Landlord To Rebuild Leetsdale Chemical Warehouse That Burned Last Year

The owner of a Leetsdale industrial park plans to rebuild a chemical warehouse destroyed in a $10 million fire last year. The Beaver County Times reports Chapman Properties has introduced plans to rebuild the Lubrizol Corp. Oilfield Chemistry site to the Leetsdale Planning Commission. Under Lubrizol’s lease with Chapman, the company has 180 days to rebuild the warehouse which burned Nov. 17. Chapman owns the Leetsdale Industrial Park which has housed Lubrizol since 2000. The fire started when workers were pouring hydraulic fracturing chemicals into a production tank. More than 70 nearby homes were evacuated and three workers and several firefighters suffered minor injuries. The planning commission is expected to take action on the rebuilding plans next month.

Hiring Freeze In Effect In Beaver County Government

A hiring freeze has been issued for all Beaver County offices. Commissioners Chairwoman Sandie Egley’s office confirmed to Beaver County Radio newsman Pat Septak in a phone call this morning that the move is in effect until the commissioners finish reviewing the 2016 budget.

Fire Destroys Popular Neighborhood Bar And Grill In Lawrence County

The Ranch, a popular neighborhood bar and grill in Lawrence County, is no more after a fire destroyed the establishment Thursday. First responders say the building in Wayne Township is now a total loss after a grease fire quickly shot through the roof. Two people were inside the bar at the time of the fire. Firefighters from three counties were called in to battle the flames, which could be seen from 10 miles away. The bar was well known for its motorcycle clientele and motorcycle fundraisers. At this point, it’s unclear whether the owners will rebuild, but they say they do not have insurance.

Pedestrian Killed On Route 65 In Avalon

A pedestrian was struck and killed by a truck early this morning on Route 65 on Avalon. The Allegheny County medical examiner’s office was called out around 5 a.m. The incident took place in the 900 block of Ohio River Boulevard. The victim’s identity has not been released. A portion of Route 65 is closed in both directions in Avalon.

National Catholic Schools Week Interview Series Announced

(Beaver County, PA)  1230 WBVP and 1460 WMBA will again this year showcase the value of private, faith based, education by airing a week long series of interviews as part of  National Catholic Schools Week, February 1-5, 2016.  Each day from 8:40 to 9:00 A.M., representatives from Beaver County Catholic schools will Join host, Al Goehring, on “A.M. Beaver County” for a guest appearance  highlighting Beaver County’s local institutions.  The line up is as follows:

  • Monday February 1, 2016:  Dr. Ed Scheid, Educational Consultant, Diocese of Pittsburgh.
  • Tuesday February 2 , 2016:  Brad Diamond, Principal of  Saint Monica Catholic Academy.
  • Wednesday February 3, 2016:  Elaine Schreiber , Music teacher and Forensic Moderator at Our Lady of Fatima Elementary School.
  • Thursday February 4, 2016:  Maureen Lucci,  Preschool Teacher and parent, Saints Peter and Paul. She is  also the Parent Teacher Guild President.
  • Friday February 5, 2016:  Gabby Smith, Senior at Quigley Catholic High School and Saints Peter and Paul Elementary School  alumnus.

The National Catholic Schools Week celebration on WBVP and WMBA is sponsored by Rome Monument and Rome Inspirations, Fischer’s New Brighton Foodland, Fischer’s Beaver Falls Save A Lot, Fischer’s Beverage, Fort McIntosh Wealth Advisers, Beaver Valley Auto Mall and RAM Acoustical Corporation.

Ellwood City School One of Dozens Throughout State Participating in National School Choice Week

This is National School Choice Week in Pennsylvania and all across the country. It is the largest celebration of educational opportunity in U.S. history. More than 700 events will be held to celebrate School Choice Week in the Keystone state alone. Among the schools participating is the Holy Redeemer School in Ellwood City. The school’s principal – Sr. Joanne Kokosinski – tells Beaver County Radio newsman Pat Septak that now is a great opportunity for parents to explore school choice options for their children. For more information on National School Choice Week, please visit the website at www.schoolchoiceweek.com.

Driver Injured In Rollover Crash in Aliquippa

A driver is recovering following a rollover crash in Aliquippa. It happened at the intersection of Franklin Avenue and Kiehl Street in the city. Police say the unidentified man was unconscious at the wheel as a result of an opiate overdose. Only one vehicle was involved in the crash, and the driver was taken to the hospital. Police were called to the scene and will likely file charges against the driver. No word on the driver’s condition.

Former Coraopolis Police Chief Sentenced To Probation, Community Service For Crash

A former Coraopolis police chief was sentenced today to three years of probation for a crash that seriously injured a woman. Alan DeRusso pleaded guilty in October to charges stemming from the crash, in which prosecutors said he was driving more than 80 mph before he drove through a red light and crashed into a car in Moon Township in August of 2014. In addition to probation, DeRusso’s sentence included 300 hours of community service. DeRusso will also have to pay restitution to the victim, who has undergone multiple surgeries since the crash.