Category: News

Pa. State Troopers Continue Investigation into 15 Year Old on June 15, 2020: Reveal Shot In a Car Not Linmar Terrace

/ Beaver County Radio

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Aliquippa, Pa.) PA State Police issued a press release into the June 15 shooting of a fifteen year-old female  in Aliquippa at 1:20 a.m.. Aliquippa PD responded to Linmar Terrace , they provided medical attention  for a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital.  State Police were called to assist.  After further investigation  it was determined the shooting occurred  within the city limits while she was in a moving vehicle, and not in Linmar Terrace.

Anyone with info regarding the  incident  is asked to contact TrooperBryan Boughter at PSP Beaver Barracks  724-773-7400

Pa. Rep. Josh Kail to Host Household Paper Shredding Event on July 18

/ Beaver County Radio

CENTER – Rep. Josh Kail (R-Beaver/Washington) will be hosting an Identity Theft Prevention and Community Shredding Event for households of the 15th District on Saturday, July 18, from 9-11 a.m. in his district office parking lot, 3648 Brodhead Road, Monaca.

The event, which will feature an on-site industrial paper shredder, will provide the opportunity for residents to shred up to two large boxes of materials. The boxes will be returned to residents.

“While COVID-19 prevented many of the events I had scheduled for this year, we are able to safely hold the shredding event,” Kail said. “Identity theft is even more of a risk because of the financial desperation so many people are feeling, so it’s especially important to safely dispose of sensitive documents.”

Paper will not be accepted from businesses or organizations. Only paper, not cardboard or CDs, will be accepted. Staples and paper clips need not be removed. All shredding takes place on-site, and the event will be held rain or shine.

Shredding services will be provided by ShredAmerica Iron City. The event is sponsored by EQT. It is not necessary to register for the event, but residents who would like to learn more are asked to call the district office at 724-728-7655.

PennDOT, AAA Issue Safe Driving Reminder Ahead of Independence Day Holiday

/ Beaver County Radio

Pittsburgh, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and AAA East Central today urged the public to drive sober over the Independence Day holiday.

 The safety partners reminded the public of the dangers of operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol. Such substances weaken a person’s judgement, balance, vision, reaction time and decision-making abilities, creating a dangerous situation on the roadway and water around them.

 The Independence Day holiday is widely celebrated in the United States with many Americans making plans to celebrate with family and friends. While the usual options such as large celebrations, block parties and outings to local businesses are not available this year, many may resort to backyard parties and barbeques where there is plenty of alcohol. If drinking becomes part of the plan for celebrating, it is important to put safety first, especially while behind the wheel and celebrating the holiday.

 Party-goers are urged to plan ahead for travel accommodations. Be sure to have a designated driver to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road. Options include asking a friend or family member for a ride, downloading a ride share app or utilizing public transportation.

 According to 2019 PennDOT data, there were 2,917 crashes that resulted in 40 fatalities statewide during the week leading into the Independence Day holiday last year. Of these crashes, at least 334 were drug or alcohol-related.

 Motorists practicing responsible driving is key to significantly reducing impaired driving crashes and fatalities, which are 100 percent preventable. There is no excuse for driving under the influence.

 For more information on impaired driving, visit www.PennDOT.gov/Safety.

 For regional twitter updates, visit www.twitter.com/511PAPittsburgh.

John Lee, MD, Named Chief Medical Information Officer for AHN

/ Beaver County Radio

Pittsburgh, PA (July 2, 2020) – Allegheny Health Network (AHN) today announced that John S. Lee, MD, has been appointed as the organization’s new Chief Medical Information Officer (CMIO), effective immediately.  Dr. Lee succeeds Robert White, MD, who announced his plans for retirement earlier this year.  Dr. White will stay with AHN through the end of the year to help support a seamless transition.

Dr. Lee joins AHN from Edward-Elmhurst Healthcare, based in Naperville, Ill., where he has served as CMIO since 2016.  At AHN, Dr. Lee will assume oversight of the network’s electronic health record integration and optimization as well as direct all strategies and technological solutions related to the convergence and utilization of telemedicine, population health management and health care analytics.  In this capacity, he’ll work closely with network and Highmark Health clinical and executive leaders in assessing, designing and implementing clinical support systems that maximize quality, safety, patient engagement, and process improvement.

In 2019, all eight of AHN’s acute care hospitals were recognized as Most Wired® providers by the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME).  Most Wired® is the industry-leading survey and recognition relative to IT implementation, integration and innovation in health systems across the country.   AHN is one of the nation’s largest health system’s with a singular electronic health record (Epic) that integrates all affiliated sites of care, including now 12 hospitals, five large Health + Wellness Pavilions and other outpatient care facilities, and hundreds of physician practices.

In addition to implementing systems such as Epic, Most Wired® designated organizations are those that have deployed technologies and strategies such as population health and cost-of-care analytics, telehealth, and patient portals, to expand access to care and improve clinical and efficiency outcomes.

“Information technology has been the foundation of our success in building a transformative, physician-led and patient-centered model of care for our region,’ said Cynthia Hundorfean, AHN president.  “It takes exceptional talent and visionary leadership to sustain and continuously advance the IT systems we deploy, and we could not have found a more accomplished and qualified physician executive to take those reigns for our organization than Dr. Lee.”

An undergraduate of Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Lee earned his medical degree from the Loyola University of Chicago’s Stritch School of Medicine, and completed residencies at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. His professional affiliations include fellowship in the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS).

Last year, Dr. Lee was named the Physician Executive Leader of the Year by both HIMSS and the Association of Medical Directors of Information Systems (AMDIS).

“AHN’s commitment to investing in a robust, leading-edge IT strategy and system that drives better healthcare value, outcomes and experiences for patients has been extraordinary,” said Dr. Lee. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to help build upon the program’s success and to shape its future course as part of a blended health and wellness enterprise.”

Wolf Administration Urges Pennsylvanians to Avoid Large Gatherings, Wear Masks Over Holiday Weekend 

/ Beaver County Radio

Wolf Administration Urges Pennsylvanians to Avoid Large Gatherings, Wear Masks Over Holiday Weekend 

Harrisburg, PA – As the holiday weekend approaches, the Wolf Administration is reminding Pennsylvanians to avoid large gatherings and to wear masks around other people to help prevent further spread of COVID-19. On July 1, Governor Tom Wolf announced an order, signed by Secretary of Health Dr. Levine, requiring masks to be worn whenever anyone leaves home.

“The green phase is not a green light to stop exercising caution in large “Although it is the holiday weekend, Pennsylvanians should refrain from attending large gatherings, and if you do go out and interact with others, wear a mask,” Sec. of Health Dr. Levine said. “My mask protects you, and your mask protects me. Wearing a mask shows that you care about others, and that you are committed to protecting the lives of those around you.”

On July 3, Lebanon County, the remaining county still in yellow, will join the green phase with the rest of the state. The green phase prohibits large gatherings of more than 250 people. The newly expanded mask-wearing order also requires mask-wearing in any public space, not just in businesses.

If you have traveled, or plan to travel, to an area where there are high amounts of COVID-19 cases, it is recommended that you stay at home for 14 days upon return to Pennsylvania. If you travel to the following states, you will need to quarantine for 14 days upon return:

  • Alabama
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Louisiana
  • Mississippi
  • Nevada
  • North Carolina
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah

Pennsylvanians are encouraged to continue to practice social distancing and other preventive measures, including washing your hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, cleaning surfaces often, wearing a mask and staying home if you are sick to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

As of 12:00 a.m., July 2, there were 88,074 positive cases of COVID-19 statewide in 67 counties and 6,712 total deaths attributed to COVID-19. Most of the patients hospitalized are 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 and older. There have been no pediatric deaths to date. More data is available here.

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.

For more information on ticks and Lyme disease, or on mosquitoes and West Nile virus, visit the Department of Health website at www.health.pa.gov or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

PA Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19, 7/02/20: Beaver County up Ten Cases and One New Death

/ Beaver County Radio

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19, 832 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 88,074

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., July 2, that there are 832 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 88,074. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.

There are 6,712 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 25 new deaths. County-specific information and a statewide map are available here.

Locally in Beaver County we are up 10 cases since yesterday at 688. 668 confirmed cases and 20 probables. 6362 people have tested negative and the county is up one death at 79.

“Our latest data shows that the number of COVID-19 cases is increasing across the state,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “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.”

As the holiday weekend approaches, it is essential that all Pennsylvanians take steps to protect themselves and those around them. Residents are encouraged to avoid large gatherings and to remember that mask-wearing is required in public settings and when around other people to prevent further spread of COVID-19.

According to an order signed by Secretary of Health, mask wearing is required whenever anyone leaves home. Consistent mask wearing is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19.

There are 634 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 702,199 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;
  • 7% are ages 19-24;
  • Nearly 37% are ages 25-49;
  • 24% are ages 50-64; and
  • 27% 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 17,856 resident cases of COVID-19, and 3,316 cases among employees, for a total of 21,172 at 702 distinct facilities in 53 counties. Out of our total deaths, 4,590 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 6,706 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, July 1:

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, you are required to wear a mask when in a business or where it is difficult to maintain proper social distancing.

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.

Brighton Rehab and Wellness Sued Over Houskeeper’s Death

/ Beaver County Radio

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The family of a woman who died of COVID-19 while working at a Pennsylvania nursing home that struggled to cope with the virus outbreak is suing the home and its owners for wrongful death. The lawsuit filed in Pittsburgh on Wednesday cites the Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center’s history of safety and sanitation problems. It alleges the defendants’ practices created a perfect environment for an infectious disease to run rampant. The lawsuit states that at least 80 people have died at Brighton and that more than 350 residents and more than 100 staff have caught the infection. Brighton management declined comment.

Pa. State Assistance Available When Federal $600 Weekly Unemployment Benefit Ends July 25

/ Beaver County Radio

State Assistance Available When Federal $600 Weekly Unemployment Benefit Ends July 25

Harrisburg, PA – The Departments of Labor & Industry (L&I) and Human Services (DHS) are reminding Pennsylvanians that state assistance is available when the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) program, which provides an extra $600 per week to everyone receiving unemployment benefit payments, ends July 25, 2020.
Under federal guidelines, the week ending Saturday, July 25, 2020, will be the final claim week for the additional $600 payments. Eligible claimants who are waiting on FPUC payments for any claim weeks from April 4 through July 25 will receive those payments.

“Unemployment benefits have been a lifeline to many Pennsylvanians out of work because of COVID-19,” said L&I Secretary Jerry Oleksiak. “L&I paid more than $10 billion to Pennsylvanians through the FPUC program during a time of great need. It’s important for those individuals to know that help is available from the commonwealth both now and after the federal program ends.”

DHS’ programs are designed to help Pennsylvanians who have lost income or employment meet basic needs until they are able to start work again. Programs include Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). DHS has also received approval to administer benefits created specifically in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the Emergency Assistance Program (EAP) and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Recovery Crisis Program.

“Unless further action comes from Congress and the federal government to extend additional unemployment assistance or make an additional stimulus payment, people in Pennsylvania and across the country may soon find themselves in increasingly uncertain circumstances. In the absence of this, the Wolf Administration will do what we can to help people experiencing hard times,” said DHS Secretary Teresa Miller. “All of DHS’ programs are designed to help Pennsylvanians who have lost income or employment meet basic needs until they are able to start work again. If your circumstances are changing because FPUC is ending, I encourage you to apply and see if these programs can help you or your family.”

Pennsylvanians who have experienced a change in income or job loss, regardless of its relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, can apply for benefits online at any time at www.compass.state.pa.us. Those who prefer to submit paper documentation can mail to their local County Assistance Office (CAO) or place it in a CAO’s secure drop box, if available. Assistance can also be reached over the phone by contacting the Customer Service Centers where caseworkers are available to speak directly with callers to answer questions. Clients in Philadelphia with questions, information to report about their case, or who need a paper application mailed to them should call the Philadelphia Customer Service Center at 215-560-7226. Clients in all other counties can call the Statewide Customer Service Center at 1-877-395-8930.

If you were laid off from your job due to COVID-19, have not returned to work yet, and are no longer receiving health insurance coverage through your previous employer, you should also visit www.insurance.pa.gov to learn more about continuing your health insurance through COBRA and other coverage options.

Visit the Resources for Pennsylvanians page at www.pa.gov to also find:

Mental health resources;
Financial help;
Mortgage and rent information;
Food assistance, and more.

PA. Department of Revenue Offering Assistance to Tax Filers Ahead of July 15 Filing Deadline 

/ Beaver County Radio

Department of Revenue Offering Assistance to Tax Filers Ahead of July 15 Filing Deadline 

Harrisburg, PA — With the deadline to file 2019 Pennsylvania personal income tax returns set for July 15, 2020, the Department of Revenue is encouraging taxpayers who need help with their returns to call the department’s main call center.

The department’s Customer Experience Center is available by calling 717-787-8201. The call center will be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on non-holiday weekdays through Wednesday, July 15 so that Revenue call center agents can assist taxpayers who need help with their returns. Taxpayers may also schedule a call at a time that is convenient for them.

“We understand that many Pennsylvanians are still working to file their returns. That’s why we want to offer as much help as we can prior to the filing deadline to make sure that any questions they may have are answered,” Revenue Secretary Dan Hassell said. “We’re encouraging taxpayers to reach out to us over the phone or visit our website to find information on personal income tax filing and answers to frequently asked questions.”

The deadline to file tax returns typically falls on April 15. However, this year taxpayers were granted an additional 90 days to file their 2019 returns due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The extension of this year’s tax-filing deadline to July 15, 2020 applied to both final 2019 tax returns and payments, as well as estimated payments for the first and second quarters of 2020. The department also waived penalties and interest on 2019 personal income tax payments through the new deadline of July 15, 2020.

In addition to the assistance over the phone that is available by calling 717-787-8201, the Department of Revenue also offers help through its Online Customer Service Center. This online option provides taxpayers with answers to specific questions about 2019 personal income tax returns and the department’s electronic filing, or e-filing, options. It also provides an option to submit a question to a Department of Revenue representative through a secure, electronic process that is similar to sending an email.

As a reminder, tax returns that are filed electronically are processed faster, leading to taxpayers receiving their refunds sooner. Pennsylvanians can file their state tax returns by using the following paper-less e-filing options:

Padirectfile
Padirectfile, a free, secure, state-only electronic income tax filing system, is available through the Department of Revenue’s website. For more information or to begin filing, visit Padirectfile.

Electronic Filing Free

Free electronic filing options are available to file state and federal returns using software from a reputable vendor (income limits may apply). More vendor information is available on the department’s website. 

Electronic Filing for a Fee

Paid tax preparers and commercial tax preparation software providers offer e-filing for a fee. E-filing offers advantages not available to taxpayers filing by paper, including error-reducing automatic calculators, instant confirmation of successful filing, faster refund processing and direct deposit options.  

July 15 Deadline

All taxpayers who received more than $33 in total gross taxable income in calendar year 2019 must file a Pennsylvania personal income tax return by midnight, Wednesday, July 15, 2020.

Filing Extensions

Taxpayers can request an extension to file a personal income tax return by submitting form REV-276. The department automatically grants an extension to file when an extension is granted by the IRS. As a reminder, an extension to file is not an extension to pay tax that is due. If you feel you will owe tax, you should send a payment for the amount of tax you expect to owe. Make sure you record your Social Security number on the check with the notation that you are making an “extension payment” for the tax year.

Find In-Person Taxpayer Assistance

Taxpayers who need in-person assistance will need to schedule an appointment at one of the Department of Revenue’s district offices. The department is asking taxpayers to make appointments to assist with social distancing and other health protocols due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit the COVID-19 information page on the department’s website, www.revenue.pa.gov, for a list of the district offices that are currently accepting appointments. Assistance at district offices is available from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and taxpayers are encouraged to bring their Social Security cards with them to facilitate tax filing.

Taxpayers can check the status of their income tax refunds online by visiting the department’s website and selecting the Where’s My Income Tax Refund? link on the department’s homepage; or by calling 1-888-PATAXES to find out the status of their refunds. Taxpayers will be prompted to provide their Social Security number and requested refund amount to obtain the current status.

Free tax forms and instructions are available at www.revenue.pa.gov. You can also visit the department’s pages on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for helpful filing information.

US adds 4.8 million jobs as unemployment falls to 11.1%

/ Beaver County Radio

US adds 4.8 million jobs as unemployment falls to 11.1%
By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER AP Economics Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. employers added a substantial 4.8 million jobs in June, and the unemployment rate fell to 11.1%, as the job market improved for a second straight month yet remained far short of regaining the colossal losses it suffered this spring. The nation has now recovered roughly one-third of the 22 million jobs it lost to the pandemic recession. And with confirmed coronavirus cases spiking across the Sun Belt states, a range of evidence suggests that a job market recovery may be stalling. In those states and elsewhere, some restaurants, bars and other retailers that had re-opened are being forced to close again.