New Sewickley Twp. Elderly Man Victim of Homicide by His Son

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano 

(New Sewickley Twp, Pa.) New Sewickley Police Chief Ron Leindecker   reported that 83 year-old John Miklaucic  of new Sewickley Township and his son Michael Miklaucic, 57, of Plymouth Massachusetts met with Police Detective Gregory Pullen on Sunday, March 14, 2021.  The purpose of the meeting was to report a financial scam that John Miklaucic was a victim of. Detective Pullen obtained the information about the scam and opened an investigation into the incident.

On Tuesday morning, March  16, 2021, at approximately 8:05 a.m. New Sewickley police received a 911 dispatch call  from Michael miklaucic  reporting that his father was dead, and he  was the one that killed him. When officers arrived at 657 Fezell Road, New Sewickley Township, Miklaucic was found on the front porch and was immediately taken into custody without incident, according to Chief Leindecker’s report. Township Police conducted an emergency search of the residence  and found John Miklaucic  deceased by strangulation inside . Michael Miklaucic  was transported to the police department , where he confessed to the strangulation death of his father.
Michael Miklaucic was charged with homicide and arraigned  Tuesday in front of District Judge Ed Howe.

Pa State Rep. Aaron Bernstine’s Markie’s Law Bill Passes House

HARRISBURG – In the wake of the 2019 murder of a child in Lawrence County, the House of Representatives today overwhelmingly passed legislation authored by Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) which focuses on the parole process for violent offenders.

House Bill 146, or Markie’s Law, was named after Mark Mason, an 8-year-old boy who was brutally stabbed to death by a man who was paroled at the end of his minimum sentence for homicide, even after committing two separate assaults of other inmates while behind bars.

“I applaud my House colleagues for approving this legislation,” said Bernstine. “My legislation will postpone consideration of a violent inmate’s parole until an additional 24 months following the inmate’s minimum release date for each conviction for a violent offense while incarcerated. In addition, the bill will postpone consideration for parole an additional 12 months if the inmate attempts to escape, smuggles contraband, or retaliates or intimidates witnesses while incarcerated.”

Keith Burley, a convicted murderer, was released from prison in March 2019 after serving 20 years in a robbery/shooting death. Burley was arrested four months later in the stabbing death of Mason, who he abducted in a car with his 7-year-old brother during a domestic dispute with the boys’ mother.

The parole board determined that Burley was not only rehabilitated, but also that he no longer posed a risk to the public at the conclusion of his minimum sentence.

“This legislation will help foster a safer environment in prison as inmates will have a strong incentive to behave,” said Bernstine.

House Bill 146 which the House approved by a 144-58 vote, now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Son Travels from Mass. to Kill his Father in New Sewickley Twp. Tuesday Morning

(File Photo)

(New Sewickley Twp.) A man traveled from Massachusetts to kill his father Tuesday morning in New Sewickley Twp. according to Police. 

The son, who has not yet been identified, is accused of killing his father at a home along Fezell Road. It’s not clear what the motivation was for the killing. New Sewickley Police Department is holding a Press Conference at 3pm Tuesday afternoon. Stay tune to Beaver County Radio Continues to investigate this developing story. Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano is working on the story.

(PennDOT) Seeking the Public’s Feedback on Winter Services Through an Online Survey

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is seeking the public’s feedback on winter services through an online survey found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PDWinter2021.

“PennDOT is proud of our winter operations and communications,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “The results from this survey will help us measure public expectations and identify education opportunities.”

The survey is available through April 6 and should take about five minutes to complete. All responses are completely anonymous.

The 12-question survey asks respondents about their timeline expectations for safe and passable roadways, how they rank snow-removal priorities, and how they rate PennDOT’s winter services.

Respondents are also asked how they receive PennDOT roadway information, and whether or how they use the state’s 511PA traveler information services. During the winter, www.511PA.com offers its standard traffic and incident information while adding PennDOT plow-truck locations, winter roadway conditions, and other services.

At any time, motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.

As construction season begins, information on projects occurring or being bid this year is viewable at www.projects.PennDOT.gov. Visit the “Regional Offices” page at www.PennDOT.gov to sign up for travel alerts in a specific area.

Early morning crash Saturday in Bridgewater damages Beaver Valley Credit Union sign

(Photos taken by Frank Sparks)

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano 

(Bridgewater, Pa.) Bridgewater Police Chief Paul Smith reported this Tuesday morning that a black Ford SUV crashed  into the Beaver Valley Federal Credit Union sign in the parking lot early Saturday morning.  . Chief Smith said the accident occurred at 2:36 a.m.  damaging the business’s sign and post. Arrested for DUI was Justin Dezulovich, 30 of Monaca.  He was transported to heritage Valley Beaver to have is blood drawn.  Charges against Dezulovich will proceed by summons.

Damage done to the sign and wiring by the accident
The driver also took out a lamp post at the entrance to the credit union

AAA: Planning a Trip in 2021? Be Prepared for a Different Travel Experience

Planning a Trip in 2021? Be Prepared for a Different Travel Experience
AAA advises working with a trusted travel advisor, and keep an eye out for “Diamonds”

More than one year after the COVID-19 pandemic upended everyone’s travel plans, many Americans are eagerly awaiting their next chance to get out once again and explore. AAA Travel experts advise that while traveling in 2021 will be just as rewarding as years past, many of the normal protocols will be different.

“As vaccines are distributed and international destinations begin to open, our customers are already coming to us with questions about their travel options this year,” says Bevi Powell, senior vice president, AAA East Central. “For those who are getting ready to dust off their passports and get back to exploring, working with a AAA Travel Advisor will be crucial to help you navigate the continuing changes with traveling.”

What Travelers Can Expect

  • Masks – Face coverings are required on planes, buses, trains and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within or out of the United States, and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations. Outside of these transportation requirements, states – and some establishments – have mandates and/or restrictions on where and when masks must be worn.
  • Auto – Road trips to domestic destinations continue to be the preferred way for many to travel, but even these trips require additional planning and preparation. Those who make the decision to travel by car can refer to AAA’s COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Map and TripTik.AAA.com for the latest state and local travel restrictions, and to identify which rest stops, gas stations, restaurants and hotels are open along their route.
  • If renting a car, ask what has been done to clean the vehicle. Hertz, for example, has introduced Hertz Gold Standard Clean, an enhanced vehicle disinfectant and sanitization process.
  • Hotels – Prior to any hotel stay, call ahead to ensure your hotel is open and ask what precautions they are taking to protect guests.
  • Air – AAA cautions air travelers that in-flight amenities, including food and beverage services, may be limited or unavailable. Some airlines continue to limit flight capacities or block middle seats to allow for social distancing. Due to COVID-19, TSA is allowing one oversized liquid hand sanitizer container, up to 12 ounces per passenger, in carry-on bags, rather than limiting those to 3.4 ounces. Masks are also required at airports and on planes.
  • International Air Travel – All air passengers coming to the United States, including U.S. citizens, are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID‑19 before they board a flight to the United States. Travelers who don’t provide this to their airline will be denied boarding. There are no test requirements for domestic travel at this time.
  • Cruise – Even with the CDC’s no-sail order lifted, many cruise lines have voluntarily extended their suspension of sailing operations further into 2021. Anyone considering a future cruise vacation should talk to the cruise line or a travel advisor about the ship’s cancelation policy and to understand what you can expect on a cruise when they start sailing again.

 

Travel advisors are more important than ever during a pandemic. They serve as your advocate before, during and after a trip, and can answer questions related to:

  • travel insurance options,
  • what destinations and attractions are open both domestically and internationally,
  • destination-specific testing and quarantine requirements,
  • what to do if you need to make last-minute changes to a trip, and much more.

 

Diamonds are a Traveler’s Best Friend
Travelers have become used to relying on AAA Hotel and Restaurant Inspections and the Diamond Designation Program. All featured hotels and restaurants have earned a AAA Diamond designation by going through rigorous inspections conducted by AAA’s team of professional inspectors, based on the latest industry trends and travelers’ expectations. Hotels and restaurants must meet AAA’s high standards of cleanliness, comfort and hospitality to be part of the esteemed AAA Diamond Program, then they are assigned a designation of either Approved, Three Diamond, Four Diamond or Five Diamond.

In the upper echelon of those AAA Diamond hotels and restaurants are just 182 Five Diamonds (119 hotels and 63 restaurants) and 2,354 Four Diamonds (1,731 hotels and 623 restaurants). Out of 53,000 AAA Diamond designated hotels and restaurants across North America, only 0.3% have earned the coveted Five Diamond designation and 4.4% have achieved Four Diamond status.

While inspections were on hold for most of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all hotels and restaurants that continue to hold their AAA Diamond Designation can be found at AAA.com/Diamonds. In addition, travelers have a new resource available in the AAA Digital TourBook guides. These new additions are available for destinations across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean at TourBook.AAA.com. Available on smartphone, tablet or desktop, the new interactive guides feature detailed destination information, must-see attractions, sample itineraries and more.

Travel Restrictions Remain in Place—Plan Ahead
The CDC continues to urge Americans to delay traveling, warning that doing so increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. For those who choose to travel, current guidelines and requirements include the following:

  • Travel Restrictions – State and local governments may have travel restrictions in place, including testing requirements, stay-at-home orders and quarantine requirements upon arrival. Check the state and local health department where you are, along your route, and where you are going. Prepare to be flexible, as restrictions and policies may change during your trip.
  • COVID-19 Vaccines – If you are eligible, consider getting vaccinated for COVID-19. The CDC says to wait two weeks after getting your second dose to travel for your body to build protection after vaccination. Even if you’ve been vaccinated, continue to follow all official travel requirements and guidelines.
  • Testing – The CDC recommends taking a viral COVID-19 test 1 to 3 days before your trip. Do not travel if you test positive. Keep a copy of your negative test results with you during your trip and make plans to get tested again with a viral test 3 to 5 days after you return. Self-quarantine for a full seven days after trip, even if your test is negative. If you don’t get tested, the CDC advises staying home and self-quarantining for 10 days.

 

To find a travel advisor or for more information, visit AAA.com/Travel.

Bessemer Man Charged in Wampum Accident on Route 18

(Wampum, Pa.) Pa State Police in New Castle are reporting that a two vehicle accident happened on Route 18 near the intersection of Darlington Road in Wampum Boro at 7:00 AM Monday morning.

Troopers say that 29 year-old Travis Laughrey of Bessemser was traveling south on Route 18 in his 2007 Ford Edge when he struck a Jeep Liberty from behind that was stopped in the southbound lane. The Jeep that Laughrey hit drove away without providing any information about the crash. Laughrey’s car sustained moderate damage to the front end according to Troopers and had to be towed from the scene.
Laughrey is being charged by State Police with Following too closely to another vehicle.

Memorial Service Held for 20th Anniversary of Killing of Aliquippa Police Officer James Niam

(Aliquippa, Pa.) A memorial service was held at noon Monday, March 15, 2021, in remembrance of slain Aliquippa Police Officer James Naim.  He was on patrol in Linmar near a police sub station on the evening March 15, 2001 when someone approached him and shot him in the head four times from behind. The 20 year anniversary of his death  brought law enforcement from  the area to the  Aliquippa  Police Department.  The memorial service was conducted by Police Chaplain Reverend Stephen McKeown.

Richard Manning,  a bagpiper from the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Department  played TAPS S  and other appropriate music for the memorial service hosted by Aliquippa Police.

Restaurants, bars to see some pandemic limits lift in April

Restaurants, bars to see some pandemic limits lift in April
By MARC LEVY Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Gov. Tom Wolf will expand more business and event capacity limits and lift coronavirus restrictions on bar service starting on Easter Sunday. Monday’s announcement says bars and restaurants can raise indoor capacity limits to a maximum of 75% from 50%, but must follow the state’s social-distancing requirements. Going away are a ban on seating at the bar and serving alcohol after 11 p.m., as well as a requirement that patrons order food with their alcoholic drinks. Other businesses can also move to 75% of maximum capacity, including salons, gyms, casinos and theaters. Outdoor events can go to 50% of maximum capacity, while indoor gatherings can go to 20%.

Malkin records 1,100th NHL point, leads Pens to win

Malkin records 1,100th NHL point, leads Pens to win
By DAN SCIFO Associated Press
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Evgeni Malkin scored on a power play for his 1,100th career point and the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Boston Bruins 4-1. Malkin is the third Russian-born player to reach 1,100 points in the NHL, joining Alex Ovechkin and Sergei Fedorov. Malkin has eight goals this season and also had an assist while extending his points streak to eight games. Tristan Jarry made a season-high 42 saves for Pittsburgh, Sidney Crosby scored his 11th goal of the season and had two assists, and Jake Guentzel also scored his 11th — including four in the past four games. Evan Rodrigues also scored for the Penguins.