(Beaver County, PA) It seems that these are times when we all could use a little good news to help carry us through these dark times created by the reaction to the coronavirus pandemic reaction.  Well, there is some “Good News From The Mountain” being broadcast later this evening on WBVP, WMBA , 99.3 F.M. and the BCR Live Audio Stream from 7  to 7:30 P.M.  Pastor Rod Smith, who normally hosts the weekly Wednesday night worship at Mountain Ministries, will be featured in a half hour recorded segment.   Like all mass gatherings in Pennsylvania, Mountain Ministries has had to temporarily suspend their in person services at Prayer Mountain in Darlington, PA due to the current stay at home orders from PA Governor Tom Wolfe. “Good News From The Mountain” will be a way for Mountain Ministries to stay in touch with their worshipers as well as anyone else tuning in on the radio who needs a little positive insight from a faith based perspective during the traditional gathering hiatus.

“Good News From The Mountain”  will be heard every Wednesday night from 7 to 7:30 P.M. and is an outreach of Mountain Ministries.

(Hopewell Twp., PA) Hopewell Township  Police Chief  Brian Uhrmacher announced this morning in addition 2 losing 2 current colleagues in law enforcement this past weekend, we suffered the loss of a retired member of our department , Officer Greg Gozur, who died following a lengthly illness.   He was a U.S. Navy veteran  and served in the Vietnam War.  His years of service with   the Hopewell Township Police Department  included involvement with the DUI TASK FORCE..

In retirement , he served as a Civil Service Commissioner and continued to have n assisting role  with the DUI Task Force. It is clear that Greg loved his family, this community and being a Hopewell Township police Officer. Rest in peace sir!

Click the play button below to hear Beaver County News Correspondent Sandy Giordano’s report.

Former Royals, Cubs manager Jim Frey dies at age 88
SOMERSET, N.J. (AP) — Former big league manager Jim Frey has died at age 88. Frey managed the Kansas City Royals to the 1980 AL pennant and the Chicago Cubs within one win of the 1984 World Series. Frey became friends in high school with future big league Don Zimmer, then spent 14 years in the minor leagues without reaching the majors. His 1980 Royals swept the Yankees in the ALCS, then lost to Philadelphia in a six-game World Series. His Cubs wasted a 2-0 lead against San Diego in the 1984 NLCS.

Fauci: ‘We’re not there yet’ on key steps to reopen economy
By LAURAN NEERGAARD and JULIE PACE Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — The government’s top infectious disease expert says the U.S. still lacks critical testing and other procedures needed to begin reopening the nation’s economy, adding a dose of caution to increasingly optimistic projections from the White House. Dr. Anthony Fauci told The Associated Press that easing off strict social-distancing rules would be on a “rolling” basis around the country. He says localities should be prepared to see new COVID-19 cases when that happens and act quickly to contain them. Asked about May 1, an increasingly discussed target date, Fauci called that possible but “a bit overly optimistic.”

Mail-in, absentee ballot applications surge for June primary
By MARK SCOLFORO and MICHAEL RUBINKAM Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania counties have processed about 283,000 applications for mail-in and absentee ballots, and nearly three times more applicants are from Democrats compared to Republicans. The state’s primary has been moved back to June 2, so the numbers are likely to continue to climb. Four years ago, before mail-in balloting was allowed in the state, about 84,000 Pennsylvanians cast primary votes by absentee ballot. Officials say concerns about the COVID-19 outbreak are driving interest in remote voting. The Health Department said Tuesday that 60 new deaths from the coronavirus were reported over the past day, raising the total to 584.

Obama endorses Biden, says former VP has ‘qualities we need’
By ALEXANDRA JAFFE, JULIE PACE and BILL BARROW Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Barack Obama has endorsed Joe Biden in a video saying Biden has “all the qualities we need in a president right now.” That gives Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, a boost from the party’s biggest fundraiser and one of its most popular figures. Obama and Biden are known to be close friends from their two terms in the White House, and Biden leaned heavily on his affiliation with Obama throughout the Democratic primary. Obama released a 12-minute video on Tuesday endorsing his former vice president. Obama is eager to take a more active public role in the campaign, aides say.

(HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP, Pa.)  Sharon Powell, of North Huntingdon, is accused of intentionally coughing on a drive-thru worker at a McDonald’s on Route 30 in Hempfield Township and telling the worker “l hope you get COVID-19 and die”.  Powell was allegedly upset because about her drink. She tried to hand it back through the window when she was told food items are not allowed to re-enter the restaurant and that the to-go cup holders were being used to avoid contact during the coronavirus pandemic. A license plate number was used by police to determine the vehicle was registered to Powell. The worker identified her by her photo of her driver’s license.

Powell is charged with simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, harassment and disorderly conduct.

(Monaca,Pa) Two of Community College of Beaver County’s students have been honored by the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges for their academic excellence as part of its 26th Annual All-Pennsylvania Academic Team. They will receive a scholarship for their transfer to state schools to continue their education. The award provides two years of tuition at any Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education university. You can read a short Bio of both students below:

 

Kayleigh Burke is studying engineering and is preparing to transfer to Slippery Rock University to study Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services. A member of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) and the current PTK Chapter President, she carries a 4.0 GPA, has been named to the CCBC President’s List, and is actively involved in many on and off-campus extracurriculars, including Breast Cancer Awareness fundraisers, Science Club, Fresh Check Awareness Day, Honors in Action Project, Beaver County Humane Society, and Club Fair. A first-generation college student, she works as a caregiver and tutor and resides in Rochester, Pa.

Alexis Halvin is studying biological and biomedical sciences and is preparing to transfer to Clarion University to earn her Doctorate in dentistry. A member of PTK and current PTK Secretary/Treasurer, she carries a 4.0 GPA, has been named to the Dean’s and President’s List, and participated in many activities on campus: Breast Cancer Awareness and Mental Health Awareness fundraisers, cards for Veterans Salute Breakfast, Club Fair, and new student orientation. She also volunteers at local science fairs, the North American Hawk Migration Foundation, Will of the Warrior, and the Beaver County Humane Society. She works as a caregiver and resides in Industry, Pa.

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19, 1,146 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 25,345

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., April 14, that there are 1,146 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 25,345. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19. The department also reported 60 new deaths among positive cases, bringing the statewide total to 584. County-specific information and a statewide map are available here. All people are either in isolation at home or being treated at the hospital.

Locally in Beaver County we are up 3 cases from yesterday to 156 and the County now also has one additional confirmed death putting the total at 14 deaths in the county from the Coronavirus pandemic.

 

“COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to rise in Pennsylvania, and even though the daily increases are not exponential, now is not the time to become complacent,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “We must continue to stay home to protect ourselves, our families, our community. If you must go out, please make as few trips as possible and wear a mask to protect not only yourself, but other people as well. We need all Pennsylvanians to continue to heed these efforts to protect our vulnerable Pennsylvanians, our health care workers and frontline responders.”

There are 108,286 patients who have tested negative to date. Of the patients who have tested positive to date the age breakdown is as follows:

• Less than 1% are aged 0-4;
• Nearly 1% are aged 5-12;
• 1% are aged 13-18;
• Nearly 7% are aged 19-24;
• 40% are aged 25-49;
• Nearly 29% are aged 50-64; and
• 22% are aged 65 or older.

Most of the patients hospitalized are aged 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older. There have been no pediatric deaths to date. More data is available here.

All non-life-sustaining businesses are ordered to be closed and schools are closed statewide through the remainder of the academic year. Currently the entire state is under a stay-at-home order.

Statewide – The Wolf Administration has since noon, April 13:

• Provided an update from Pennsylvania State Police on business closure enforcement actions.
• Thanked Pennsylvanians for sacrifices made during COVID-19.
• Announced participation in multi-state council to plan for re-opening state.

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

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.