Category: News

All-Star Line-up on Teleforum Friday at 9:10 a.m. with Guest Host Mike Romigh

(Beaver Falls, Pa.) Tune into Teleforum Friday January 22, 2021 starting at 9:10 a.m. for an all-star line-up with guest host Mike Romigh. Mike will have open talk to get your opinions of the happenings in the world around you in hour number one. Milke will be joined by Bill Flanagan at 10:10  who serves as Chief Corporate Relations Officer for the Allegheny Conference on Community Development. The pair will talk about an economic stimulus for infrastructure and then at 11:10 a.m. Mike will be joined by local historian Jeff Sneden. You can participate in the show by calling 724-843-1888 or 724-774-1888.

You can hear the show by tuning into Beaver County Radio 1230 WBVP, 1460 WMBA, 99.3 FM, and beavercountyradio.com .  

You can also download the free apps at the Google Play Store or at the Apple I-tunes Store. You can also listen on Alexa by by saying “Alex- Learn the Beaver County Radio Skill”

 

 

Jeff Snedden’s interview will also be streaming Live on our Facebook Page. Click below at 11:10 to watch the interview:

Wolf Administration Reminds Older Adults of Their Rights Regarding Federal Stimulus Checks 

Wolf Administration Reminds Older Adults of Their Rights Regarding Federal Stimulus Checks 

Harrisburg, PA – As Pennsylvanians receive a second round of federal stimulus payments as part of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021, the Pennsylvania departments of Aging, Human Services (DHS) and Insurance are again reminding consumers living in long-term care facilities that these checks belong to them, not the facilities where they live.

“When the first round of federal stimulus checks went out last spring, we received complaints that involved residents of long-term care facilities being told that their federal stimulus checks count as income that must be surrendered, in part or in whole, to pay for services. What we said then, we repeat now: Residents should know that this is not true,” said Pennsylvania State Long-Term Care (LTC) Ombudsman Margaret Barajas of the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. “These stimulus payments are issued with the general expectation that long-term care residents – like all citizens receiving checks – will make their own choices about how to spend their money. I, as the State Ombudsman, am committed to advocating for and resolving these issues for older adults, case-by-case.”

DHS has issued guidance for how economic impact payments affect the eligibility of those receiving long-term care for Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program, Medical Assistance (MA). This guidance directs that the economic payment is not considered income for the purposes of MA eligibility. The portion of the economic impact payments that are spent within 12 months of receipt is also considered an excluded resource for MA eligibility. DHS also issued guidance on economic impact payments for personal care homes and assisted living residences.  There should be no change to a resident’s monthly charges in their contract due to this payment. Residents may direct their concerns or complaints to the DHS Complaint Hotline at 877-401-8835.

“We want to assure residents of these facilities that these stimulus payments are theirs – it is not meant to be a rent rebate,” said DHS Secretary Teresa Miller. “No one should worry that accepting this payment will affect their ability to keep Medicaid eligibility or their housing. The Department of Aging and DHS are working closely together to make sure that people who live in long-term care facilities are aware of their rights to this economic payment. Any resident of a facility who is concerned that their payment is in jeopardy should reach out to the Pennsylvania State Long-Term Care Ombudsman right away.”

“The Insurance Department has remained dedicated to ensuring Pennsylvania residents are clear that neither Medicaid, nor the facility in which a Medicaid beneficiary resides, has rights to an individual’s stimulus check,” said Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman. “Stimulus checks are tax credits and the Federal Trade Commission has continued to make this clear since last Spring. The payments are not ‘resources’ for purposes of qualifying for federal benefit programs and may not be taken from residents.”

“One of our key responsibilities at the Department of Aging is to advocate on behalf of older adults,” said Aging Secretary Robert Torres. “Part of that involves making sure older adults, whatever their living situation, know their rights and where they can turn to for help and information. The federal government has made it clear that these stimulus payments should go directly to the individual whose name is on the check. If an older adult or their loved one has questions or concerns, they should seek help.”

Consumers with concerns should call the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office at 800-441-2555. But if they need some extra help preparing to make their complaint, the Department of Aging’s LTC State Ombudsman is happy to offer support. The number to call for help is 717-783-8975.

Sec. Torres also noted that consumers may receive the Economic Impact Payment by prepaid debit card, instead of by paper check. These cards arrive in a plain white envelope. EIP Card recipients can make purchases, get cash from in-network ATMs, and transfer funds to their personal bank account without incurring any fees. The EIP Card can be used online, at ATMs, or at any retail location where Visa is accepted. Some people who received a paper check last time might receive a prepaid debit card this time, and some people who received a prepaid debit card last time may receive a paper check. To learn more about stimulus payment eligibility or check on the status of a payment, visit www.irs.gov/coronavirus.

Possible Delays In Stimulus Check Deliveries for People Who Used Tax Preparation Companies to File Taxes

HARRISBURG—Attorney General Josh Shapiro is today alerting consumers that certain Pennsylvanians may experience delays in receiving their federal stimulus checks.

“As federal stimulus checks are being distributed to Pennsylvanians, there may be some delays,” said Attorney General Shapiro. “If you’re eligible for a stimulus check and haven’t received one, you can call the IRS or visit their website to file a complaint.”

Tax preparation companies, like H&R Block and Intuit, use temporary bank accounts when they assist with filing tax returns. Unfortunately, the IRS used that information to issue stimulus checks, and therefore, some of the checks have been held up.

Pennsylvanians who are affected by this issue and have not yet received their stimulus checks should expect to receive them after February 1, when the IRS issues a second round of payments through mailed checks.

If you qualify, and have not yet received your stimulus check, you can contact the IRS at 1-800-919-9835 or go to www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment.

Woman accused of helping steal Pelosi laptop due in US court

Woman accused of helping steal Pelosi laptop due in US court
By MARK SCOLFORO Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A federal judge will decide whether a Pennsylvania woman accused of helping steal a laptop from the office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi should be released on bail. U.S. Magistrate Judge Martin Carlson is also expected to preside Thursday morning over a preliminary hearing for Riley June Williams. The 22-year-old Harrisburg resident is accused of theft, obstruction and trespassing, as well as violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. Williams’ defense attorney is declining to comment on the case. Williams surrendered to face charges on Monday and has been locked up in the county jail in Harrisburg.

Most Pennsylvania GOP backed Trump to the end, and still do

Most Pennsylvania GOP backed Trump to the end, and still do
By MARC LEVY Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — With Donald Trump out of the White House, Pennsylvania’s Republican Party shows no sign of walking away from a president who lost control of Congress, carried out an unprecedented campaign to overturn an election and is blamed by some in his party for inciting a violent assault on the country’s democracy. Save for two notable exceptions, Pennsylvania’s top Republican politicians stayed loyal to Trump. Republicans say there is no conversation inside the state party about moving away from Trump. Trump remains popular among the GOP’s rank-and-file voters in Pennsylvania, even if he lost the state and struggled mightily in the suburbs around Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, party officials say.

Nearly 70K chickens perish in fire at Pennsylvania farm

Nearly 70K chickens perish in fire at Pennsylvania farm
Shartlesville, Pa. (AP) — Nearly 70,000 chickens have perished as fire swept through several buildings at a Pennsylvania farm. Firefighters were faced with flames and thick smoke when they arrived at A&L Farms in Berks County early Thursday. A fire official told WFMZ-TV two buildings were burned to the ground and an egg house sustained partial damage. This was the third fire at the farm in recent years. A fire in 2019 claimed the lives of more than 37,000 chickens and a fire in 2015 destroyed an empty barn. A fire marshal is expected to investigate the cause of the latest blaze.

Shartlesville, Pa. (AP) — Nearly 70,000 chickens perished early Thursday as fire swept through several buildings at a Pennsylvania farm.
Firefighters were faced with flames and thick smoke when they arrived at A&L Farms in Berks County.
A fire official told WFMZ-TV two buildings were burned to the ground and an egg house sustained partial damage.
Firefighters needed to bring in tankers to fight the blaze because a small pond on the property was clogged with slushy ice and could not be used to pump water on the flames.
This was the third fire at the farm in recent years. A fire in 2019 claimed the lives of more than 37,000 chickens and a fire in 2015 destroyed an empty barn.
A fire marshal was expected to investigate the cause of the latest blaze.

President Biden to sign virus measures, requires mask use to travel

Biden to sign virus measures, requires mask use to travel
By RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is putting forth a national COVID-19 strategy to ramp up vaccinations and testing, reopen schools and businesses and require Americans to wear masks for travel. Biden also will address inequities in hard-hit minority communities as he signs 10 pandemic-related executive orders on Thursday, his second day in office. Biden acknowledged the urgency of the mission in his inaugural address, saying the U.S. is entering what may well be the toughest and deadliest period of the pandemic. Biden administration officials say a coordinated nationwide effort is needed to defeat the virus.

Powerball jackpot winner worth $731.1M sold in Maryland

Powerball jackpot winner worth $731.1M sold in Maryland
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A single winning ticket for the $731.1 million Powerball jackpot has been sold in Maryland. The Powerball jackpot up for grabs Wednesday night was the fifth-largest U.S. lottery jackpot ever. It had earlier been estimated at $730 million, but it grew even further based on final ticket sales. The winning ticket was sold in Allegany County, located in northwestern Maryland, but additional details weren’t immediately available. The drawing was only a day after nobody won the even-larger Mega Millions prize, which now stands at $970 million. Winning numbers for Wednesday night’s Powerball drawing were: 40-53-60-68-69 and a Powerball of 22. Neither jackpot had seen a winner since mid-September, allowing the prizes to grow steadily for months.

Wolf Administration Announces $600 Pandemic Relief Awards to Eligible Child Care Employees Across Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf today announced the opportunity for one-time, $600 grants for child care workers across Pennsylvania. The funds are available to child care providers licensed by the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) through federal Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) quality dollars and remaining funding previously made available through federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocated for child care providers.

“A healthy, vibrant child care industry is a cornerstone of a healthy economy. As with many other sectors of our economy, Pennsylvania’s child care providers have been greatly challenged by this pandemic,” said Governor Tom Wolf. “For nearly a year, child care professionals have continued to work through a challenging environment, providing a safe and caring setting for our youngest Pennsylvanians as their parents go to work performing essential work through a tumultuous period. We are incredibly grateful for their commitment to our children and families and their resilience through this time.”

This award is available to all licensed child care providers that are currently open and operating regardless of Keystone STARS level and will be administered through local Early Learning Resource Centers (ELRCs) on behalf of OCDEL and will replace the quality Keystone STARS Education and Retention Award (ERA) for state fiscal year 2020-2021, and provide approximately 33,000 child care employees across the commonwealth the one-time $600 award. The previous ERA provided payments to approximately 9,000 child care employees, so this restructuring will significantly expand this reach during a time of great need.

“Child care workers shape and care for our youngest minds during some of their most formative years, and a safe, loving child care center can be an extension of family for parents and children who rely on their work,” said Department of Human Services Secretary Teresa Miller. “I am incredibly grateful that we are able to reallocate this federal funding to support the child care workforce, and I urge all providers to apply for this opportunity on behalf of their staff.

Eligible employees include child care workers who:

  1. Are employed by a licensed child care provider as of January 1, 2021;
  2. Earn less than or equal to a gross salary of $70,000, annually; and,
  3. Work a minimum of 20 hours per week at a licensed child care provider.

Child care providers that are currently licensed and certified through OCDEL can begin to apply on behalf of their eligible employees. All applications must be sent to the provider’s ELRC and received by February 12, 2021. The COVID-19 Pandemic Relief Award will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Funding will be distributed regionally and be limited, so applicants are encouraged to apply sooner rather than later.

In addition to repurposing these existing funds, approximately $220 million in CARES funding has been allocated to support child care providers across Pennsylvania since the COVID-19 crisis began in Pennsylvania to support this critical educational and economic infrastructure for children and families across the commonwealth. The distribution method of CARES funding was based in part on the findings of researchers at Penn State Harrisburg’s Institute of State and Regional Affairs, who studied the impact of COVID-19 on Pennsylvania’s child care industry.

On December 27, 2020, an additional $10 billion dollars was allocated by the federal government to support child care. States should receive their share of the additional funds made available in the coming weeks.

For more information on child care providers operating during the COVID-19 public health crisis, visit www.dhs.pa.gov.

Governor Wolf Continues Push for Law Enforcement Reform and Accountability

Harrisburg, PA – Continuing the push for meaningful law enforcement reforms, Governor Tom Wolf today announced the members of the Pennsylvania State Law Enforcement Citizen Advisory Commission (PSLECAC) and the appointment of Sha S. Brown to serve as the Deputy State Inspector General for Law Enforcement Oversight. Brown will chair the commission.

“This citizen commission is an important step toward addressing the systemic failings that create inequities and to restore trust in law enforcement in all communities,” said Gov. Wolf.

“It is my hope that the commission improves law enforcement relationships with communities and strengthens the accountability of law enforcement personnel.”

Gov. Wolf created the commission last year by executive order following concerns raised by residents, leaders of black communities, and Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus members after the death of George Floyd while in Minneapolis police custody.

PSLECAC’s goal is to improve policing practices within law enforcement agencies under the governor’s jurisdiction by examining events and conducting reviews of policies, practices, and procedures. The commission is comprised of a total of 21 voting members, including one representative from each of the Pennsylvania State Police’s current 15 Troop geographic areas, and six citizen members chosen at large.

Commission voting members include:

  • Jeffrey Wilson, Troop A geographic area, Cambria, Indiana, Somerset, and Westmoreland counties;
  • Brenda Tate, Troop B geographic area, Allegheny, Fayette, Greene, and Washington counties;
  • Joshua S. Maines, Esq., Troop C geographic area, Clarion, Clearfield, Elk, Forrest, Jefferson, and McKean counties;
  • Marisa C. Williams, Troop D geographic area, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Lawrence, and Mercer counties;
  • Bishop Curtis L. Jones Sr., Troop E geographic area, Crawford, Erie, Venango, and Warren counties;
  • The Honorable Erick J. Coolidge, Troop F geographic area, Cameron, Clinton, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Snyder, Tioga, and Union counties;
  • Charima C. Young, Troop G geographic area, Bedford, Blair, Centre, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, and Mifflin counties;
  • Dr. Spero T. Lappas Esq., Ph.D., Troop H geographic area, Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, and Perry counties;
  • Honorable Khadijah Al Amin, Troop J geographic area, Chester, Lancaster, and York counties;
  • Andrea A. Lawful-Sanders, Troop K geographic area, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties;
  • William Colon, Troop L geographic area, Berks, Lebanon, and Schuylkill counties;
  • Marvin Boyer, Troop M geographic area, Bucks, Lehigh, and Northampton counties;
  • Dr. Marilyn M. Brown Ed.D, Troop N geographic area, Carbon, Columbia, parts of Luzerne, and Monroe counties;
  • Rev. Shawn M. Walker, Troop P geographic area, Bradford, parts of Luzerne, Sullivan, and Wyoming counties;
  • Krista Somers, Troop R geographic area Lycoming, Pike, Susquehanna, and Wayne counties;
  • David A. Sonenshein, Esq., at large seat;
  • Dr. A. Suresh Canagarajah Ph.D., at large seat;
  • Kelley B. Hodge Esq, at large seat;
  • Denise Ashe, at large seat;
  • Elizabeth C. Pittinger, at large seat;
  • Maurice A. Tomlinson, at large seat.

Ex-officio members or their designees:

  • Marcus L. Brown, Pennsylvania Director of Homeland Security;
  • Gregory G. Schwab, Esq., General Counsel of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania;
  • Colonel Robert Evanchick, Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner;
  • Chief Joseph M. Jacob, Superintendent of the Pennsylvania Capitol Police;
  • Cindy A. Dunn, Secretary of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources;
  • Charles H. Ramsey, Chair of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency

The PSLECAC will hold its first public meeting virtually at 2:00 p.m. January 21. More information about the meeting is available at www.osig.pa.gov.

Deputy State Inspector General Sha Brown will chair the citizen commission and lead its review and recommendation duties. The OSIG will continue its work to investigate alleged fraud, waste, misconduct, and abuse within agencies under the governor’s jurisdiction.

“Sha Brown brings over 20 years of law enforcement and oversight experience to the Office of State Inspector General,” said State Inspector General Lucas M. Miller. “The Office of State Inspector General is humbled and honored to work with the commission to improve law enforcement accountability and encourage strong relationships between police and local communities. We are fortunate to have Sha Brown lead this effort and chair the commission.”

Brown is a resident of York and had a decorated, 22-year career as a Maryland State Trooper. His extensive investigative experience includes conducting major crimes investigations, criminal misconduct, and financial crimes investigations. Brown concluded his Maryland State Police career by working 9 years in the Maryland Attorney General’s Office as the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of a state-wide division focused on public corruption investigations, including misconduct of elected officials, police officers, executives, and other government employees.

After his retirement, Brown joined the Maryland Department of Health as the Assistant Inspector General and Chief Compliance Officer, handling investigations of employee misconduct for Maryland’s largest state agency, where he also made extensive policy recommendations to the Secretary of Health. Most recently, he was appointed as Maryland’s Special Safety and Compliance Officer, responsible for managing the Governor’s Coronavirus mandates within Congregate Care Facilities.