A push to update PA stream designations for wild trout protection

Keystone State News Connection – Danielle Smith

Pennsylvania’s wild trout streams are getting some much-needed attention and outdoor enthusiasts across the state can voice their views on safeguarding fisheries.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has collected data on 24 proposed Wild Trout Streams, recommending they receive official designation to preserve their “exceptional” trout habitats.

Nate Walters, coldwater unit leader for the commission, said protecting streams supports healthy, self-sustaining wild trout populations, which in turn is vital for water quality.

“It’s important to protect them from any kind of human impacts that can further degrade these streams,” Walters asserted. “Again, it’s important to protect these streams for the water quality and habitat protection standpoint, whether it’s for instream or the wetlands surrounding the streams.”

Walters pointed out all Pennsylvania residents can submit public comments about the Wild Trout Streams designations online. Pennsylvania has more than 80,000 miles of streams and rivers, most of which support fishing, kayaking and boating activities.

Alexandra Kozak, Pennsylvania field manager for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, said officially adding streams to the state’s Wild Trout Stream roster will not only preserve world-class fishing opportunities but boost local economies and tourism.

“We have a $58 billion outdoor recreation economy,” Kozak explained. “Considering that roughly 40% of the streams across the state are not suitable for fishing, swimming or even drinking water, according to the DEP, it makes sense to safeguard these exceptional waterways that are already meeting top standards, that can continue to support our outdoor recreation and then continue to drive, you know, our economy.”

Kozak noted their 2020 survey showed 1.2 million Pennsylvanians fished local waterways. She added local businesses like fly shops, fishing guides and bait stores benefit from anglers visiting these areas.

Deluzio, Gluesenkamp Perez Introduce Shrinkflation Prevention Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressmembers Chris Deluzio (PA-17) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) introduced the Shrinkflation Prevention Act. The legislation would prohibit corporations from deceptively decreasing the sizes of their products without lowering the price commensurately.

Without advertised changes, customers are often unaware when they receive less for what they spend. In practice, shrinkflation might mean more air in a bag of chips, fewer sheets on a roll of paper towels, or a divot in the bottom of a jar of peanut butter.

Shrinkflation cuts down on the purchasing power of working families, and it can add up across multiple items in a shopping trip. Among household paper products and snack foods, roughly 10 percent of inflation has been driven by shrinkflation. From 2020 to 2022, corporate profits rose by 74 percent – five times as fast as inflation.

The Shrinkflation Prevention Act would:

  • Direct the FTC to establish regulations to establish shrinkflation as an unfair or deceptive act or practice, prohibiting manufacturers from engaging in shrinkflation.
  • Authorize the FTC and state attorneys general to pursue civil actions against corporations who engage in shrinkflation.

“Shrinkflation is a ripoff—yet another way that big corporations are sticking it to folks,” said Rep. Deluzio. “People in Western Pennsylvania are feeling the pinch from corporations charging more for less to pad their profits at our expense. It’s time to fight back. I am proud to join Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez in introducing the Shrinkflation Prevention Act to bring down costs and to crack down on these deceptive practices.”

“Working families across Southwest Washington just aren’t getting the same bang for their buck as they used to at the grocery store. Corporations have used rising prices as cover to give you less for what you’re paying and boost their bottom line—while the amount of packaging and cost to get products on shelves largely remains the same,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “It can be hard to notice when items get a bit smaller, and shrinkflation can add up throughout your shopping cart. I’m introducing this legislation to fight these deceptive practices and get extra breathing room to families facing higher costs.”

Full text of the legislation is available here, and a summary is available here. The Shrinkflation Prevention Act was introduced in the Senate by Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA).

Share your strength: Red Cross offering incentives for blood or platelets donors

March 25, 2024 — This spring, the American Red Cross asks donors to help defend the blood supply by giving blood or platelets now to combat a monstrous fact: only 3 out of 100 people donate blood. That’s why we’re teaming up with Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures to celebrate the epic new film, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, and inviting donors to rise together and give blood. When donors share their strength by coming to give March 25 – April 7, they’ll get an exclusive Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire and Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. (Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/GXK.*) 

 

In recent weeks, the Red Cross has seen an encouraging increase in the blood supply, but blood and platelet donation appointments remain vital this month. People of all blood types – especially those with type O blood – are critical to ensuring hospital shelves can be replenished as soon as possible.

 

To book a time to give, visit RedCrossBlood.org, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-RED CROSS. Additionally, all who come to give April 8-28 will get a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of two $7,000 gift cards. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/Spring for details. 

  

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

 

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

 

Amplify your impact − volunteer! 

Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check-in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience. 

 

Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information and to apply for either position, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday

 

Pennsylvania train crash highlights shortcomings of automated railroad braking system

Norfolk Southern locomotives are moved through the Conway Terminal in Conway, Pa., Saturday, June 17, 2023. Norfolk Southern reports their earnings Friday, Jan. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

The collision of three Norfolk Southern trains in Pennsylvania early this month highlights the shortcomings of the automated braking system that was created to prevent such crashes. That’s because none of the circumstances the National Transportation Safety Board described Tuesday in its preliminary report on the March 2 derailment would have triggered the automated positive train control system to stop the trains. Railroad safety expert Chris Barkan said the system that was created after a deadly 2008 collision in California isn’t designed to stop trains in these circumstances. The eastbound train that smashed into a stopped train had passed a restricted speed signal. But without a stop signal, the braking system wouldn’t have been triggered.

Tuesday evening shooting in Aliquippa leaves at least one wounded

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published March 27, 2024 10:42 A.M.

(Aliquippa, Pa) A shooting that took place in in Aliquippa yesterday evening is under investigation. Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano reports the shooting happened in the area Linmar Terrace around 6:30pm. Police say one person was shot in the leg but no further details were given.

New Castle Resident Sentenced to 120 Months in Prison for Crack Cocaine Trafficking and Firearm Crimes

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Sahire Walker was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for committing  crack cocaine trafficking and firearm crimes, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced  today.  

Walker, age 45, of New Castle, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District  Judge David Stewart Cercone. Judge Cercone ordered Walker to serve six years of supervised  release following his prison sentence.  

Walker previously pled guilty in this case to committing the following crimes on June 4,  2020: (1) possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute, and (2) possession of a firearm in  furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Prior to imposing the sentence, the Court was informed  that Walker possessed crack cocaine with intent to distribute, and a loaded pistol, inside the rental  vehicle he was operating on June 4, 2020, at 1:00 a.m., in New Castle, Pennsylvania. As of that  date, he had five prior drug trafficking convictions over the preceding 15 years.  

  

Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the  United States. 

The New Castle Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau  of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the  convictions and sentence in this case.  

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all  levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun  violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department  of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core  principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based  organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and  strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Vitalant holding Beaver County blood drives during National Donate Life Month in April

PITTSBURGH, PA (March 26, 2024) — Every two seconds, a patient in the U.S. needs blood. During National Donate Life Month in April, nonprofit Vitalant urges eligible donors to give blood and help support patients including those who undergo more than 40,000 organ transplants each year.

 

Jen Lentini was a teenager when she underwent a heart transplant. She needed blood transfusions before and during the surgery, and in the years since, blood donations have continued to help her fight anemia.

 

“Whether you’re a blood or organ donor – you’re not just impacting the person receiving the blood or a transplant, you’re impacting everyone they’re going to meet in their life,” Lentini said. “Every story, every adventure. You’re saving someone’s child, their relative, their friend.”

 

A robust blood supply must be ready for patients every day before it’s needed. Donors of every blood type are vital to maintaining the supply, especially those with the most-transfused type O.

 

As special thanks, all donors who give with Vitalant April 1-20 who opt-in to the Donor Rewards program will be entered into a drawing for 20 winners of $420 gift cards in the Blaze a Trail giveaway.

 

Learn more and make an appointment to give at vitalant.org, download and use the Vitalant app or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825). Stay updated with the latest news on saving lives by following Vitalant’s regional social media accounts: @VitalantPAOH on Instagram, Twitter (X), and Facebook.

 

Upcoming Blood Drives

 

Aliquippa

Monday, April 15

B F Jones Library

663 Franklin Ave.

1 PM – 6 PM

 

Darlington

Monday, April 15

Little Beaver Lions- Darlington Township Building

3590 Darlington Rd.

1 PM – 6:30 PM

I-79 Ramp Lighting Installation Begins Wednesday in Allegheny County

Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is announcing lighting installation on the southbound I-79 off-ramp to westbound I-376 (Parkway West) in Robinson Township, Allegheny County, will begin Wednesday, March 27 weather permitting.

Shoulder restrictions will be in place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, March 27-28 on the I-79 southbound ramp to westbound I-376 Parkway West (Exit 59B). Short-term stoppages under flagging operations will occur on the ramp to allow material and equipment delivery for the lighting installation work to occur.

Please use caution when driving through the area. Work zone safety is everyone’s responsibility.

Motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts to be available at Beaver County McDonald’s Restaurants

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published March 27, 2024 10:22 A.M.

(Pittsburgh, Pa) Iconic Krispy Kreme Doughnuts will soon be available once again in numerous towns throughout the area. According to a press release issued Wednesday morning, McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme have made a sweet announcement for doughnut fans. The pair of companies are teaming up for a national expansion. Doughnut seekers will soon begin spotting Krispy Kreme doughnuts in local McDonald’s restaurants. Our tristate region is first among the phased market rollout planned for across the country. Nationwide availability is anticipated by the end of 2026.

Three varieties of Krispy Kreme doughnuts will be delivered fresh to McDonald’s restaurants every day and will be available individually or in boxes of six. The doughnuts will be served starting at breakfast and continue throughout the day while supplies last. The three Doughnuts will be The Original Glazed Doughnut, The Chocolate Iced with Sprinkles Doughnut, and The Chocolate Iced Kreme Filled Doughnut.

Krispy Kreme President and CEO Josh Charlesworth said “The top request we receive from consumers every day is ‘Please bring Krispy Kreme to my town.’ Partnering with McDonald’s on a national scale will provide our fans and doughnut lovers unprecedented daily access to fresh doughnuts and the joy that is Krispy Kreme.”

The announcement follows a successful test at 160 McDonald’s restaurants in the Lexington and Louisville, Kentucky areas where consumer excitement and demand was said to have exceeded expectations.

Peterbilt truck runs over signs in South Heights, GPS to blame

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published March 26, 2024 10:26 A.M.

(South Heights, Pa) State Police in Beaver say they responded to a report of a Peterbilt 379 truck going through a residential area striking signs in South Heights Borough. When Troopers encountered the truck, the female driver relayed that she was following her truck’s GPS and it led her down a residential drive that couldn’t accommodate the vehicle. No injuries were reported. The driver contacted the borough for restitution purposes.