Head Start of Beaver County Celebrates 50 Years

Head Start of Beaver County is throwing a party today – a community block party. It’s in honor of the program’s 50th Anniversary. Angela Abiatti – the Parent Family Community Engagement Manager at Head Start – tells Beaver County Radio that today’s event will honor past and present Head Start children, parents and staff with refreshments, a national message from the office of Head Start and artwork from each Head Start classroom.  It all gets underway at 4:30 this afternoon at the Head Start headquarters at the Beaver Valley Mall. Those interested in attending can call (724) 728-2110 to RSVP.

“Dance Moms” Reality Star Indicted On Fraud Charges

“Dance Moms” star Abby Lee Miller has been charged with hiding $775,000 worth of income from the Lifetime network reality show and spinoff projects during her Chapter 11 bankruptcy. 50-year-old Abigale Lee Miller was indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of bankruptcy fraud, concealment of bankruptcy assets, and false bankruptcy declarations. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney David J. Hickton. They say she hid income in 2012 and 2013 from her TV appearances as well as from dance sessions, merchandise and apparel sales.

Outside Dining in Ambridge Could Soon Become Reality

Restaurant owners are trying to change a law banning outside eating in Ambridge. Borough zoning regulations still prevent that, but council could change that. Council is considering an ordinance to allow food establishments to have outside dining. Borough Manager Joe Kauer tells Beaver County Radio that council could vote to legally advertise the proposal at its meeting tonight, which begins at 7:00 in the borough  building at 600 11th Street.

Stolen ATV Driver Who Lost Leg When Hit By Train Charged

Police say a New Brighton man who was driving a stolen all-terrain vehicle when he was hit by a train and had his leg amputated has been charged in the incident. It happened in June, but police only recently charged 32-year-old Lawrence Hammer the Fourth. The man faces a preliminary hearing January 7th on theft and related charges. Hammer is accused of stealing the ATV from a Chippewa home on June 12th, then riding around on it as he broke into cars, stealing various items inside early June 13th. One victim heard the ATV drive away around 6 a.m. Hammer was hit by the train about 40 minutes later, losing one leg and a portion of his other foot.

Teachers in One Local District Threatens Strike In Contract Dispute

Teachers in one Lawrence County school district could go on strike tomorrow. The Columbus Day holiday and more negotiations are all that’s keeping teachers in the Ellwood City School District from going on strike. The 130 teachers in the Ellwood City Education Association say they’ll strike Tuesday if a new contract isn’t struck  before then. The last contract expired June 30. The school board and the teachers’ union have both expressed optimism that they’ll work out a deal before then but, so far, it hasn’t happened.

Traffic snarled in Monaca.

Monaca accident
Monaca firefighters re route traffic on Friday Afternoon.

A two vehicle accident at the intersection of 9th Street and Washington Avenue in Monaca Friday afternoon had area motorists taking a detour around the affected area.  For about an hour, drivers were inconvenienced while the scene was cleaned up and cars towed away. By late afternoon, traffic patterns were back to normal.  No information was available on the condition of the drivers or anyone involved in the accident.

Aliquippa School District Running Out of Money

School districts are starting to run out of money due to the state budget impasse. The Aliquippa School District only has enough cash to operate until the end of October. Superintendent David Wytiaz tells Beaver County radio that the district has been approved for a two-million-dollar loan that should keep the district going until the end of the year. The Western Beaver School District is seeking a similar loan.

Budget Stalemate Drags On

No meetings are expected today between Governor Tom Wolf and legislative Republican leaders after lawmakers defeated Wolf’s tax plan in the budget fight. The administration is distributing a memo about Pennsylvania’s structural debt, warning it could result in huge cuts for education and human services programs.