Wolf Administration Earns National Recognition in Technology for App Improving Road and Bridge Maintenance

Harrisburg, PA – Secretary of Administration Michael Newsome announced today that a mapping application developed for PennDOT is among the winners of the 2020 Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Information Technology awards presented by the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO).

The project was selected from a pool of over 90 nominations in 10 categories submitted by state governments.

“We are honored to see Pennsylvania recognized on the national level once again for its leadership and innovation in technology,” said Secretary of Administration Michael Newsome. “This award-winning project demonstrates how we can use data in new ways to uncover insights and improve outcomes for the people of Pennsylvania.”

The app, known as Maintenance IQ, has improved maintenance planning and the management of equipment, workers and other assets at PennDOT. The app ​uses data from ​existing PennDOT systems to better detect highway deficiencies, determine roadway treatments, plan operations and monitor production. This helps to ensure projects remain on schedule and are initiated in the proper sequence. Maintenance IQ was also integrated with another PennDOT app used to collect data on guide rails, stormwater facilities, shoulders and paved and unpaved roads. Maintenance IQ helps PennDOT complete the right maintenance or treatment at the right time, helps infrastructure last longer and maximizes the value of taxpayer investments.

“PennDOT’s maintenance crews are critical to keeping Pennsylvania’s roads safe all year round,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “Maintenance-IQ has been an incredible tool for our maintenance crews and I’m so glad that it’s getting this recognition.”

Additionally, PennDOT’s REAL ID implementation and the Office of Administration’s use of data to create key cybersecurity risk indicators were selected as runners-up in their respective award categories.

NASCIO presents the Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Information Technology awards to states that have implemented exceptional programs that have made an important contribution to the operation of state government.

To learn more about the NASCIO awards, visit www.nascio.org.

(File Photo)

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(New Brighton, Pa.) New Brighton Police Chief Ron Walton  confirmed   this morning that a complaint has been filed by borough  business owner/resident Valerie McElvey after  20 signs hung   on  both sides of Third Avenue were ripped off of trees  and thrown in trash  cans . Mrs. McKelvey said, “As I walked  yesterday morning at 7:30 a.m. I discovered one sign down, she said the vandals  actually ripped them from the trees, leaving the corn stalks that are part of the décor intact. She said the  signs covered in plastic were happy personal signs  at eye level  facing the sidewalk on both sides of the street.” The signs were  donated, and paid $10 each.

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Aliquippa, Pa.) Two  residents  addressed the  Aliquippa School Board  concerning students  with   IEP’s.   during the pandemic. Dr. Jason Guzie, Director of Student  Services  told the parents that any student needing learning support’s needs are being met.  He said no student has been turned away He said if anyone has concerns   they should contact. him .Junior Senior high School Principal Stacey Alexander told the  parents that students are  receiving the necessary assistance  with the virtual learning .

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Beaver, Pa.) Former Ambridge Police Chief   James Mann was found not guilty of theft by deception and witness intimidation at a jury trial that lasted 5 days.

WASHINGTON (AP) —Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden raised $383 million for his election effort in September, a record-breaking sum that eclipses the unprecedented fundraising from the previous month.
The haul, announced Wednesday night, leaves him with $432 million in the bank just weeks before the Nov. 3 election. He raised the money in conjunction with the Democratic National Committee.
The gobs of cash Biden has raised since securing the nomination amount to a complete reversal in fortune for the former vice president. During the Democratic primary, he struggled to raise cash and was almost broke by the time he won the South Carolina primary, which catapulted him to a commanding Super Tuesday performance.
In the months since, a flood of donations and low spending has enabled him to eclipse President Donald Trump’s once-formidable cash reserves. Biden’s campaign and the DNC raised $364 million in August.
In the tweet announcing his September haul, Biden thanked his supporters and said he was “humbled.” He added: “There’s still more work to be done, but I wanted to share the good news.”
The Trump campaign hasn’t yet released their September fundraising numbers.

Senate Judiciary sets Oct. 22 vote on Barrett’s nomination
By MARK SHERMAN, LISA MASCARO and MARY CLARE JALONICK Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate Judiciary Committee has set an Oct 22 vote on recommending approval of Amy Coney Barrett’s Supreme Court nomination. Republicans are racing to confirm President Donald Trump’s pick and Democrats acknowledging there is little they can do stop them. Her confirmation would lock conservative majority on the court for years to come. Thursday’s session is without Barrett after she testified publicly for two days of questioning. It is a procedural formality setting the panel’s vote next week. In her Senate testimony, Barrett has stressed that she would be her own judge and sought to create distance between herself and past positions.

NBC faces backlash after agreeing to Trump town hall
By DAVID BAUDER AP Media Writer
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