Some local families are expressing anger that decorations at loved ones’ gravesites at a Beaver County cemetery continue to disappear. During the holiday season, people said they’ve placed decorations on their family’s gravesites at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park in Rochester Township… but those decorations keep disappearing. While some believe the items are being taken by outsiders, a former cemetery worker said the company takes down the decorations each day and throws them out. Sylvania Hills Memorial Park then released the following statement about these allegations: “We empathize with client families who wish to add personal items to the graves of their loved ones; however, we have an obligation to those we serve to maintain a consistent standard of appearance and safety for visitors and workers. It is never our intention to upset or offend any client family. We care deeply for our families and strive to provide them with a peaceful and beautiful environment to remember their loved ones.” There are signs at the entrance stating no decorations are allowed.

A portion of Route 51 (McGovern Boulevard) in Moon Township is closed in both directions due to a major landslide reported late last night. The heavily traveled roadway is closed between Purdy Road and Stoops Ferry Road after the landslide downed trees and power lines, according to Moon police. The landslide was reported shortly before midnight. Crews from PennDOT are on the scene to oversee repairs. Peoples Gas and Duquesne Light were also called in, police said. Power was restored around 5:30 this morning for about 600 Duquesne Light customers. Northbound drivers are being advised to turn left onto Flaugherty Run Road to avoid the closure; southbound drivers should take Brodhead Road.

An overnight stabbing in Ambridge is under investigation this morning. Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano has details. Click on ‘play’ to hear Sandy’s report…

State police have reportedly taken one man into custody after an hours long chase in Beaver County overnight. It started just before midnight along Route 168 in Hookstown. It remains unclear why police started chasing the man. There are reports the suspect may have shot at troopers during the chase. No one was hit. Troopers are still on the scene near border with West Virginia, searching for a second person. State Police from Beaver County say a large wooded area is being searched from the Pennsylvania border to a bridge that connects East Liverpool, Ohio, to Chester. Stay with Beaver County Radio News for the latest on this developing story.

WEATHER FORECAST FOR THURSDAY, JANUARY 2ND, 2019

 

TODAY – MOSTLY CLOUDY. HIGH – 48.

TONIGHT – CLOUDY WITH PERIODS OF RAIN. LOW – 42.

FRIDAY – A STEADY RAIN IN THE MORNING. SHOWERS
CONTINUING IN THE AFTERNOON. HIGH – 47.

SATURDAY – A STEADY LIGHT RAIN IN THE MORNING
TRANSITIONING TO SHOWERS OF RAIN AND
SNOW IN THE AFTERNOON. HIGH – 43.

SUNDAY – CLOUDY. HIGH – 35.

Authorities say homicides in Pittsburgh have hit a 20-year low. Data from police and the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office show 37 homicides city-wide last year. That’s way down from 52 homicides reported in 2018, and ties the number of homicides in 1998. All but four of last year’s victims were men and all but three were shot to death. Five victims were children. The Tribune-Review reports that homicides in Pittsburgh have been decreasing since a spike in 2014 when the city saw 70 homicides. Surrounding Allegheny County had 59 homicides last year.

Floats, marching bands hit the streets for 131st Rose Parade
Marching bands and floral floats moved through the streets under mostly sunny California skies as the 131st Rose Parade drew hundreds of thousands of spectators on New Year’s Day. A flyover by a B-2 stealth bomber and a performance by singer Ally Brooke kicked off the annual extravaganza in Pasadena. It featured dozens of colorful floats decked out with countless flowers. The theme is “The Power of Hope.” The grand marshals were actresses Rita Moreno and Gina Torres and Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez. Spectators started lining the route Tuesday, many of them camping on sidewalks and braving chilly overnight temperatures.

A report from Healthgrades recently named Heritage Valley Beaver among the top 10 percent of hospitals in the nation for Gastrointestinal Care. Every year, Healthgrades evaluates hospital performances of nearly 4,500 hospitals nationwide. Heritage Valley Beaver was also recognized for several clinical achievements, some of which include:

• Five-Star Distinction in Treatment of Heart Attack in 2020.

• Five-Star Distinction for Total Knee Replacement in 2020.

• Five-Star Distinction for Esophageal/Stomach Surgeries in 2020.

• Five-Star Distinction for Colorectal Surgeries for 2 years in a row (2019-2020).

The complete Healthgrades 2020 Report to the Nation can be found at partners.healthgrades.com.

A house caught on fire last night on Penn Avenue in New Brighton. A mother, child and pet dog were inside the home when the fire sparked. When the mother smelled smoke, she discovered the fire and was able to get everyone out safely. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The family is being taken care of by the Red Cross.