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(North Sewickley Twp., Pa.) Pa State Police in Gibsonia are reporting a one vehicle accident that happened last Thursday, April 29, 2021 around 3:45 PM on the PA Turnpike in North Sewickley Township.

Troopers are reporting via release that Casy Bowman of Wampum was driving a 2020 Hyundai Palisade Eastbound on the turnpike when she hydroplaned due to the heavy rain and large amounts of water on the roadway and lost control of the vehicle. The SUV left the roadway and struck a guard rail causing severe front-end damage to the vehicle.

Bowman sustained minor injuries but refused to be transported to the hospital. Four other passengers in the vehicle including two children in a front-facing car seats also suffered minor injuries and were not transported to the hospital.

Bowman was given a citation for not driving a vehicle at a safe speed for conditions.

(PITTSBURGH, PA) US Representative Conor Lamb (PA-17) announced late Friday that he sent a letter to school district stakeholders in Pennsylvania’s 17th District, including school boards, superintendents, principals and school leaders outlining the funding in the American Rescue Plan Act which was specifically designed to address learning loss by students during the pandemic. The letter urges all schools to make summer learning or other COVID-19 related education programming free and accessible to all students and provides details of the federal support Congress has provided to K-12 schools through three pieces of legislation during the pandemic.

“Nothing is more important right now than ensuring our students are caught up and supported. Accordingly, I write to request that you consider using the federal funds available to you to ensure any summer learning or other programming designed to address learning loss is free and accessible to every student in your district. The ability to pay for learning programs should not be a barrier to any of our students or families,” Lamb wrote in the letter.

(Ambridge, Pa.) Pa State Rep Rob Matzie announced Friday twoGrants totaling $25,000 to fund Beaver County projects designed to ensure more residents have a say in community planning.

Matzie said Ambridge and Rochester are each receiving a $12,500 grant to fund Heart and Soul projects in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Humanities Council and the Orton Family Foundation.

“To be successful, community planning and development must be a collaborative effort that reflects the needs, desires and aspirations of all residents,” Matzie said. “Heart and Soul projects help make that happen by bringing residents to the table to share stories and experiences, ensuring that future development is based on a shared vision for the community.

“Today’s funding is exciting because it’s going to help get more Ambridge and Rochester residents involved in that process.”

Matzie said funding for the grants comes from the Municipal Assistance Program, which is administered by the state Department of Community and Economic Development.

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Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Hopewell Twp., Pa.) Hopewell Township Fire Chief  Mike Wasik said his department was dispatched to a wood frame home off Temple Road in the township at approximately 5 p.m. Sunday . The fire was  started in an attached garage, the residents in the home  escaped the fire , Chief Wasik said.

A North Carolina man is being charged after he stole a vehicle belonging to the Allegheny County Airport Authority Friday and driving it through the glass doors of the landside terminal. The Vehicle cam to a final resting place against a cement pillar.

35-year-old Harry Griffith was found hiding behind the Hyatt Hotel after running from the crash. He was injured according to police.

According to the report an Airport Authority employee had parked his vehicle to collect trash from receptacles near the building. After he had exited and began gathering the trash, he heard the vehicle and turned to see it being driven into the building. The driver then jumped out of the vehicle and ran and was followed by the airport employee.”
Griffith was transported to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries. Charges are pending.

(Corapolis, Pa.) Fire crews responding to a report of an explosion around 3:30 AM this morning discovered a home burning in Coraopolis. The Fire was in the 1600 block of State Avenue.

Reports say that one person was rescued from the home but died from his injuries. The fire was under control within an hour.

The Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire.

The 30th annual Beaver Falls Car Cruise is scheduled for September 11, 2021 from noon to 8 P.M.  Prime vendor spaces at one of the most popular annual events in Beaver County are still available. Food, automotive and non profit/community service vendors are welcome.

Don’t be left out, In 2019, over 30 vendors participated and space is limited. The 2021 Beaver Falls Car Cruise vendor application may be viewed and downloaded here.

Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are also available.

For more information call Mark Peterson at 412-613-1789 or email peterson@beavercountyradio.com.

(Shenango Twp., Pa.) The Lawrence County coroner release the identity of the man who died after his truck went off the road and struck a tree near the 1500 block of Savannah Road around 2:30 p.m. Sunday afternoon in Shenango Township.

The Coroner’s office said that Matthew Morici, 61, of Shenango Township, died after suffering a possible heart attack. An autopsy will not be performed and the Shenango Twp. Police continue to investigate

(PITTSBURGH, PA) 27-year-old Thaijenelle Smith from Aliquippa pleaded guilty in federal court last week to one charge of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substances, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced.

In connection with the guilty plea, United States District Judge Robert J. Colville was advised that Smith was selling narcotics from her Aliquippa residence and possessed with intent to distribute approximately 55 grams of fentanyl, carfentanil and heroin.

Judge Colville scheduled sentencing for Sept. 30, 2021. She faces a maximum sentence 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the Court continued Smith on bond.

Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Thaijenelle Smith.