Category: News

Rochester Area School Board Holds Meeting

(Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Curtis Walsh)

(Rochester Township, PA) The Rochester School Board met tonight to vote on a variety of motions.  First approved were multiple requests by dance studios to use the building to host rehearsals and recitals at an approximate cost of $1,046.50 to 1,546.50 per studio, depending on services needed.  The board then had to take a roll call vote on a request to exonerate  $3,382.93 worth of delinquent school real estate taxes on a parcel located at 313 Deer Lane, a property that has been in the tax repository since 2018.  The board voted 4-2 and the request was approved.  The board went on to approve the administration to enter into discussions to purchase two parcels of undeveloped and unused land on Maryland Avenue at a cost of a maximum of $10,000 to develop additional parking.  Also on the agenda was the approval of an agreement for an emotional support program for students in grades 1-8 for the 2021-22 school year at a cost of $143.53 per day per student if purchased in advance and $149 for additional seats.  The elimination of two first grade teaching positions was approved as well, based on a decrease in enrollment.  Another position that was approved to be eliminated is the secretary to the assistant principal.

Gov. Wolf, Health Agencies, Community Partners Helping Pennsylvanians Who Cannot Leave Home Receive COVID-19 Vaccine

Reading, PA – As Pennsylvania continues its accelerated COVID-19 vaccination plan, Pennsylvanians who are not able to leave their homes must be reached, and various state agencies and community groups are helping.

Governor Tom Wolf visited Reading today to talk about how the state and its partners are using various means to reach people not able to leave home to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

“Pennsylvanians who cannot leave their homes face unique challenges when it comes to vaccine access,” Gov. Wolf said. “We’re all working together to reach out to this population that can be hard to pinpoint. It’s very important to me and to everyone here today that we make this concerted effort to reach out to this group of Pennsylvanians who have been particularly hard-hit by the isolation that comes with a pandemic. We are committed to finding every way to reach Pennsylvanians who cannot leave their homes and give them equitable access to the COVID-19 vaccine.”

The governor was joined by Secretary of Aging Robert Torres and Acting Secretary of Human Services (DHS) Meg Snead, along with Sen. Judy Schwank, Rep. Manny Guzman, Reading Mayor Eddie Moran, and representatives of Berks County and the Pennsylvania Area Agencies on Aging.

Collaborative efforts are already taking place to locate people who cannot leave their homes and get them vaccinated, including those Pennsylvanians who are not receiving services through the Department of Human Services or the Department of Aging.

“The Department of Aging and the Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are committed to helping all segments of Pennsylvania’s older adult population obtain a COVID-19 vaccine, including those older adults for whom leaving their home to get a vaccine is either impossible or highly impractical,” said Aging Secretary Robert Torres. “Addressing the needs of these seniors is an issue that requires us to mobilize and collaborate to fit the needs and resources of each community. AAAs have been doing a great job collaborating with community partners to help older adults obtain their vaccine appointments. Now, we’re seeing AAAs and counties build upon those successful models to find creative ways to reach seniors who cannot leave home, such as partnering with EMTs and visiting nurses. We appreciate the ongoing support of Governor Wolf and the departments of Health and Human Services to help us further advance these efforts.”

Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam today amended an order to ensure vaccine providers are working with local AAAs and other groups to reach those who are not able to leave their homes. The order was originally signed to connect providers to AAAs, which lead to great success to reach those 65 and older who were having difficulty obtaining vaccine appointments.

“Today’s amended order continues our work with our Medical Assistance managed care organizations to facilitate vaccine appointments for Pennsylvanians who are at greater risk of a severe COVID-19 case if they contract the virus,” said DHS Acting Secretary Meg Snead. “These partnerships break down barriers for seniors, adults with disabilities, and others in our Medical Assistance system who are high-risk and cannot leave their homes, many of whom are lower income or people of color. This direct outreach and coordination are essential for an equitable vaccination process and will help us save lives.”

“Homebound individuals have experienced social isolation for more than a year because of the pandemic,” Sen. Schwank said. “Simple activities we take for granted, like getting food, household necessities and medical care, became even more difficult to accomplish. Getting COVID-19 vaccines has added an additional layer of anxiety for homebound people, especially seniors, who desperately want to be vaccinated but can’t leave their homes. It’s our obligation to do all we can to get to them vaccinated and I am especially pleased that Governor Wolf and Acting Secretary of Health are taking this charge seriously.”

“We are in this fight against COVID-19 together, and I appreciate Governor Wolf and his administration coming to Reading and making a commitment to ensure our residents are vaccinated,” said state Rep. Manny Guzman, D-Berks. “It is important for all levels of government to partner in this effort, and my office is available to help connect people to the vaccine, as well as get them the help they need during this very difficult time. People should not go without proper health care and services, no matter their circumstance.”

While it is difficult to pinpoint the number of Pennsylvanians who are not able to leave their homes, the state and its community partners are committed to using all means of outreach to ensure everyone who wants a vaccine can get one.

“We are also working with housing associations, nursing care organizations, our federally qualified health centers, and other community partners to identify all Pennsylvanians who cannot leave their homes who need to be vaccinated and connect them to a provider,” Gov. Wolf said. “If you or someone you care about can’t leave home and wants to be vaccinated, please reach out to the Department of Health, your local Area Agency on Aging, or the Department of Human Services for help obtaining a vaccine appointment.”

A list of Area Agencies on Aging can be found here.

A map of vaccine providers can be found here.

The Acting Secretary of Health’s amended order can be found here.

Teleforum Tuesday

On Tuesday’s Teleforum program with host Eddy Crow, the topics will include (but not be limited to) SCOTUS and the scheduled conceal carry gun case; The latest covid vaccination news (hint: not great), and how to set yourself on fire while drinking with your buddies. Teleforum is every weekday from 9 till noon on AM1230WBVP, AM1460WMBA, and 99.3FM presented by St. Barnabas.

DCNR to Begin Spraying Forests in Gypsy Moth Suppression Effort

Harrisburg, PA – Today, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced the start of aerial spraying of state woodlands to combat gypsy moth populations poised for spring outbreaks in some sections of Pennsylvania.

“As the insects emerge and begin feeding, the suppression effort will begin in early May,” Dunn said. “Our recent cool, wet springs had emerged as an enemy of the gypsy moth in years past, but populations have climbed in some areas to a point where aerial spraying is needed to keep this invasive pest in check and protect the trees from defoliation.”

DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry will oversee spraying of 146 sites totaling 203,569 acres. Included will be nine state forests, nine state parks, state game lands and sections of the Allegheny National Forest in 19 counties located in south central, central, north central and north west Pennsylvania.

State parks to be sprayed: Black Moshannon, Centre County; Blue Knob, Bedford County; Chapman, Warren County; Colton Point, Tioga County; Hyner View, Clinton County; Kinzua Bridge, Warren County; Leonard Harrison, Tioga County; Little Pine, Lycoming County; and Prince Gallitzin, Cambria County.

“In Pennsylvania, these destructive, invasive insects go through cycles where outbreaks occur every five to 10 years,” said DCNR Forest Health Manager Dr. Donald Eggen. “Populations had declined in years past thanks to the gypsy moth fungus disease and wet spring weather but that no longer is the case for 2021.”

The gypsy moth suppression program is conducted with the goal of preventing defoliation so that trees do not become stressed and succumb to disease, other insect pests, or drought. Aerial spraying will be conducted by helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft.

Targeted sites are determined by surveys of egg masses and other indicators across the state indicating gypsy moth populations are increasing and have the potential to cause major defoliation.

Feeding while in the larval — or caterpillar — stage, the insect usually hatches and begins feeding from mid- to late April in southern Pennsylvania, and in early to mid-May in the northern part of the state. Oak, apple, sweet gum, basswood, birch, aspen, and willow trees are affected the most by the gypsy moth.

Bureau of Forestry experts note the state’s oak stands are especially vulnerable to gypsy moth infestation, often resulting in tree mortality. The loss of habitat, timber, and tree growth are considerable when gypsy moth populations go untreated. A tree begins to significantly suffer when 30 percent or more of its leaf surface is lost.

Biological in nature, the applied insecticides must be ingested by young caterpillars as they feed on emerging foliage.

Begun in 1972, the forest insect spray program is a cooperative effort among DCNR and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service’s Forest Health Protection Unit.

The gypsy moth was introduced to North America in 1869 at Medford, Mass., where it was used in a failed silk-production experiment. The gypsy moth first reached Pennsylvania in Luzerne County in 1932, and since then has infested every county.

Enon Valley Man Refuses to Press Charges Dealing With Items Stolen From Him

(Enon Valley, Pa.) Pa State Police in New Castle said via release that an Enon Valley man has refused to press charges involving a theft of equipment and tools from him.

State Troopers stated that the theft occurred on March 3, 2021. James Cook reported at that time that someone stole a chain saw, tools, an AC Sniffer and a car battery from him. The items were valued at approximately $270.00.

The release stated that Cook refused to cooperate with Troopers in regards to filing charges.

Van Zanic Talks About Geneva’s New Softball Records & Managing Sports Through A Period Of Chaos

It’s one thing to even consider playing sports during the middle of a global phenomenon, but to succeed during one is going above and beyond to showcase the strength of an individual or team’s performance.

The Geneva College softball team, under the leadership of athletic director Van Zanic and his coaching staff, have done just that. The team is currently 29-5 on the 2021 campaign, including a school-record 17 game winning streak that has placed the Golden Tornadoes in a first-place section tie (so far) with Westminster (who are 28-2 overall) at 12-2 in the PAC.

Zanic spoke about this historic season with Matt Drzik on A.M. Beaver County on April 26, just 8 days shy of the start of the PAC tournament–which coincidentally rubs up right against Finals Week at Geneva College. That is one of many difficult hurdles that Zanic has had to persevere through with his squad, and he talked about the drive and focus that has propelled not just the softball team, but Geneva athletics as a whole to the heights that they have achieved on AND off the field.

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

No One Injured In Deer vs. Car Accident of I-376 in Chippewa

(Chippewa Twp., Pa.) Chippewa Twp. Fire Department responded to a call Friday evening shortly after 8pm for a single vehicle accident on Toll I-376.

A Black Subaru was in the grass median when crews arrived with front end damage. After investigation it was determined that the car had hit a deer as it approached the Chippewa interchange.

No one in the car was injured. The deer, however, died from the impact.

Monaca Man Charged In Interstate 376 Accident

(Brighton Twp., Pa.) Pa State Police in Beaver are reporting on Monday, April 26, 2021 , that they were called to the scene of an accident on Interstate 376 near mile marker 37.5 in Brighton Twp. for a two-vehicle accident on April 12, 2021 at approximately 12:20 PM.

Upon arriving on the scene Troopers investigated and found out that Jeffrey Dolph of Monaca was operating a 1995 Ford Ranger pick-up truck in the right-hand lane of East bound 376 when his vehicle collided with a 2006 Dodge Shelby Charger being operated by Kevin Whitlock of Beaver Falls.

No one was injured and the specifics of the accident were not provided in the release.

Dolph was charged by Troopers with not driving properly on roadways laned for traffic.

President Biden Expanding Summer Food Program For 34M Schoolchildren

By JOSH BOAK Associated Press
The Biden administration is expanding a program to feed up to 34 million schoolchildren during the summer months. The expanded program uses funds from the coronavirus relief package approved in March. The Agriculture Department is announcing Monday it will continue through the summer a payments program that replaced school meals because the pandemic left many children with virtual classes. Families of eligible children would receive $6.82 per child for each weekday. That adds up to $375 per child over the summer months. The program reflects the Biden administration’s attempts to nearly stamp out child poverty. Conservative critics say the spending, if made permanent, could undermine the willingness of poorer Americans to work.

Pa. New “Move Over Law” Starts Tomorrow

(Harrisburg, Pa.) Pennsylvania’s “Move Over Law” will be implemented starting Tuesday, Arpil 27, 2021.
The “Move Over Law” requires drivers approaching an emergency response area to move one lane from the area. Drivers who are unable to safely merge into a lane further away from the response area are to slow to at least 20 mph less than the posted speed limit.

Pennsylvania defines an emergency response area as an area where an emergency vehicle has its lights flashing, or where road crews or emergency responders have lighted flares, posted signs or try to warn travelers.

Fines start at $500 for first-time offenders and up to $2,000 and a license suspension for a third or subsequent offense.

Drivers can be fined up to $10,000 if they injure or kill a first responder near a disabled vehicle.