Category: News

Feds Sue Pennsylvania Court System Over Bans On Opioid Meds

By CLAUDIA LAUER Associated Press
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit accusing Pennsylvania’s judicial system of violating federal law, saying several lower court judges had barred defendants from taking prescribed medication to treat Opioid Use Disorder while in drug treatment courts. The lawsuit filed Thursday comes weeks after attorneys from the Justice department’s Civil Rights Division sent a letter to the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania. It said the system’s policies violate the Americans with Disabilities Act and cited at least three complaints from people forced off legal medications by courts in two Pennsylvania counties.

Man Arrested After Having Gun With Serial Numbers Obliterated In North Beaver Twp.

(File Photo)

(North Beaver Twp., Lawrence County, Pa.) Pa State Police in New Castle are reporting that they were dispatched to the area of Kyle and Reed Road in North Beaver Twp., Lawrence County last Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at 3:10 PM for a patrol check for two suspicious individuals in the same area an ATV was report stolen previously. While searching the area the stolen ATV was located along with two individuals. One the the individuals 44-year-old Richard Lucicosky was found to be in possession of a handgun with the serial number that was obliterated nor did he have a valid concealed carry permit for the weapon. Through investigation it was learned the Lucicosky was previously charged with a felony and was not to be in possession of a firearm.
He was arrested and is currently being lodge in the Lawrence County Jail.

Hopewell Area School District votes to change it’s Health and Safety Plan

(File Photo)

Story by Sandy Giordano, Beaver County Radio News Correspondnet

(Hopewell Twp., Pa.) Hopewell School District Dr. Robert W. Kartychak announced that a 7-1 vote  to modify the  health and safety plan was adopted  last week.  The part of the plan pertains to the facial coverings for students, staff and visitors, and provides  regardless of vaccination status, facial coverings are strongly  recommended when Beaver County is in the high or substantial  or high rate of transmission. Facial coverings  are not required for students, staff, or visitors effective March 7, 2022.

Dr. Kartychak issued a statement at 7:15 p.m. Sunday  night  that the county  is now in low transmission rate, facial covering are at the individual’s discretion and effective today the CDC shared that facial coverings are no longer required on school district buses or vans effective today, February 28,2022.
PA DOH  hasn’t provided any changes in their guidance , and  the district  and the district is waiting
 for updates , updated CDC guidance , and updates from PA DOH  will be included in a future revision of the district’s Health and Safety Plan. No changes  in guidance regarding contact tracing, quarantining, quarantining, or isolation  from CDC or DOH  as of today.
If there is a  significant negative impact on any of the school buildings, facial coverings may be required for a period of time
If your child isn’t feeling well, keep them home.

Monday’s AMBC: Consolidation Time?

Beaver County District Attorney David Lozier joins Matt Drzik following the 8:30 news on February 28 to discuss the future of Beaver County’s police department and possible consolidation of resources.

Plus, a weekend of Penguins, the ongoing crisis overseas, and it all starts with Frank Sparks on news at 6:30 on Beaver County Radio.

Quaker Valley Defeats Lincoln Park In Playoff Game

2/26/22 In an exciting game, Quaker Valley defeated Lincoln Park in a tale of two halves. Lincoln Park was down by 7 at the end of the first half. They became more aggressive in the second half, but just couldn’t match Quaker Valley and ended up on the short end of a 74-63 game. Players of the game were AdouThiero for Quaker Valley and Deandre Moye for Lincoln Park.

CDC: Many Healthy Americans Can Take a Break From Masks

AP photo

Feb 25, 2022 3:47 PM

U.S. officials say most Americans live in places where healthy people can safely take a break from wearing masks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday outlined a new set of measures for communities where COVID-19 is easing its grip. They focus less on positive test results and more on what’s happening at hospitals. More than 70% of the U.S. population lives in counties where the coronavirus is posing a low or medium threat to hospitals. Those are the people who can stop wearing masks for now. The agency is still advising that people, including schoolchildren, wear masks where the risk of COVID-19 is high. The new recommendations don’t change the requirement to wear masks on public transportation.

Ross Hill in Patterson Twp. Re-opens After a Transformer Blew

(File Photo)

Story by Sandy Giordano, Beaver County Radio News Correspondent

(Patterson Twp., Pa.) Ross Hill In Patterson Township has reopened late Friday morning after a transformer blew around 5:30 AM /Friday morning knocking down wires and tree limbs. Duquesne Light and the fire department cleared the scene earlier this morning and the roadway was reopened to traffic.

Gas Leak Causes Evacuation at Hopewell High School

(File Photo)

Story by Sandy Giordano, Beaver County Radio News Correspondent

(Hopewell Twp., Pa.) Peoples Gas  and Hopewell firefighters were called to the Hopewell High School on Longvue Avenue around 8:30 AM Friday morning for reports of a gas smell. The school was evacuated due to a gas leak.  High school classes  are cancelled for the day.

Dr. Robert Kartychak, Hopewell School District superintendent reported that a  gas leak  at the high  school was detected around 8 a.m.  Students were bused to the junior high school and sent home for the day.

The superintendent reported the Peoples Gas and the fire department responded quickly.

Stay tuned to Beaver County Radio as this story continues to develop.

Pa State Reps Josh Kail, Natalie Mihalek, And Others Call on White House to Seek Domestic Energy Solutions in Light of Ukraine Invasion

(File Photo of Kail’s Official Photo provided by Kail’s Office)
(Monaca, Pa.)  Pa State Josh Kail (15th) announced on Friday that he and and other members of a  Washington County delegation of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives issued the following statement calling on President Joe Biden and his administration to seek Domestic Energy Solutions in Light of Ukraine Invasion.

Kail represents parts of Beaver and Washington County.

In the release that was sent out Friday morning stated:

“Our thoughts are with the Ukrainians as they face this senseless act of war by Russia.
“Less than 24 hours before the invasion, the United States and its allies bought over $700 million in Russian oil and gas products. The United States should be looking to domestic oil and gas producers to help solve our energy crisis, not the enemy. This search should start right here in Pennsylvania – the number two gas producing state in the country. We should not be reliant on dictators, despots or adversaries on the world stage when we have the ability to produce our own energy.

“With investments in infrastructure and constructive engagement with domestic producers, the United States can address skyrocketing energy prices now and in the near future. Our natural resources can solve our energy crisis and the energy crisis that now exists globally, especially with our European allies who have become dependent upon Russian oil and gas. Best of all, it can be done in a cleaner way than anywhere else in the world.

“We urge the White House to look right here at home for a way to solve our energy problem and work with our local producers in Pennsylvania.”

The Washington County delegation consists of Reps. Bud Cook (R-Washington/Fayette), Josh Kail (R-Beaver/Washington), Natalie Mihalek (R-Allegheny/Washington), Timothy O’Neal (R-Washington), Jason Ortitay (R-Washington/Allegheny), and Mike Puskaric (R-Allegheny/Washington).