Beaver County Commissioners say No More Signs on Veterans Memorial Bridge

No more positing signs on the Veterans Memorial Bridge. That is the message behind an ordinance that the Beaver County Commissioners are proposing. Other bridges in the county are littered with signage but the commissioners say they don’t want to see that happen to the Veterans Memorial Bridge out of respect for the veterans. All three commissioners are behind the ordinance.  The proposal will be voted on at a later date.

Teen Stabbing Suspect Moved to Adult Lockup

The teen accused of stabbing 20 fellow students and a security guard last year at Franklin Regional High School has been moved to an adult lockup after turning 18. Alex Hribal is charged as an adult in the attack, with his attorney trying to get the case moved out of adult court.

Wolf Imposes State Hiring Freeze Travel Restrictions

As Pennsylvania’s budget stalemate enters its fourth month, Governor Tom Wolf is ordering a hiring freeze and restrictions on travel. The Democratic governor issued the order Thursday. It imposes a general hiring freeze for most salaried and wage positions, although it says job offers made through Thursday will be honored. It doesn’t apply to caregivers and people involved in law enforcement or state revenue. Wolf’s order also prohibits most travel  and related costs, but allows essential “mission critical” trips.

Attorney General Kane Charged With 2nd Perjury Count

Another perjury charge has been filed against Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane. The new charge today stems from evidence found during an execution of a search warrant at her office Sept. 17. Kane was previously charged with perjury, conspiracy and other counts.  The new perjury count stems from her claim that she never signed a secrecy oath preventing her from releasing information from past grand jury cases. Prosecutors say they recovered such a document from Kane’s office. They say she signed it on her second day in office.

Teacher Contract Talks Continue in Central Valley School District

Contract negotiations will continue this morning between the Central Valley School District and the teachers union in the hopes of averting a strike. The Central Valley Education Association issued a written strike notice to the district earlier this week. Contract talks resumed at 10:00 this morning. No word on whether there was any progress made.

Judge Rules Two Pittsburgh Constables Abused Their Power

A judge has ruled two Pittsburgh constables “abused their power” when they handcuffed a woman and dragged her by her legs out of her home over an unpaid parking ticket. The judge yesterday convicted Christian Constantini and MIchael Lowman of simple assault, reckless endangerment, official oppression and conspiracy. Both remain free on bond pending their December sentencing.

PSSA Math Scores Drop for Beaver County Students

Math scores on Pennsylvania’s new and more difficult PSSA exams dropped sharply this past year, both for Beaver County students and students throughout the commonwealth. Education officials say there was also a drop in English scores. Education Secretary Pedro Rivera cautions against comparing this year’s scores to last years because the new exam is “fundamentally different.”

Governor Vetoes Short-term Spending plan

Pennsylvania’s budget impasse appears to be headed into a fourth month after Governor Tom Wolf yesterday  vetoed a shot-term spending plan backed by Republican lawmakers. Top GOP leaders say Wolf is holding schools and social services hostage in the budget talks. Both sides plan to meet again today.