Experts say Heroin and Prescription Drug Problem is Escalating in Beaver County

Heroin and prescription drug abuse – and drug overdose deaths – are on the increase across the country and it’s no different in Beaver County. Today Beaver County Radio began a three-day series on the growing problem of drug addiction and how we as a community can do a better job of responding to and hopefully preventing such abuse. Dr. Neil Capretto is the Medical Director at Gateway Rehabilitation Center. He says the drug problem as it exists today in Beaver County is the worst he’s ever seen. He says every age bracket and every community in the county is affected by this problem.

Police Officer Shot in Harmony Twp.

A police officer in Harmony Township has survived a shooting thanks to his bulletproof vest. State police in Beaver county say shots that were fired at the Harmony officer early today struck his bulletproof vest. He was taken to a local hospital. No word on his name or condition. Police are still searching for a suspect.

Beaver County Democrats and Republicans Fighting Over Mailers Before Next Week’s Election

We’re just one week away from Election Day…and there’s a war of words underway between the two Democratic commissioners and the Republican Committee of Beaver County. The committee has taken issue with a political mailer that was sent out by commissioners Joe Spanik and Tony Amadio (who are up for re-election in next week’s elections) that did not have the legally required disclaimer, noting who paid for them. Amadio admits they made a mistake, but he says it just an oversight and he says he has the receipts and invoices to prove who paid for those fliers. But Megan Carpenter, chairwoman of the Republican Committee of Beaver County – is still calling for a full investigation immediately.

Democrats Rally In Center Township

Democratic candidates for the Beaver County row offices were showcased at Center Stage on Sunday afternoon along with hundreds of supporters as part of a “Good Old Fashioned Democratic Rally”.   With just over a week to go before elections on November 3rd, the featured candidates took full advantage of talking about their agendas and encouraging people to get out and vote.  The event featured a special address by AFL-CIO official Frank Snyder who stressed the importance of supporting  democratic choices in the general election. State Representative Rob Matzie served as Master of Ceremonies and talked about the importance of next year’s election as well and how it will be pivotal in the make up of state wide politics.

Democratic Candidates oct 2015
Democratic candidates for the 2015 Beaver County Row offices gathered at Center Stage for a rally on Sunday including State Representative Rob Matzie (out front), Commissioner candidates Tony Amadio, and Joe Spanik, Clerk of Courts Candidate Judy Enslen, Coroner Candidate Dr. Michael Sisk, Judical Retention Candidate Deborah Kunselman, Prothonotary Candidate Nancy Werme, Recorder of Deeds Candidate Janice Beall, Register of Wills Candidate Tracy Patton, Sheriff Candidate Wayne Kress and Treasurer Candidate Connie Javens. Also in attendance was District Attorney Candidate Frank Martocci.

AES Plant in Potter Township to Close

A small coal-fired power plant in Potter Township is shutting its doors, two years earlier than anticipated. Virginia-based AES Corporation says the plant will close because the company couldn’t find a buyer for its electricity. Jack Manning – president of the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce – tells Beaver County Radio that the plant closing wasn’t unexpected, although it wasn’t expected this soon. The Beaver County Times reports AES hasn’t said when the 125-megawatt facility will shut down.

Northern Nightmares Bus Tours Begin Tonight in Zelienople

There’s no shortage of Halloween attractions and activities taking place this weekend. But if you’re looking for something unique, but not too scary, you may want to take the Northern Nightmares Ghost Tour of the Harmony and Zelienople areas. Ron Carter is with the non-profit Strand Theater charity. He tells Beaver County Radio that the all-ages tour is very family-oriented. Visit the website at www.northernnightmares.com for details.

One Flown to Hospital in Two-car North Sewickley Crash

One person is still recovering in the hospital following a two-vehicle crash in North Sewickley Township this morning. Police say the vehicles collided on Route 65 near the North Sewickley police department around 7 a.m. Firefighters and an EMS crew also responded to the scene. No word on the victim’s name or condition.

Kane Road Drive-In Theater in Hopewell Township torn down

The Kane Road Drive-In Theater in Hopewell Township was torn down yesterday. 87-year-old Steve Gray built the drive-in with his father back in 1953. They opened for business a year later. It remained one of the few drive-in theaters in the Pittsburgh area until 2013 when it stumbled on hard financial times and was forced to close. Gray tells Beaver County Radio it’s “bittersweet” because he’s left with 2,000 memories. A developer plans to build condominiums on the site.

New Four Seasons Pavilion Officially Opens Tonight

Two government-related events are to take place tonight…and both will occur at Brady’s Run Park. First…a ribbon-cutting ceremony in recognition of the official opening of the newly -constructed Four Seasons Pavilion is scheduled for 5:00. The public is invited to attend tonight’s official opening of the pavilion. They are also invited to stick around for the regularly scheduled 6 p-m public meeting of the board of commissioners. The commissioners’ public meeting will mark the first official use of the Four Seasons Pavilion. The facility is located at 474 Brady’s Run Road in Beaver Falls. Mike Romigh will be there and we’ll have more coverage tomorrow morning on AM Beaver County beginning at 6:30.