

Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board Opens Entry for
Multiple Limited-Release Lotteries for 28 Rare Whiskeys

Harrisburg – The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB), through five separate Limited-Release Lotteries, will award lottery registrants the opportunity to purchase 213 bottles of 28 rare whiskeys.

Pennsylvania residents and licensees will have until 5:00 PM Friday, April 30, to opt in to one or more of the lotteries and drawings by visiting the Limited-Release Lottery web page at FWGS.com.

Five separate lotteries, each with multiple drawings, will be conducted for these limited-release whiskeys. Participants may opt in to one, several, or all lotteries. For the first four lotteries, if a participant wins a bottle in a drawing, they will be removed from subsequent drawings in that lottery, and purchase is limited to one bottle per participant per lottery. For the lottery featuring various other bourbons, participants may enter and win in multiple drawings, and purchase is limited to one bottle per drawing.

Lotteries and drawings will be held in the following order.

Van Winkle 2020

For the Van Winkle 2020 lottery, there are six drawings.

• Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Straight Bourbon 23 Year Old 95.6 Proof 2020, $399.99 – 1 bottle for individual consumers
• Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Straight Bourbon 20 Year Old 90.4 Proof 2020, $249.99 – 1 bottle for individual consumers
• Van Winkle Family Reserve Straight Rye Whiskey 13 Year Old 95.6 Proof 2020, $159.99 each – 1 bottle for individual consumers, 1 bottle for licensees
• Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Straight Bourbon 15 Year Old 107 Proof 2020, $149.99 each – 7 bottles for individual consumers, 2 bottles for licensees
• Old Rip Van Winkle Handmade Straight Bourbon 10 Year Old 107 Proof 2020, $89.99 each – 11 bottles for individual consumers, 3 bottles for licensees
• Van Winkle Special Reserve Straight Bourbon 12 Year Old 90.4 Proof 2020, $99.99 each – 12 bottles for individual consumers, 3 bottles for licensees

Van Winkle 2019

For the Van Winkle 2019 lottery, there are six drawings.

• Van Winkle Family Reserve Straight Rye Whiskey 13 Year Old 95.6 Proof 2019, $159.99 each – 3 bottles for individual consumers, 1 bottle for licensees
• Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Straight Bourbon 23 Year Old 95.6 Proof 2019, $399.99 each – 4 bottles for individual consumers, 1 bottle for licensees
• Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Straight Bourbon 20 Year Old 90.4 Proof 2019, $249.99 each – 10 bottles for individual consumers, 3 bottles for licensees
• Van Winkle Special Reserve Straight Bourbon 12 Year Old 90.4 Proof 2019, $99.99 each – 10 bottles for individual consumers, 3 bottles for licensees
• Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Straight Bourbon 15 Year Old 107 Proof 2019, $149.99 each – 12 bottles for individual consumers, 3 bottles for licensees
• Old Rip Van Winkle Handmade Straight Bourbon 10 Year Old 107 Proof 2019, $89.99 each – 14 bottles for individual consumers, 4 bottles for licensees

Buffalo Trace Antique Collection 2020

For the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection 2020 lottery, there are five drawings.

• Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey 18 Year Old 90 Proof Bottled Summer 2020, $109.99 each – 2 bottles for individual consumers, 1 bottle for licensees
• William Larue Weller Straight Bourbon Barrel Proof (134.5 Proof) 2020, $109.99 each – 5 bottles for individual consumers, 1 bottle for licensees
• Eagle Rare Straight Bourbon 17 Year Old 101 Proof Bottled Summer 2020, $109.99 each – 6 bottles for individual consumers, 1 bottle for licensees
• Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey Barrel Proof (129 Proof) 2020, $109.99 each – 10 bottles for individual consumers, 3 bottles for licensees
• George T. Stagg Straight Bourbon Barrel Proof (130.4 Proof) 2020, $109.99 each – 14 bottles for individual consumers, 4 bottles for licensees

Buffalo Trace Antique Collection 2019

For the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection 2019 lottery, there are five drawings.

• Eagle Rare Straight Bourbon 17 Year Old 101 Proof Bottled Summer 2019, $109.99 each – 1 bottle for individual consumers, 1 bottle for licensees
• Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey 18 Year Old 90 Proof Bottled Summer 2019, $109.99 each – 1 bottle for individual consumers, 1 bottle for licensees
• Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey Barrel Proof (125.7 Proof) 2019, $109.99 each – 2 bottles for individual consumers, 1 bottle for licensees
• William Larue Weller Straight Bourbon Barrel Proof (128 Proof) 2019, $109.99 each – 3 bottles for individual consumers, 1 bottle for licensees
• George T. Stagg Straight Bourbon Barrel Proof (116.9 Proof) 2019, $109.99 each – 6 bottles for individual consumers, 1 bottle for licensees

Bourbon Mix

For this lottery, there are six separate drawings.

• Michter’s Straight Bourbon Limited Release 20 Year Old 114 Proof, $799.99 each – 1 bottle for individual consumers, 1 bottle for licensees
• Eagle Rare Double Eagle Very Rare Straight Bourbon 90 Proof, $1,999.99 each – 1 bottle for individual consumers, 1 bottle for licensees
• Michter’s Straight Bourbon 25 Year Old 116.2 Proof, $999.99 each – 2 bottles for individual consumers, 1 bottle for licensees
• Rock Hill Farms Single Barrel Bourbon, $49.99 each – 7 bottles for individual consumers, 2 bottles for licensees
• O.F.C. Straight Bourbon 1995 90 Proof, $2,499.99 each – 8 bottles for individual consumers, 2 bottles for licensees
• Old Forester Birthday Straight Bourbon 2020 98 Proof, $129.99 each – 9 bottles for individual consumers, 3 bottles for licensees

Limited-Release Lotteries are open to licensees and Pennsylvania residents age 21 or older who provide both a verifiable Pennsylvania billing address and identify a Fine Wine & Good Spirits store for delivery at registration. Any non-licensee registrant with a billing address that cannot be verified as a Pennsylvania address will be removed from the lottery.

There is a limit of one entry per household/billing address or licensee for each drawing, and duplicate entries will be cancelled. The PLCB reserves the right to disqualify all entries received from a single household or billing address.

Individual consumers and licensees interested in entering one or more drawings must have an active account with FWGS.com, and the quick checkout store delivery information must be completed. Each participant is encouraged to verify that accurate, up-to-date billing information is associated with their customer account to prevent transaction delays or cancellations. The use or creation of multiple Fine Wine & Good Spirits accounts for the purposes of participating in a Limited-Release Lottery is strictly prohibited and may result in the entrant being banned from current and future Lotteries.

Store delivery of Limited-Release Lottery products is required; failure to identify a valid store for delivery may result in the loss of the right to purchase that product.

In light of attempts by previous lottery winners to illegally resell products obtained through Limited-Release Lotteries, the Terms and Conditions remind residents that the sale of alcoholic beverages without a license is strictly prohibited under Pennsylvania law. When entering a Limited-Release Lottery, a participant will be asked to acknowledge that they agree to these terms and conditions and are a Pennsylvania resident or active licensee. Violating the Terms and Conditions may result in an entrant being disqualified from current and future lotteries.

Lottery drawings will be witnessed by an independent third party. Winners will be selected at random by computer program. Participants will be notified by email when the lottery process is complete.
The PLCB regulates the distribution of beverage alcohol in Pennsylvania, operates 600 wine and spirits stores statewide, and licenses 20,000 alcohol producers, retailers, and handlers. The PLCB also works to reduce and prevent dangerous and underage drinking through partnerships with schools, community groups, and licensees. Taxes and store profits – totaling nearly $17.9 billion since the agency’s inception – are returned to Pennsylvania’s General Fund, which finances Pennsylvania’s schools, health and human services programs, law enforcement, and public safety initiatives, among other important public services. The PLCB also provides financial support for the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, other state agencies, and local municipalities across the state. For more information about the PLCB, visit lcb.pa.gov.

AAA: Western PA Gas Prices Increase; National Demand Continues to Rise
Gas prices in Western Pennsylvania are up three cents this week to $3.035 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report.

This week’s average prices: Western Pennsylvania Average                  $3.035
Average price during the week of April 19, 2021                                       $3.002
Average price during the week of April 27, 2020                                       $2.082

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

$2.993      Altoona
$3.073      Beaver
$3.099      Bradford
$3.006      Brookville
$3.056      Butler
$2.999      Clarion
$3.001      DuBois
$3.076      Erie
$2.992      Greensburg
$3.050      Indiana
$3.013      Jeannette
$3.005      Kittanning
$3.009      Latrobe
$3.087      Meadville
$3.099      Mercer
$2.921      New Castle
$3.076      New Kensington
$3.099      Oil City
$3.029      Pittsburgh
$2.999      Sharon
$3.008      Uniontown
$3.099      Warren
$3.004      Washington

Trend Analysis:
At 9.1 million barrels-per-day, U.S. gasoline demand recorded its second highest measurement since mid-March 2020, indicating that motorists are filling up more often. This latest demand reading is the highest spring number released by the Energy Information Administration (EIA) in two years. In fact, it is only about 3% below the same week in 2019.

Both demand and supply have steadily increased in the past five weeks, but weekly gasoline supply builds are trending less substantial. On the week, supply only saw a 100,000 barrel build to 234.9 million barrels, most likely due to high consumer demand.

The jump in demand combined with the small increase in supply pushed the national gas price average two cents more expensive on the week to $2.88. This is the largest one-week national increase in the last five weeks.

Cheaper crude oil prices, which are mostly pricing at less than $63 per barrel, and stable and strong refinery utilization (85%) are helping to keep pump price increases at moderate levels. On the week, 35 state averages increased with the majority seeing only one to three cent jumps.

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

AAA East Central is a not-for-profit association with 73 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.

Keystone State News Connection

Supreme Court to Hear Student Free-Speech Case

Andrea Sears

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Can a school discipline students for things they say outside of school?

The U.S. Supreme Court will consider the question tomorrow in a Pennsylvania case.

In 2017, a high school sophomore was kicked off the Mahanoy Area High School cheerleading squad for posting a picture and text online the school district believed to be “negative,” “disrespectful,” and “demeaning” about cheerleading.

Sara Rose, senior staff attorney for the ACLU of Pennsylvania, said courts have ruled schools have broad powers to discipline students for speech considered disruptive when they are in school, but this student’s Snapchat message was posted on a Saturday and sent only to friends.

“We think it’s really important that the court decide that when they’re no longer under the school’s supervision, when they’re under their parents’ supervision, students and their parents get to decide what’s appropriate for them to say, and not the school,” Rose explained.

A brief filed by the school district claims schools should be able to treat students alike when the disruptive speech is directed at the school no matter where it originates.

Some appellate courts have ruled students can be punished for speech outside of school. But Rose pointed out that, in this case, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals was the first to limit that disciplinary power.

“They said when the speech is not harassing, threatening or bullying normal First Amendment standards apply,” Rose recounted. “You don’t apply this standard that’s really deferential to school officials when the kids are outside of school.”

She noted all but one of the other off-campus student free-speech cases involved speech that could be considered threatening or harassing.

In 1969, the Supreme Court ruled schools can punish students for speech in school that materially and substantially disrupts school activities.

Rose pointed out in this case, the school is asking the court only to rule that it can apply that standard to speech outside school.

“If the court were to rule that, they’ve asked them to remand the case back to the Third Circuit to make findings on whether our client’s speech caused a material and substantial disruption,” Rose outlined.

She added 24 organizations, ranging from conservative religious groups to civil-rights advocates, have filed amicus briefs on behalf of the student in this case.

Pennsylvania population lag costs state a US House seat
By MARC LEVY Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Official word on Monday that Pennsylvania’s population growth continues to lag behind the nation’s marks the 10th consecutive decade the Keystone State has lost clout, even as it rose a notch to the fifth-most populous state. Pennsylvania will have one fewer electoral votes in presidential elections — from 20 to 19. It also will have one fewer U.S. House seats. Census figures show Pennsylvania’s resident population crept to just over 13 million last year from 12.7 million in 2010, a 2.4% gain. That’s far behind the nation’s growth of 7.4%. That could mean Pennsylvania will see a reduced share of federal money for Medicaid, social programs and infrastructure.

Judge sets hearing on Graham Spanier’s pending jail sentence
By MARK SCOLFORO Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Graham Spanier’s lawyers are expected to be in a Pennsylvania courtroom next month as a judge considers whether the former Penn State president should have to report to jail to start serving his sentence related to the Jerry Sandusky child molestation scandal. A judge in Harrisburg said Monday the May 26 hearing will address a motion by the state attorney general’s office seeking to enforce Spanier’s jail sentence. A message seeking comment was left for Spanier’s legal team. Spanier was found guilty by a jury of a single misdemeanor count of endangering the welfare of children. He was sentenced to a minimum of two months in jail.

(Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Curtis Walsh)

(New Brighton, PA)  The New Brighton Area school board met tonight for the second meeting of the month.  They approved a number of motions that were discussed in their meeting earlier this month.  Two agreements were approved to lease classroom space to two companies, one being the operator of Head start and the other Tiny Tots, for the 2021-22 school year.  The board then approved to exonerate school property taxes in the amount of $2,386.09 for a parcel located at 907 10th Street, for 2019 and 2020. The parcel was purchased by a Pittsburgh company from the repository of unsold property.  The board also approved the Beaver County Career and Technology Center’s general fund budget of $6,234,249.00 for the 2021-22 school year.  Also approved is a three year agreement with the New Brighton Police Department  to provide coverage at athletic and school events through 2024.  Another item approved that was discussed at the last meeting is that New Brighton will move forward with a co-op agreement with Freedom for soccer and wrestling.  The board approved to establish the agreement for the 2021-22 school year for Varsity Boys Soccer and Varsity Wrestling.