Category: News

Ceremonial Ribbon Cutting Opens Koppel Bridge Up To The Public Again

(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)

After several weeks of detouring citizens, hard construction labor, and millions of dollars spent, the Koppel Bridge was officially and ceremoniously opened back up to the public on Wednesday afternoon (October 23).

The new bridge, shown to the right of where the old bridge stood, fixes the issue of a downward curve that often flooded.

The bridge is part of Pennsylvania Route 351 that connects Koppel Borough with North Sewickley Township and all the way into Ellwood City. The old bridge was shut down officially in August due to travel concerns, forcing motorists to travel either through Wampum or Eastvale to cross the Beaver River.

Koppel Police Chief Matt Smock (in car) takes the first official drive over the new bridge.

 

Several local residents and dignitaries, including mayor Tom Vannoy, helped cut the ribbon that made Route 351 a complete route again. Koppel Police Chief Matthew Smock had the honors of driving his unit van across the bridge before anyone else, and he told Beaver County Radio that the bridge being back open is good news for his unit and neighboring police units:

 

The bridge was built by Brayman Construction in conjunction with PennDot.

Aliquippa Deputy Treasurer Headed to Trail

The Aliquippa Deputy Treasurer is headed to trial…as we hear in this report from Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano:

Ukrainian Leader Felt Trump Pressure Before Taking Office

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — More than two months before the phone call that launched the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump, Ukraine’s newly elected leader told advisers he was worried about pressure from the U.S. president to investigate Democrat Joe Biden. Volodymyr Zelenskiy gathered a small group together in Kyiv on May 7, where they discussed how to navigate Trump’s insistence for a probe and avoid becoming entangled in American elections. The meeting was recounted to The Associated Press.

Trump Lifts Sanctions on Turkey, Says Cease-Fire Permanent

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says Turkey has informed the U.S. it will make “permanent” a five-day cease-fire in Syria. In response, he says he’s directing the lifting of economic sanctions on Turkey. Claiming success at the U.S.-brokered effort, Trump said Wednesday, “this was an outcome created by us.” The cease-fire required Kurdish forces formerly allied with the U.S. against the Islamic State group to move out of a roughly 20-mile zone on the Turkish border.

Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School in Hopewell Twp Receives Safety Grant

(Photos of the school and of Mrs. Martin talking about the grant taken by Sandy Giordano)

Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School in Hopewell Township has received a safety grant from the state. Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano has details. Click on ‘play’ to hear Sandy’s report…

President Donald Trump Heads to Pittsburgh Today to Show Support for Natural Gas Industry

EXTON, Pa. (AP) — President Donald Trump is headed to Pittsburgh today to show his support for the natural gas industry, making clear he sees his pro-industry policies as a boost to his chances of winning the battleground state. As some of his Democratic opponents call for a fracking ban, Trump has been eager to tout his support for a sector he says brings economic benefits and jobs. But in the suburbs that might be key to victory, Pennsylvania voters have shown a growing opposition to fracking.

Challenge to Victims’ Rights Constitutional Amendment to be Subject of Court Hearing

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A challenge to a victims’ rights constitutional amendment going before voters in two weeks will be the subject of a court hearing. A Commonwealth Court judge plans to meet with lawyers before the Wednesday hearing in Harrisburg. The Marsy’s Law amendment would put into the state constitution the right of victims to be notified about, attend and weigh in during plea hearings, sentencings and parole proceedings.