(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)

What initially began as a simple request for paperwork bloomed into a terse discussion between the County Commissioners, Treasurer Sandie Egley, and Controller Maria Longo at the October 7 work session.

Egley asked towards the end of the meeting why she was not allowed access to the resolutions for the October 8 Public Meeting, and Commissioner Chairman Dan Camp responded by saying it was an issue of security.

“At this time we are not giving them out, because when we were giving them out prior to the meeting, there was a leak of one of the resolutions that was eventually going to be pulled, but they had no knowledge of that, and it became a news story,” Camp said.

“I certainly don’t appreciate getting a phone call about a resolution I haven’t seen yet, and that happened a couple months ago,” Commissioner Jack Manning said. “So I’m all in favor of ensuring that nothing goes public until I have a chance to see those resolutions.”

But Egley wasn’t buying the explanation of security, claiming that “the resolutions come from downstairs, so that leak is happening somewhere in that table.” Manning and Camp denied that the leak came from the Board of Commissioners.

Egley then asked who else would have access to the resolutions prior to a public meeting, and Camp noted that the Controller’s office had access to them, “not saying that there was a leak from her office.” Controller Longo, though, took offense to Camp’s answer, saying “I got that same call you did before I saw them.”

Assistant Solicitor Nathan Morgan spoke about the issue, adding “really, it’s a matter of putting out accurate information. When a list of resolutions is being put out to you guys, ultimately…it’s not being voted on, because it’s misinformation. So the way to provide more accurate information is to wait until after the work session, when we know the complete and accurate list of resolutions to be voted on is.”

The full audio of the conversation surrounding the release of public meeting resolutions, courtesy of the Beaver County Courthouse, can be heard in full below.

Wolf Administration: Protect Yourself from Ticks, Mosquitoes While Outdoors During Fall Months

 

Harrisburg – As people continue to spend time outdoors during the fall months, the Wolf Administration wants to remind residents of the dangers of tick and mosquito-borne illnesses, and to take steps to protect themselves.

“Autumn is a wonderful season to spend time outdoors and participate in many activities, such as hiking and observing the fall foliage, but we want to make sure people protect themselves when they are outside,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “Both ticks and mosquitoes  carry a number of serious diseases. It only takes a few minutes to prepare and protect yourself from these diseases.”

Before heading outdoors, it is important to cover exposed skin, wear light-colored clothing (to aid in insect detection), tuck your pants into your socks and use an insect repellent containing 20 percent or more DEET. You can also treat your clothing with a product containing permethrin to repel ticks. These steps will help protect you from both ticks and mosquitoes.

“Fall is for many the best time for hiking with beautiful colors, crisp air and fewer bugs, but many people are surprised to learn that there are ticks that remain active throughout the year, so it’s always important to take preventative measures so you can enjoy the mental and physical health benefits of being in the outdoors,” Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said.

Adult blacklegged ticks, also known as deer ticks, are the most common carrier of Lyme disease and are the only tick species that is active during the fall and winter months in Pennsylvania. These ticks emerge during the fall and are typically active during the winter months on days where the temperature is above 40 degrees. In addition to Lyme disease, these ticks also can carry several other diseases, such as Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis and Powassan Virus, that have been reported in the state. Ticks typically thrive in tall grass, brush and wooded areas, but deer ticks have been found in every county in the state and can live in any habitat.

Once returning home, immediately check yourself, children and pets for ticks. Then, take a shower to remove any ticks that may be attached to your skin. Carefully check your clothing and gear and put them in the dryer on high to kill any ticks.

Areas to check where ticks can become attached are:

•               Under the arms;

•               In and around the ears;

•               Inside belly button;

•               Back of the knees;

•               In and around the hair;

•               Between the legs; and

•               Around the waist.

Symptoms of Lyme disease can include a bull’s-eye rash, fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes. It is important to know that someone who has been bitten by a tick carrying Lyme disease may not always get a bull’s-eye rash.

If you believe you have been bit by a tick, it is important to speak to a doctor immediately. Antibiotic treatment during the early stages of Lyme disease can help prevent the onset of more severe symptoms. If not treated promptly, Lyme disease may lead to severe health concerns affecting the heart, joints, and nervous system.

West Nile virus (WNV) is spread by mosquitoes that breed in areas with standing and stagnant water. These areas include urban catch basins, clogged gutters, discarded tires, poorly maintained swimming pools, flower pots, roof gutters and other containers that hold water. Reduce your chance of being bitten by an infected mosquito by eliminating standing water around your home.

Although mosquitoes can bite at any time of the day or night, the mosquitoes that transmit WNV are most active at dawn and dusk. To keep mosquitoes from entering a home, make sure window and door screens are in place and are in good condition.

WNV can cause a serious neurological infection, including encephalitis and meningitis. Symptoms of these infections include a severe headache, high fever, muscle weakness, neck stiffness, paralysis, possible confusion and disorientation, tremors, and even death.

For more information on ticks and mosquitoes, visit www.health.pa.gov or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. For more information on Pennsylvania’s West Nile virus control program, visit http://www.depgis.state.pa.us/WNV/index.html.

(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)

2020 has been a volatile year both within the world of politics and in the world in general, and with the 2020 Presidential Election proving to be one of the most publicly divisive in history, some are left wondering how safe going to the voting booths will be on November 3.

Beaver County is no less in that position than other counties across Pennsylvania and the U.S., and the Commissioners explained at the work session on October 7 that security measures are in place to ensure that polling places are properly patrolled and that voters will not have to worry about their safety.

“Normally we have four deputies that roam the county; that is their jurisdiction of the election precincts,” said Commissioner Chairman Dan Camp. “It was agreed upon yesterday to have 8; to double it.”

“Ultimately the municipalities also are on-call if there’s an emergency.”

Camp also reiterated that social distancing and mask-wearing are encouraged at voting places, and that any citizen can only turn in one mail-in ballot under current law.

Appeals court: Trump must turn over taxes to prosecutor
By LARRY NEUMEISTER Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) — A federal appeals court says President Donald Trump’s accountant must turn over his tax records to a New York state prosecutor. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan ruled Wednesday. It said a stay of a lower-court decision will remain in effect so Trump’s lawyers can appeal the ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court. A district court judge had rejected their renewed efforts to invalidate a subpoena that the office of Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. issued to Trump’s accounting firm. A Justice Department spokesperson said the department was reviewing the ruling.

St. Louis couple indicted for waving guns at protesters
By JIM SALTER Associated Press
ST. LOUIS (AP) — A grand jury has indicted the St. Louis couple who displayed guns while hundreds of racial injustice protesters marched on their private street. A lawyer for Mark McCloskey and Patricia McCloskey confirmed the indictments Tuesday. The McCloskeys, who are both attorneys, have become folk heroes among some conservatives. They argue that they were simply exercising their Second Amendment right to bear arms, and were protected by Missouri’s castle doctrine law that allows the use of deadly force against intruders. The case has caught the attention of President Donald Trump, and Republican Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has said he will pardon the couple if they are convicted.

Stocks rise as Trump tweets on stimulus keep market spinning
By STAN CHOE AP Business Writer
NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks are recovering Wednesday after President Donald Trump appeared to backtrack on his decision to halt talks on another rescue effort for the economy. The S&P 500 rose 1.3% in morning trading after Trump sent a series of tweets saying he’s open to sending out $1,200 payments to Americans, as well as limited programs to help airlines and small businesses. The tweets late Tuesday came just hours after Trump sent the market into a tailspin with his declaration to halt talks on a stimulus effort until after the election. Airlines and other stocks that most need the economy to strengthen lead the way.

( Beth Smith, Aliquippa School District Curriculum Coordinator, explains a new program to help students get through the pandemic.)

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano 

(Aliquippa, Pa.) Aliquippa School District’s Curriculum Coordinator Beth Smith  announced  Tuesday morning that Tutor.com/Quips is up and running  and it will help students when teachers aren’t available. She  explained  that Tutor.com/Quips is a free 24/7 tutoring program that any student  in grades 4-12 can access. At last month’s  school board meeting  she said all students have to do is log on to the site  to request  help in any subject, even with college applications. She said students will be connected to a live tutor.

The Less you Drive, The Higher Your Chances of a Dead Battery this Winter
AAA recommends having your battery tested ahead of cold weather

As the cold wintry months approach, AAA braces for an increase in Roadside Assistance calls for dead batteries. According to data from last winter, AAA East Central contractors responded to 66,548 battery-related calls and replaced 14,198. With the pandemic leaving many vehicles dormant for weeks or months, AAA East Central advises all vehicle owners to have their batteries tested sooner rather than later to avoid a breakdown.

 

“Cars are born to run, and letting them sit idle for long periods of time is setting them up to fail,” says Mike Hoshaw, vice president of automotive services at AAA East Central. “Year to year, our number one call during the winter months is for dead batteries. This year, we could see that skew even higher.”

 

Batteries supplies the electrical current needed to start a vehicle, but they also power components and accessories when the engine isn’t running. If a vehicle doesn’t run regularly, there’s less of a chance for the alternator and charging system to maintain a charge in the battery. Moreover, the heat from the summer sun is particularly damaging to its internal components. In the winter, that damage typically manifests in the form of a dead battery, particularly after cold snaps.

 

AAA East Central advises motorists visit a AAA Approved Auto Repair Facility to have their entire charging system and battery tested, especially if the battery is more than three years old. AAA members can request battery service on-the-spot as part of their membership. This includes battery testing and, if need be, replacement with a competitively-priced AAA battery. Service can be requested by calling 800-AAA-HELP.

 

Other items on AAA’s Winter Car Care Checklist include:

• Tire Type and Tread: In areas with heavy winter weather, changing to snow tires on all four wheels will provide the best winter traction. Testing tire’s tread is easy: insert a quarter into a tread groove with the top of George Washington’s head facing down. If you can see the top of Washington’s head, it’s time to start shopping for new tires.
• Tire Pressure: Typically, tire pressure decreases 1 PSI for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit that the temperature drops, putting owners at risk for a flat tire. The proper tire pressure levels can be found on a sticker located on the driver’s side door jamb. (Don’t forget to check the spare!)
• Wiper Blades: Replace blades that leave streaks or miss spots. Consider installing winter wiper blades that wrap the blade in a rubber boot to prevent ice and snow buildup.
• Washer Fluid: Fill the windshield washer fluid reservoir with a cleaning solution that has antifreeze components.
• Coolant Levels: If your engine coolant level is low, add the recommended coolant to maintain the necessary antifreeze capability.

 

The full AAA Winter Car Care Checklist can be found here.