Category: News

TSA stops Butler County, PA, woman with loaded handgun at Pittsburgh Airport security checkpoint

(Photo Courtesy of TSA)

PITTSBURGH, Pa. –  Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers caught a Butler County, Pennsylvania, woman with a .380 caliber handgun loaded with six bullets at the security checkpoint early this morning, Monday, April 12.

When the TSA officer spotted the gun in the checkpoint X-ray machine, the Allegheny County Police were alerted, came to the checkpoint, questioned the woman and confiscated the gun.

The woman, a resident of Sarver, Pennsylvania, had the gun in her purse. She now faces a federal financial civil penalty for bringing a gun to the checkpoint.

“It is mid-way through the fourth month of the year and already we have caught more than half the number of guns we caught during all 12 months of 2020,” said Karen Keys-Turner, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport. “Let me say it very simply. Do not bring your gun to an airport security checkpoint. Even if you have a concealed carry permit, you are not permitted to carry it onto an airplane. If you want to travel with it, you must pack it properly so that it can be transported as checked baggage. If you do bring your gun to our checkpoint, you will face a stiff federal civil penalty that could cost you thousands of dollars.”

Travelers are not permitted to carry their guns onto airplanes, however, passengers are permitted to transport their firearms as checked baggage if they are properly packed and declared at their airline ticket counter to be transported in the belly of the plane. Checked firearms must be unloaded, packed in a hard-sided case, locked, and packed separately from ammunition. TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its website. Firearm possession laws vary by state and locality and travelers should check into firearm laws before they decide to travel with their guns. Travelers should also contact their airline as they may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition.

When an individual shows up at a checkpoint with a firearm, the checkpoint lane comes to a standstill until the police resolve the incident. Guns at checkpoints can delay travelers from getting to their gates.

TSA reserves the right to issue a civil penalty to travelers who have guns and gun parts with them at a checkpoint. Civil penalties for bringing a handgun into a checkpoint can stretch into thousands of dollars, depending on mitigating circumstances. This applies to travelers with or without concealed gun carry permits because even though an individual may have a concealed carry permit, it does not allow for a firearm to be carried onto an airplane. The complete list of civil penalties is posted online. If a traveler with a gun is a member of TSA PreCheck®, that individual will lose their TSA PreCheck privileges.

TSA Firearms Caught at the Pittsburgh International Airport checkpoint, 2017 to 2021

Year 2017 2018 2019 2020* 2021*
Guns caught 32 34 35 21 11

*Significantly fewer passengers than previous years due to the pandemic.

Nationwide, TSA officers detected 3,257 firearms on passengers or their carry-on bags at checkpoints last year, although the total number of passengers screened at airport checkpoints across the country fell by 500 million compared to 2019 due to the pandemic. The result was that twice as many firearms per million passengers screened were detected at checkpoints in 2020 compared to 2019. In 2020, TSA caught approximately 10 firearms per million passengers as compared to about five firearms per million passengers in 2019.  Of the guns caught by TSA in 2020, about 83 percent were loaded.

“It is mid-way through the fourth month of the year and already we have caught more than half the number of guns we caught during all 12 months of 2020,” said Karen Keys-Turner, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport. “Let me say it very simply. Do not bring your gun to an airport security checkpoint. Even if you have a concealed carry permit, you are not permitted to carry it onto an airplane. If you want to travel with it, you must pack it properly so that it can be transported as checked baggage. If you do bring your gun to our checkpoint, you will face a stiff federal civil penalty that could cost you thousands of dollars.”

Travelers are not permitted to carry their guns onto airplanes, however, passengers are permitted to transport their firearms as checked baggage if they are properly packed and declared at their airline ticket counter to be transported in the belly of the plane. Checked firearms must be unloaded, packed in a hard-sided case, locked, and packed separately from ammunition. TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its website. Firearm possession laws vary by state and locality and travelers should check into firearm laws before they decide to travel with their guns. Travelers should also contact their airline as they may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition.

When an individual shows up at a checkpoint with a firearm, the checkpoint lane comes to a standstill until the police resolve the incident. Guns at checkpoints can delay travelers from getting to their gates.

TSA reserves the right to issue a civil penalty to travelers who have guns and gun parts with them at a checkpoint. Civil penalties for bringing a handgun into a checkpoint can stretch into thousands of dollars, depending on mitigating circumstances. This applies to travelers with or without concealed gun carry permits because even though an individual may have a concealed carry permit, it does not allow for a firearm to be carried onto an airplane. The complete list of civil penalties is posted online. If a traveler with a gun is a member of TSA PreCheck®, that individual will lose their TSA PreCheck privileges.

TSA Firearms Caught at the Pittsburgh International Airport checkpoint, 2017 to 2021

Year 2017 2018 2019 2020* 2021*
Guns caught 32 34 35 21 11

*Significantly fewer passengers than previous years due to the pandemic.

Nationwide, TSA officers detected 3,257 firearms on passengers or their carry-on bags at checkpoints last year, although the total number of passengers screened at airport checkpoints across the country fell by 500 million compared to 2019 due to the pandemic. The result was that twice as many firearms per million passengers screened were detected at checkpoints in 2020 compared to 2019. In 2020, TSA caught approximately 10 firearms per million passengers as compared to about five firearms per million passengers in 2019.  Of the guns caught by TSA in 2020, about 83 percent were loaded.

Pennsylvania makes essential workers eligible for vaccine

Pennsylvania makes essential workers eligible for vaccine
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania has expanded eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine to essential workers in a range of industries on Monday. Workers in transportation and logistics, construction, public health, finance, legal services and several other industries became eligible to sign up for the vaccine on Monday. State officials have said the newly eligible population totals between 1.3 million and 1.7 million people. Pennsylvania plans to make the shot available to everyone aged 16 and older on April 19 to meet a deadline set by President Joe Biden. Most states have already made adults universally eligible for the vaccine.

Ellwood City Women Injured while Arguing with Daughter

(Wayne Twp.,Pa.) Pa State Police in New Castle are reporting that they were dispatched to 4617 Ellwood Road in Wayne Twp. On Saturday April 10, 2021 around 7:45 p.m. for reports of a disturbance.

When Troopers arrived and investigated they found out that 27-year-old Caitlin Gardner of New Castle engaged in a verbal altercation with her mother, 56-year-old Kathleen Neal of Ellwood City. As Neal was leaving the residence Gardner push Neal causing her to fall and receive minor injuries. Troopers reported via release that Gardner was charged with simple assault and harassment.

Man Shoots Self Accidently While Retrieving Gun From a Bag

(Mahoning Twp., Pa.) Pa State Police in New Castle are reporting that they were dispatched to Church Hill Road in Mahoning Twp., Lawrence County  early Monday morning, April 12, 2021, at 2:30 a.m. for a report of an accidental shooting.

Troopers stated via release that upon further investigating it was determined that man had accidently discharged his pistol as he was removing it from the holster inside a bag in his vehicle. The unidentified man sustained moderate injuries to his right hand and knee. He was transported to St. Elizabeth Hospital in Ohio. There was no information provided on his condition as Troopers continue to investigate.

Department of Health: Cancel Duplicate Appointments to Help Ensure Vaccine is Available for All

Department of Health: Cancel Duplicate Appointments to Help Ensure Vaccine is Available for All

HARRISBURG, PA – Pennsylvania Department of Health Acting Secretary Alison Beam today urged all Pennsylvanians to remember to both attend a scheduled COVID-19 vaccine appointment and cancel any unneeded appointments so that all vaccine doses get into the arms of people.

“All three available vaccines are safe and effective, and we need folks to get the first available vaccine,” Acting Secretary Beam said. “If you have scheduled appointments at numerous places as part of your attempt to get vaccinated, please remember to call those other locations and cancel the remaining appointments. You can let them know that you have been vaccinated.

“Each time someone is a no-show for an appointment, it increases the chances of a dose of vaccine being wasted if the appointment cannot be refilled by someone else who has not yet been vaccinated.”

There are currently three COVID-19 vaccines available, Janssen, Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech. All three vaccines are safe and effective at preventing hospitalizations, serious illness and death. It is important that Pennsylvanians take the first vaccine available to help quickly and efficiently vaccinate as many people as possible.

Vaccine providers work to ensure vaccine is ready for each appointment made. When someone does not show up for an appointment, their dose has already been removed from the storage requirements and often has to be used that day.

Previously, vaccine providers who had leftover doses for individuals who did not show up for their scheduled appointment called others who were on waiting lists. However, many vaccine providers have exhausted waiting lists.

When an individual receives their first dose (or single dose) of vaccine, it is important to call other locations where they may have also scheduled an appointment. This will not only prevent waste, but also allows that appointment slot to be opened to someone who still needs to be vaccinated.

Vaccine dose waste is very low – less than one-tenth of one percentage point and missed appointments are thought to be a cause of some waste, not to mention that an unfilled appointment means one less person getting vaccinated in a timely manner.

“Throughout this pandemic, Pennsylvanians have shown their commitment to working together,” Acting Secretary Beam said. “As we work to vaccinate all those who wish to be vaccinated, we ask people to give a courtesy call to cancel unneeded appointments with other providers with whom they previously scheduled appointments. This will allow us to ensure that each shot is put into the arm of a person.”

It is also important that people visit their vaccine provider for their second dose. Providers are working to schedule second dose appointments at the time of first dose appointment or immediately after first doses are received.

While vaccine supply from the federal government remains limited, the Department of Health is working to ensure the vaccine is provided in a way that is ethical, equitable and efficient. To keep Pennsylvanians informed about vaccination efforts:

The Wolf Administration stresses the role Pennsylvanians play in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
  • Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
  • Clean surfaces frequently.
  • Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
  • If you must go out, you are required to wear a mask when in a business or where it is difficult to maintain proper social distancing.
  • Download the COVID Alert PA app and make your phone part of the fight. The free app can be found in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store by searching for “covid alert pa”.

Georgetown Pa. Man Accused of Assaulting a Women in Greene Twp.

Pa State Police in Beaver are reporting that they have arrested a Georgetown man for Assault with bodily injury.

Troopers say via release that they were called to 301 Sunrise Drive in Greene Twp., Beaver County for a report that 59-year-old Donald Galusky, of Georgetown, struck a 61-year-old female, also from Georgetown, in the neck area with an open hand. Galusky is also accused of threating the victim by telling her he was going to kill her. Troopers took Galusky into custody. Charges were filed at the local magistrate’s office and Galusky was transported to the Beaver County Jail.

THE CITY OF ALIQUIPPA HELD MEMORIAL SERVICE AND DEDICATION FOR CHIEF AND FALLEN OFFICER

(Photos Courtesy of City of Aliquippa and Sandy Giordano)

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Aliquippa, Pa.) ON FRIDAY MORNING, A MEMORIAL SERVICE WAS  CONDUCTED BY CITY  CHAPLAIN REV. STEVEN MCKEOWN IN REMEMBRANCE OF POLICE CHIEF  ROBERT W, SEALOCK WHO DIED SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2020 IN A PITTSBURGH HOSPITAL.. HE SUFFERED A SEVERE ASTHMA  ATTACK WHILE ON DUTY THURSDAY,MARCH 26, 2020

ON FRIDAY, FLAGS WERE HALF STAFF IN FRONT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND REMAINED   THAT WAY   YESTERDAY.
AT THE MEMORIAL SERVICE, FELLOW MEMBERS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT, CITY OFFICIALS, FAMILY AND RESIDENTS WERE PRESENT TO HONOR  THE LATE CHIEF SEALOCK. A MEMORIAL WAS DEDICATED IN HIS HONOR, MAOR DWAN B. WALKER TOLD the crowd  he was a husband, father, friend and chief . THE MAYOR  TOLD CHIEF SEALOCK’S WIDOW DONNA, YOU’LL NEVER BE ALONE.”. …
A MEMORIAL HONORING TH  MEMORY OF OFFICER JAMES NAIM WAS DEDICATED. HE WAS SHOT AND KILLED WHILE ON PATROL IN LINMAR ON MARCH 15, 2001.
POLICE CHIEF JOHN LANE  SAID THE PRESENCE OF SO MANY TO HONOR  CHIEF SEALOCK’S MEMORY, SHOWS  THAT THE  BROTHERHOOD THAT HAS BEEN LACKING IN LAW ENFORCEMENT.”‘IT SHOWS HOW MUCH CHIEF SEALOCK WAS LOVED.”
(Photos Courtesy of City of Aliquippa and Sandy Giordano)

Southbound I-79 Nightly Lane Restrictions

Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is announcing nightly lane restrictions on southbound Interstate 79 in Robinson and Kennedy townships, Allegheny County will begin Sunday night, April 11 weather permitting.

A slow rolling single-lane closure on southbound I-79 will occur nightly from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Friday morning, April 16 between the Neville Island Bridge and the Moon Run (Exit 60B) interchange.  Crews will conduct concrete testing operations.

Motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 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.

Agriculture Conservation Bill Wins Praise

Keystone State News Connection

April 12, 2021

Andrea Sears

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Farmers and conservationists are praising a bill introduced in the Pennsylvania Senate that would bring funding to stop agricultural runoff from polluting rivers and streams.

Senate Bill 465, called the Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program, would provide targeted funding for conservation projects on local farms through their county conservation districts.

The Keystone State has more than 25,000 miles of impaired waterways, and farm runoff is a major contributor of sediment and nutrient pollution.

Bill Chain, senior agriculture program manager for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation in Pennsylvania, said farmers want to make sustainability and conservation improvements on their land, but in an economy devastated by COVID-19, many lack the capital they need to make those investments.

“I’ve never met a farmer that didn’t want to leave the farm better than when they found it,” Chain asserted. “That’s their legacy. Increasingly, farmers want conservation to be part of that legacy.”

He added reducing farm runoff is critical to meeting Pennsylvania’s obligations under the Chesapeake Bay Clean Water Blueprint.

Almost one third of Pennsylvania streams don’t meet standards for drinking, fishing or recreation, and Chain noted agricultural pollution affects stream biology all the way up to the top of the food chain.

“They would be our prize trout and bass, and we see reductions in that,” Chain reported. “We take this to the Susquehanna River and take it further down to the Chesapeake Bay it has disastrous results there as well.”

Nutrient and sediment pollution flowing into Chesapeake Bay affects the growth of underwater grasses, impacts habitat for aquatic species and causes harmful algal blooms.

The program would send resources to counties based on criteria including the number of acres in production, livestock density and miles of impaired streams.

Chain pointed out it puts decision-making at the local level.

“County conservation districts are governed by local boards of directors and that board is diverse, usually including a county commissioner and many farmers,” Chain explained.

Senate Bill 465 has been referred to the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.