4th Of July Fireworks Celebration Could Happen In Beaver County

(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)

Commissioner Chairman Dan Camp spoke at the Wednesday Work Session about a favor he asked of his fellow Commissioners…to provide fireworks for the citizens of Beaver County for Independence Day Weekend. Camp said that started a conversation that could see a celebration that, earlier in 2020, would have been deemed impossible.

The board is in negotiations and support with PUSH Beaver County, whose Beaver County BOOM celebration was nullified, like many county events, due to the coronavirus pandemic. PUSH co-chairman Mark Kopsack spoke about the miraculous nature of what could take place:

 

County Commissioners Tony Amadio and Jack Manning were in support of this display, though they both (along with Camp) asserted that those wanting to watch the fireworks continue to practice CDC safety guidelines. Manning specifically said that he sees the pandemic as a concern with numbers rising in Pennsylvania, but feels that an event like this can be pulled off safely and smartly.

If the fireworks happen, it’ll happen on the night of July 4th over the confluence of the Beaver and Ohio rivers. Citizens will be encouraged to practice social distancing and wear masks (although masks will not be required), and the usual side attractions and food trucks will be discouraged.

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19, 06/24/20: Beaver County up 45 Cases and No New Deaths

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19, 495 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 83,191

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., June 24, that there are 495 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 83,191. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.

There are 6,515 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 54 new deaths. County-specific information and a statewide map are available here.

Locally in Beaver County we are up 4 cases to 634. 614 confirmed cases and 20 probables. 5465 people have tested negative and the county stands at 78.

“As we move closer to having the entire state in the green phase, we must remain committed to protecting against COVID-19,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “Pennsylvania has been a model for the country on how to reopen effectively using a careful, measured approach. However, the virus has not gone away. Each of us has a responsibility to continue to protect ourselves, our loved ones and others by wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing and washing our hands frequently. Together we can protect our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians, our essential workers and our healthcare system.”

Mask wearing is required in all businesses in yellow and green phases of reopening. Consistent mask wearing, even in counties in the green phase, could have lasting benefits as a COVID-19 surge is possible this fall.

There are 632 patients who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure, which are considered probable cases and not confirmed cases. There are 608,217 patients who have tested negative to date. Of the patients who have tested positive to date the age breakdown is as follows:

  • Nearly 1% are ages 0-4;
  • 1% are ages 5-12;
  • 2% are ages 13-18;
  • Nearly 7% are ages 19-24;
  • Nearly 37% are ages 25-49;
  • Nearly 25% are ages 50-64; and
  • Nearly 28% are ages 65 or older.

Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older. More data is available here.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 17,394 resident cases of COVID-19, and 3,103 cases among employees, for a total of 20,497 at 671 distinct facilities in 49 counties. Out of our total deaths, 4,467 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 6,303 of our total cases are in health care workers.

For the latest information for individuals, families, businesses and schools, visit “Responding to COVID-19” on pa.gov.

Currently, all 67 counties are in the yellow or green phase of reopening.

Statewide – The Wolf Administration has since noon, June 23:

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 for a life-sustaining reason, please wear a mask.

 

Updated Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Photos, Graphics

All Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to sign up for AlertPA, a text notification system for health, weather, and other important alerts like COVID-19 updates from commonwealth agencies. Residents can sign up online at www.ready.pa.gov/BeInformed/Signup-For-Alerts.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Nate Wardle, Health, ra-dhpressoffice@pa.gov

# # #

Appeals court orders dismissal of Michael Flynn prosecution

Appeals court orders dismissal of Michael Flynn prosecution
By ERIC TUCKER Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal appeals court has ordered the dismissal of the criminal case against President Donald Trump’s former national security adviser Michael Flynn. The U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia said in a 2-1 ruling that the Justice Department’s decision to abandon the case against Flynn settles the matter, even though Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to prosecutors in special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation. U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan had declined to immediately dismiss the case, seeking instead to evaluate on his own the department’s unusual dismissal request. Wednesday’s ruling avoids a protracted court fight that would have delved deeper into the reasoning for the Justice Department’s extraordinary decision to drop the charges.

Stocks slide lower on Wall Street as coronavirus cases surge

Stocks slide lower on Wall Street as coronavirus cases surge
By ALEX VEIGA AP Business Writer
Stocks are moving sharply lower on Wall Street after new coronavirus cases in the U.S. hit their highest level in two months. The S&P 500 fell 2.4% in late morning trading Wednesday, giving up its gains from earlier in the week. Markets have been rallying in recent weeks on hopes that U.S. states and regions around the world could continue to lift lockdowns put in place to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Cruise lines, which would stand to suffer greatly if travel restrictions are extended, were among the biggest losers. Energy stocks fell along with oil prices.

The Center at the Mall will receive a grant for $35,858 for Capital Improvements and Renovations

(File Photo)

(Monaca, Pa.) The Center at the Mall will receive a grant for $35,858 for Capital Improvements and Renovations. Today, Governor Tom Wolf announced that 60 senior community centers throughout the commonwealth will be the recipients of Pennsylvania Department of Aging’s 2019-20 Senior Community Center grants – totaling $2 million in funding appropriated by the General Assembly from the Pennsylvania Lottery.

“Senior community centers play an immense role for older Pennsylvanians by assisting them with aging in place,” said Gov. Tom Wolf. “The grants will empower these centers to make their desired changes to further benefit regular attendees while attracting a new generation of participants.”

The grants will help senior centers fund projects based on their applications, such as updating and modernizing facilities, providing new health and entertainment programs, upgrading technology, and enhancing marketing opportunities.

“These projects will make a positive impact for the senior community centers receiving the grants and the older adults they serve. As we return to some sense of normalcy, older Pennsylvanians may be eager to return to their local senior community center for the activities they enjoyed prior to the stay-at-home orders plus experience some new opportunities that may come once these projects are completed,” said Aging Secretary Robert Torres.

There are more than 500 senior community centers throughout Pennsylvania that provide a variety of offerings, such as nutritious meals, educational opportunities, transportation services, financial and insurance counseling and exercise programs. Proceeds from the Pennsylvania Lottery help to fund these programs every year.

“We’re very proud that the Pennsylvania Lottery has been able to provide more than $30 billion in funding for property tax and rent rebates, prescription assistance, home delivered meals and other critical services that seniors depend on,” said Pennsylvania Lottery Executive Director Drew Svitko. “We’re also proud to be able to say that we remain the nation’s only lottery to dedicate all proceeds to programs that benefit older adults.”

For more information on senior community centers and other services and programs offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, visit aging.pa.gov.

Below is the list of the Senior Community Center awardees and grant amounts:

Senior Center Name
Project Type
County
Amount
Littlestown Area Senior Center
Capital Improvement & Renovations
Adams
$25,500
LifeSpan Chartiers Senior Resource Center
Capital Improvement & Renovations
Allegheny
$64,346
Elizabeth Seton Center, Brookline
Programs & Services
Allegheny
$32,000
Vintage, Inc.
Capital Improvement & Renovations
Allegheny
$85,000
Riverview Community Action Corporation
Capital Improvement & Renovations
Allegheny
$54,000
Sheraden Healthy Active Living Center
Programs & Services
Allegheny
$45,000
South Side Market House
Capital Improvement & Renovations
Allegheny
$51,000
Hazelwood Healthy Active Living Center
Capital Improvement & Renovations
Allegheny
$65,000
Center at the Mall
Capital Improvement & Renovations
Beaver
$35,858
The Center at Spring Street, a program of Boyertown Area Multi-Service
Capital Improvement & Renovations
Berks
$76,846
Southern Blair Senior Center
Technology
Blair
$11,200
Central Blair Senior Center
Capital Improvement & Renovations
Blair
$21,780
Williamsburg Senior Center
Capital Improvement & Renovations
Blair
$19,402
Canton Active Living Center
Capital Improvement & Renovations
Bradford
$19,402
Middletown Senior Community Center
Programs & Services
Bucks
$30,372
Johnstown Senior Activities Center
Capital Improvement & Renovations
Cambria
$10,000
Weatherly Senior Center
Programs & Services
Carbon
$5,100
Coatesville Area Senior Center
Capital Improvement & Renovations
Chester
$76,270
West Chester Area Senior Center
Capital Improvement & Renovations
Chester
$35,000
Senior Adult Activity Center of Phoenixville Area
Capital Improvement & Renovations
Chester
$32,975
Berwick Senior Center
Programs & Services
Columbia
$17,725
Active Aging of Cambridge Springs
Technology
Crawford
$5,000
Active Aging Center of Meadville
Programs & Services
Crawford
$7,260
West Shore Senior Center
Programs & Services
Cumberland
$10,570
Mechanicsburg Place: A Senior Center and More
Capital Improvement & Renovations
Cumberland
$54,861
Carlisle Senior Action Center
Capital Improvement & Renovations
Cumberland
$6,248
The Rutherford House Senior Center
Capital Improvement & Renovations
Dauphin
$34,235
Main Line Senior Services DBA Wayne Senior Center
Programs & Services

 

Delaware
$23,194
Schoolhouse Senior Center
Capital Improvement & Renovations
Delaware
$30,123
Mountain Citizens Action Group, Inc.
Capital Improvement & Renovations
Fayette
$9,600
Bullskin Township Senior Citizens, Inc.
Capital Improvement & Renovations
Fayette
$36,726
Chambersburg Senior Activity Center
Programs & Services
Franklin
$40,448
Carmichaels Activity Center
Nutrition Services
Greene
$10,014
Luis Munoz Marin Senior Center
Capital Improvement & Renovations
Lancaster
$42,106
Millersville Senior Center
Programs & Services
Lancaster
$46,000
Whitehall Active Community Center
Programs & Services
Lehigh
$10,038
Rose Tucker Active Adult Center
Technology
Luzerne
$14,191
Lewistown Senior Center
Capital Improvement & Renovations
Mifflin
$26,950
Pottstown Area Seniors Center
Capital Improvement & Renovations
Montgomery
$9,050
The Open Link (The Center at The Open Link)
Capital Improvement & Renovations
Montgomery
$58,488
Coal Region Adult Community Center
Programs & Services

 

Northumberland
$10,500
Marysville/Rye Senior Citizens’ Center
Capital Improvement & Renovations
Perry
$13,943
Millerstown Senior Citizens Center
Capital Improvement & Renovations
Perry
$7,670
Marconi Center-South Philadelphia
Capital Improvement & Renovations
Philadelphia
$41,455
Center in the Park
Marketing & Outreach

 

Philadelphia
$30,442
Confluence Senior Center
Capital Improvement & Renovations
Somerset
$43,470
Meyersdale Senior Center
Capital Improvement & Renovations
Somerset
$66,300
Central City Senior Center
Capital Improvement & Renovations
Somerset
$25,871
Center for Life-Windber
Capital Improvement & Renovations
Somerset
$25,800
Somerset Senior Center
Capital Improvement & Renovations
Somerset
$60,000
Washington Senior Center
Capital Improvement & Renovations
Washington
$50,220
Hamlin Senior Center
Technology
Wayne
$15,000
Earl J. Simons Center
Capital Improvement & Renovations
Wayne
$143,505
Latrobe Center for Active Adults
Capital Improvement & Renovations
Westmoreland
$38,800
New Kensington Center for Active Adults
Capital Improvement & Renovations
Westmoreland
$33,450
West Newton Senior Center
Programs & Services
Westmoreland
$18,650
Windy Hill Senior Center, Inc.
Programs & Services
York
$22,026
Red Land Senior Center
Programs & Services
York
$8,090
South Central York County Senior Center
Nutrition Services
York
$7,220
Crispus Attucks Active Living Center
Programs & Services
York
$20,390

Gov. Wolf: Masks Help Stop the Spread of COVID-19

Gov. Wolf: Masks Help Stop the Spread of COVID-19

Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf today noted that research confirms the importance of wearing masks to stop the spread of COVID-19 and that Pennsylvanians are required to wear masks when entering any business in all counties in both yellow and green phases of reopening.

“As most counties are in or will soon be in the green phase of reopening, mask-wearing is a vital measure to help stop the spread of COVID-19,” Gov. Wolf said. “Pennsylvania has emerged as a leader among states for reduced cases amid increased reopening and we want that to continue to keep people safe and healthy while returning to many of the activities we enjoyed before COVID.”

The mask requirement is part of Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel’s Levine’s order, “Directing Public Health Safety Measures for Businesses Permitted to Maintain In-person Operations,” which pertains to all counties regardless of the phase of reopening. The order requires businesses to enforce mask-wearing unless someone has an underlying health condition that prevents them from wearing a mask. Children two or younger are not required to wear masks.

According to a recent study in the Institute of Physics, wearing simple medical masks or improvised facial coverings reduces community exposures from asymptomatic, but unknowingly infectious, individuals.

The study concludes that while people may perceive them to be ineffective or burdensome to wear, “wearing some form of exhaled barrier (mask) out in public during pathogen outbreaks is an altruistic act serving not only as a form of enhanced cough or sneeze etiquette, but also to reduce the aerosols emitted from normal breathing or when talking. Without daily testing, nobody can be certain that they are not an asymptotic disease vector. Scientifically, this is a positive step towards helping combat the current COVID-19 pandemic.”

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams took to twitter on Sunday to advise that mask-wearing is contributing to and not infringing on freedom, tweeting in part, “Some feel face coverings infringe on their freedom of choice- but if more wear them, we’ll have MORE freedom to go out.”

In addition to mask wearing, Gov. Wolf and Sec. of Health Dr. Rachel Levine have advised that robust testing and contact tracing in green counties are keys to safe, phased reopening.

The state continues to increase testing and ramp up contact-tracing efforts. As of June 18 (the most recent data available), there are a total of 518 contact tracers, and a total of 4,161 contacts being monitored.

The Department of Health received a total of 89,350 test results in the past seven days, an average of 12,764 a day. The 30-day average of test results received is more than 13,934.

There were 2,763 total cases added to investigations for the week of June 12 through 18.

“Mask-wearing needs to be a part of our everyday routines,” Gov. Wolf said. “When you leave the house, grab your keys, your wallet and your mask. Mask-wearing has proven to be an important deterrent to the spread of the virus and keeping Pennsylvanians safe and healthy is the goal as we reopen and continue our mitigation efforts.”

The state’s business guidance outlines mask-wearing requirements and additional safety parameters for both employees and customers.

Read more on Gov. Wolf’s Process to Reopen PA here.

Department of Aging to Host Virtual Community Conversation on its Four-Year State Plan on Aging

Department of Aging to Host Virtual Community Conversation on its Four-Year State Plan on Aging

 

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Aging today announced it will host a Virtual Community Conversation from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7 to discuss its State Plan on Aging for 2020-2024 and invites feedback from the public and community stakeholders throughout Pennsylvania.

People interested in participating can be an observer only or can make comments for up to two minutes on aging issues that are important to them. Individuals can also submit questions on aging-related topics to the department in advance and have them answered during the conversation by registering online.

The department is offering two ways for everyone to participate. They can join the conversation by WebEx on the internet, or can use their phone to call 1-855-797-9485 and enter the access code:161 264 3439 when prompted.

“Over the next four years, the State Plan on Aging will be a very important roadmap for the Department and our many partners,” said Secretary of Aging Robert Torres. “It will help us to stay focused and address the needs and services necessary to support older adults, their families and caregivers. We want to encourage broad participation in our community conversation and especially welcome individuals or communities that typically have not engaged with the department to join us. We look forward to all input to help us develop a strong, solid plan that will guide our efforts for the next four years.”

Now through June 26, the public is urged to fill out a brief survey that asks respondents to prioritize services and quality-of-life issues that are most meaningful to them in ensuring age-friendly communities across the commonwealth. The survey is open to all adults, and adults aged 60 and over are strongly encouraged to complete it. It is available in English and Spanish on the Department of Aging’s website.

Anyone who may not have internet access and is interested in taking the survey can call the department at 717-783-1550. The individual should leave their contact information and indicate they want to participate in the ‘State Plan on Aging Community Survey.’ A department staff member will call them to complete the five-minute survey over the phone.

The State Plan on Aging is designed to help Pennsylvania meet the objectives of the Older Americans Act and will be submitted to the Administration for Community Living (ACL) containing a vision and direction for Pennsylvania’s network of aging services. The Department of Aging is required to submit a plan every four years, with the next plan due by Oct. 1, 2020.

State Rep. Rob Matzie Announces Federal Funding For Homelessness

Story by Beaver County Radio Correspondent Sandy Girodano

(Ambridge, Pa.) Yesterday State. Rep. Rob Matzie announced county residents struggling with homelessness will benefit from $31,000 in federal funding for critical resources that include affordable housing and emergency shelter.  He said in addition to a grant totaling $31,125 .00, the county will share in more than $1.72 million in funding being distributed to 20 counties throughout the central and western parts of the state

Matzie said,”””Job losses and a slowed economy caused by the pandemic have left hardworking families in our community in immediate need of help.” “Securing this funding will help those that need a safe, clean place to call home.”
The funding is administered by the PA DCED and  is provided through  the federal Emergency Solutions  grant program  and is part of a package of nearly $5.5 million that will fund rapid rehousing , homelessness prevention, street outreach, and emergency shelter, among other resources. Priority for the funding is given to  applicants in areas of the state that don’t already receive  a direct allocation of the Emergency .Solutions funding from HUD.

Pa. Dept of L&I Holding Virtual Town Hall on Thursday so Pennsylvanians Can Ask Questions of Unemployment Compensation Experts

L&I Holding Virtual Town Hall on Thursday so Pennsylvanians Can Ask Questions of Unemployment Compensation Experts
Harrisburg, PA – The Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) is hosting its fifth live virtual town hall from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM this Thursday, June 25, 2020, to share information about regular unemployment compensation (UC) and other new COVID-19-related benefits programs and give Pennsylvanians the opportunity to ask questions directly of UC experts.

How to participate

A livestream for people with smart devices or computer access will be online at https://access.live/PAlabor. Those without internet access can listen by calling 1-833-380-0719, however access is limited so we ask that they be reserved for individuals who need them.

Participants will be able to ask questions live during the town hall. At the beginning of the event, the moderator will explain how to submit questions. To protect participants’ personal confidential information, specific questions about individual claims cannot be answered during the town hall.

Pennsylvania has implemented all of the new programs under the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act:

Unemployment Benefits Statistics

Since mid-March, more than $18.3 billion in benefits has been paid to claimants:

  • $9 billion from regular UC
  • $7.6 billion from FPUC
  • $1.6 billion from PUA
  • $111 million from PEUC

Of the eligible claimants that applied for benefits between March 15 and May 23, and who filed for continued claims, 90.2 percent received payment as of June 22. 

Improving Customer Service

  • L&I UC staff has worked more than 157,000 overtime hours since mid-March.
  • UC service center staffing levels have increased 74 percent since March 15 with the hiring of new employees and reassigning of staff from other state offices/agencies:
    • On March 15, there were 775 employees supporting UC service center operations compared to the current total of 1,349.
  • Nearly 90 new staff members completed their UC training yesterday and began taking calls from claimants today.
  • Staff from other areas/agencies, as well as employees in PA CareerLink® offices, were also trained to respond to email inquiries and began assisting in this capacity last week.

Important Resources and Links

Recordings of prior public town halls are available here. Additional unemployment benefits information is available on L&I’s websiteFacebook or Twitter.

Hopewell School Board Approves 2020-2021 Budget

(File Photo)

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Hopewell Twp., Pa.) Hopewell School Board met Monday night  in the high school auditorium for its regular meeting and approved a $40,626,135.00 budget for 2020 -21  The spending plan calls for a 2.5 mill increase  to 78.2 mills.  Appropriations for 2020-21 are $42,877,943. The board announced the $2.251,808 will come from the fund balance.

Based on Superintendent Dr. Michelle Miller’s recommendation  for the curtailment or alteration of  of the program of Courses  and Latin Classes , Latin I will be eliminated  and Latin II  will be provided , and Latin III IV will be in a class together effective June 9 for the 2020-21 school year. The superintendent  is directed to inform PDE  in accordance with the public school code of the curtailment or alteration of the  program of courses and Latin classes.
Latin teacher Kelsey Steele  was demoted from full to part-time allowing her 3 instructional periods and 1/2 period for preparation   due to decreased enrollment  at the high school effective July 1, 2020.. She is to be given notice of a right to a hearing on the board’s decision  on her status..
The board hired Chet Gapcynski as head girls’ soccer coach  for the 2020-21 season.