The Beaver County Commissioners have reportedly been discussing ways to work around some numbers and figure out how both sides in their contract dispute between union members of the commissioners residual unit can be happy with a contract. It seems as though there will be another contract offered but the two sides have to get together. Commissioner Dan Camp told Mike Romigh on Teleforum this morning that that may happen as early as Friday afternoon. The union is planning to take a strike vote this Wednesday. They were only out for a day earlier this week but the next strike vote would be whether it should be long-term or a three-day strike.

State Representative Jim Christiana has introduced a bill that would abolish all property taxes in Pennsylvania. Under House Bill 2145, property taxes would be eliminated on July 1st, 2017. Christiana tells Beaver County Radio newsman Pat Septak that there are currently 30 alternative plans or proposals in the state legislature and that he was a few ideas of his own. Christiana calls property taxes the most un-American taxes on the books.

Midland police officer Ron Lutton was  recognized by Mayor Angela Adkins and council for his  outstanding police work in the community. Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano reports that Lutton was presented with a proclamation by Sgt. Robert Adams. Officer Lutton received the 2015  Drug enforcement award by  Beaver County for his work with drug investigations in the community.

Midland Boro Manager Diane Kemp retires June 30 after 14 years with the borough, and council and her  husband and one of her grandsons were present to honor her. Mayor Adkins presented her with a proclamation and council president Kim Yope  wrote an original poem which was in a frame. Mrs. Kemp’s husband Ron  presented her with a cake, and council also presented her with a bouquet of roses.Elizabeth (Betsy) McIntyre   takes over  in a newly created position as secretary treasurer on July 1. Borough secretary Amber Mineard resigned from her position effective May 18.

Police in Beaver Falls shot a man after he held another man at gunpoint and pointed the gun at responding officers. Beaver County District Attorney David Lozier says Kevin Haskins entered a Beaver Falls home Wednesday afternoon and tried to forcefully take something. Nine people were inside the home, including six children.Authorities say Haskins pointed the gun at three responding officers and pulled the trigger. The gun never went off. Two officers then shot him in the hip and legs. The 24-year-old has been airlifted to a hospital for surgery. His condition isn’t known. No one else was hurt. Haskins faces charges including attempted homicide and aggravated assault.

Aliquippa City Council met last night and approved Jason Stauffer as a new member of the municipal water authority.  His term will expire on December 3. Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano reports that City Administrator Sam Gill said following last week’s flooding on Kennedy Boulevard all personnel in the city were mobilized  to assist.  Heavy rains caused the area to flood.Gill congratulated the fire department who received a $461,905 grant for a new fire truck.  Captain Dave Childs said the truck to be replaced is 20 years old. The grant was received through FEMA   and the city has to match with 5% funding.   The fire department will draw up the specs, put it up for bid, and present the bids to council before the purchase is made. And residents  who are delinquent in paying their refuse bills are asked to call  the city to set up payment arrangements by July 3.  The number for residents to call is 724-375-5188 extension 1 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Payments may be made by using Mastercard or Discover  at aliquippapa.gov.  After July 3 unpaid bills will be turned over to Berkhiemer Agency for collection.

Midland borough manager Diane Kemp, Ohioville retires on June 30 after 14 years in the borough.  Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano reports Betsy McIntyre was hired at council’s April meeting to  be the secretary-treasurer, a newly created position. McIntyre said last night she’s getting used to her new position.  She’s been working closely with Mrs. Kemp to make  the transition.McIntyre  had been executive director of Midland Development Corp., was a consultant previously for the borough and drafted an economic development plan in 2013. Fred Miller, Lincoln Learning Solutions Communications director and editor of the Midland Today Magazine  worked closely with McIntyre on the publication, also retires June 30. Miller worked for East Liverpool’s Evening Review for several years before being hired by Dr. Nick Trombetta, founder of NNDS and PA Cyber.

State Police Lieutenant Eric Hermick, at a press conference yesterday in Beaver, said the extradition process has begun to bring accused murderer 26-year-old Edward Baker of Brighton Township back to this area. Baker is accused of killing Addaleigh Huzyak of Beaver. County Coroner David Gabauer said cause of death was a single gunshot to the head. According to Beaver County Radio’s Greg Benedetti, Lieutenant Hermick said Baker is cooperating with police in Kentucky and is in good physical shape. The lieutenant said there is little information being made public, as to not to jeopardize the murder case.

At their work session yesterday, the Beaver County Commissioners agreed to look into the possibility of offering a second round of contract buyouts to workers who qualify. According to Beaver County Radio’s Greg Benedetti, this time social services are being targeted, especially Children and Youth Services and Domestic Relations. Those who take the buyout would be encouraged to return to work at a substantially lower wage. The commissioners must now determine how many qualify for the buyout and how much it would save the county.