This booking photo provided by the Dauphin County, Pa., Prison, shows Riley June Williams. (Dauphin County Prison via AP)

WASHINGTON (AP) — A Pennsylvania woman linked to a far-right extremist movement has been sentenced to three years in prison for storming the U.S. Capitol and invading then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office with other rioters. The judge who sentenced Riley June Williams on Thursday also presided over her trial last year. Williams was charged but not convicted of helping steal a laptop from Pelosi’s office suite during the riot on Jan. 6, 2021. A jury convicted Williams in November of six charges, including a felony count of civil disorder. But it deadlocked on two other counts, including “aiding and abetting” the laptop’s theft.

Students from Philadelphia hold photos of gun violence victims at a rally at the Pennsylvania Capitol pressing for stronger gun-control laws, Thursday, March 23, 2023, in Harrisburg, Pa. (AP Photo/Marc Levy)

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Anti-gun violence advocates rallied and packed a legislative hearing in Pennsylvania, where a politically divided government has fought firearms policy to a virtual standstill for decades and rising gun violence has gripped Philadelphia. Thursday’s March For Our Lives rally marks its fifth anniversary since its inception after a 2018 mass shooting at a Florida high school. Hundreds are expected at Thursday’s rally in Harrisburg, which coincides with rallies this week in Florida, Michigan, California and Texas. Pennsylvania’s Legislature hasn’t seriously entertained any new gun restrictions since 2018. But this year a one-seat Democratic majority has taken over the House and is kicking off this session’s debate over gun violence.

East Palestine Train Derailment (Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio)

EAST PALESTINE, Ohio – This evening, U.S. EPA hosted a community open house at East Palestine High School. Staff from EPA, Ohio EPA, Columbiana County Health District, and other supporting agencies provided residents with information about soil sampling, air monitoring, and other aspects of the response.

This week, EPA published the East Palestine Train Derailment Response Newsletter, 03-21-2023 (pdf) (710.17 KB) for communities in Ohio and Pennsylvania on EPA’s website. The newsletter will also be mailed to area residents.

EPA has reviewed preliminary data from some of the soil sampling related to the controlled burn that occurred during response actions to the train derailment in East Palestine. While final results will be available in the coming weeks, EPA’s review of the preliminary data indicates levels of semi-volatile organic chemicals and dioxins in the samples are similar to typical background levels.

At the derailment site:

• Increased truck traffic along designated trucking routes
• Taggart Street is still closed to the public
• Continued excavation and construction work at the site
• Trucks continue to take soil off site
• Two street sweepers will continue around truck traffic, and crews continue to clean trucks before

leaving the site

In the greater community:

• Air monitoring continues at 23 locations around the community
• EPA’s Trace Atmospheric Gas Analyzer (TAGA) mobile laboratory will continue to sample
• Soil sampling crews in right of ways:
• Crews made up of 4-5 people wearing high visibility safety vests and scooping soil into jars
• If your property is nearby the sampling area and the sampling crew sees signs of soot or ash, a member of the sampling team may ask to sample your property
• River agitation and aeration will continue

Response By the Numbers

• 8,442 tons est. of contaminated soil shipped (+49 tons from yesterday)
• 7.8 million est. gallons of liquid wastewater shipped (+181,347 million gallons from yesterday)
• 621 indoor air screenings
• The Welcome Center has received 377 visitors Soil Removal at the Derailment Site

Soil removal continues at the derailment site and approximately 8,442 tons of contaminated soil has shipped to disposal facilities. Work at the site includes removing tracks in sections, and removing soil and placing it in a staging area for disposal. Soil removal continues on the south track rail area; planning for the north track rail removal is underway. During the soil removal process, Norfolk Southern, with EPA oversight, will conduct soil sampling beneath the excavated rail track.

Liquid Waste Removal

 

Wastewater is collected to ensure water does not leave the derailment site or staging piles of contaminated soil. Wastewater is generated after rain falls on contaminated soil and is collected and from cleaning and washing trucks before they leave site. An estimated 7.8 million gallons of wastewater has been shipped offsite to appropriate disposal facilities.

Soil Sampling

 

EPA and Norfolk Southern contractors continue to take soil samples at agricultural, commercial, recreational and residential properties in both Ohio and Pennsylvania. To date, 102 properties have been sampled. This soil sampling effort will help identify if contaminants, including SVOCs and dioxins, are present and may have been caused by the train derailment.

EPA has reviewed preliminary data from some of the soil sampling related to the controlled burn that occurred during response actions to the train derailment in East Palestine. While final results will be available in the coming weeks, EPA’s review of the preliminary data indicates levels of semi-volatile organic chemicals and dioxins in the samples are similar to typical background levels.

Air Quality

 

To date, 621 indoor air screenings have been conducted. Air monitoring continues 24/7 at 23 stations throughout the community. No detections of vinyl chloride or hydrogen chloride have been identified.

During the soil removal at the derailment site, EPA and independent contractors are conducting air monitoring within the work zone and throughout the surrounding community. This includes continuous air monitoring and sampling at the site and throughout the community as well as the use of EPA’s Trace Atmospheric Gas Analyzer (TAGA) mobile laboratory which is conducting an air monitoring route near the soil excavation area. EPA does not anticipate exceedances of levels of health concern as a result of the soil removal work.

See operational updates from other agencies supporting this incident response below.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

• FEMA has been working closely with the state since the beginning of this incident and has been in constant contact regarding emergency operations since February 4—less than 12 hours after the train derailment.
• In total, FEMA deployed 70 personnel to help coordinate this multiagency effort and get the people of East Palestine connected to critical information and resources.
• Specifically, FEMA recently supported Interagency Community Outreach teams with door-to-door outreach in the affected area, sharing valuable information with residents and businesses.
• These teams engaged with affected residents in the community and more than 2,200 flyers were distributed to individuals or dropped off at their homes and businesses.

Department of Transportation (DOT) & National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

• DOT’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) announced that over $25M is available for projects that will train first responders, strengthen safety programs, improve safety, reduce environmental impacts, and educate the public on local safety initiatives. This includes projects that provide support to state inspectors for hazardous materials shipments and pipelines inspections, important safety training and educational programs for emergency response, and advance innovative safety technologies.
• PHMSA recently urged all railroad operators to create and maintain emergency response plans for the transport of hazardous materials, strengthen the accessibility of the AskRail system, and inform PHMSA when they identify responders who are not able to access PHMSA’s grant-funded training. Read the PHMSA Safety Advisory Notice: Railroad  Emergency Preparedness.
• NTSB, an independent federal agency, is leading the investigation into the cause of the derailment. Read NTSBs recently issued an Investigative Update with factual findings on their investigation on the ground.
• Within hours of the derailment, staff from the Federal Railroad Administration and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration staff were on the scene to support the NTSB investigation.
• Upon completion of the investigation, DOT will use all relevant authorities to ensure accountability and improve safety.
• DOT is demanding immediate actions from the Class I railroads, announcing continued and expanded action from DOT, and calling on Congress to take actions that will hold the industry accountable.

Norfolk Southern Corporation

• For daily updates community members can view the Norfolk Southern website https://nsmakingitright.com/.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) joined the bipartisan Fentanyl Prevention Caucus. Consisting of equal number of Representatives from both parties, this bipartisan group comes together to combat the nationwide spike in fentanyl-related overdoses and drug poisonings. Led by Congressmembers Joe Neguse, Madeleine Dean, Darrell Issa, and Ken Calvert, the Caucus meets with prevention and awareness groups, as well federal and local law enforcement, to continually monitor, research, and work to address the threat of fentanyl.

“Fatal overdoses from fentanyl have destroyed the lives, dreams, and loved ones of so many in Western Pennsylvania,” said Congressman Deluzio. “And unfortunately, in our community and across the country, the death toll keeps rising. Congress must tackle fentanyl abuse like the public health crisis that it is—fighting from all angles to keep this deadly drug out of our communities, address root issues, support addiction services and recovery, and save lives.”

Deaths from opioids are not limited to specific geographic, demographic, and socioeconomic boundaries. They require coordinated efforts like those this caucus is spearheading and at the state and local level to comprehensively take on this crisis.

In Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District, the morbidity rate from opioid overdoses consistently exceeds the national average. Statewide, Allegheny and Beaver counties rank among the highest areas in Pennsylvania for fatal overdoses and drug poisonings. In both counties, fentanyl has exponentially become the most frequently reported drug category in drug related overdose decedents. According to the most recent year’s data from the University of Pittsburgh’s Overdose Free PA, fentanyl was present in 70% of overdose deaths.

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) today released its preliminary employment situation report for February 2023.

 

Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate rose one-tenth of a percentage point over the month to 4.4% in February. The U.S. unemployment rate was up two-tenths of a percentage point from January to 3.6 The commonwealth’s unemployment rate matched its February 2022 level, and the national rate was down 0.2 percentage points over the year.

 

As of January 2023, Pennsylvania has recovered more than 100% of the 1.1 million jobs lost in the first two months of the pandemic. Pennsylvania’s civilian labor force – the estimated number of residents working or looking for work – was up 8,000 over the month due to increases in both employment and unemployment.

 

Pennsylvania’s total nonfarm jobs were up 5,600 over the month to a new record high of 6,094,400 in February. Jobs increased from January in six of the 11 industry supersectors with the largest gain in leisure & hospitality (+3,000). Trade, transportation & utilities jobs remained at a record high level.

 

Over the year, total nonfarm jobs were up 164,800 with gains in all 11 supersectors. Education & health services (+53,600) had the largest volume over-the-year gain among supersectors with three other supersectors adding over 19,000 each.

 

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published March 24, 2023 9:44 A.M.   

(Aliquippa, PA) Sheffield Avenue from Towne Tower Apartments to the police department is closed. Fire Chief Dave Forninger said the road department is working  to determine the cause of flooding in that area.  Drivers are asked to use an alternate route to their destination.

Spring is finally here and that can mean only one thing…
The Monaca Cornet Band begins rehearsing for the 2023 concert season, starting Tuesday April 4, from 7pm to 8:30pm, in the Monaca Cornet Bandroom, 1199 Pacific Avenue, Monaca, PA 15061. There’s ample parking in the lot across the street.
The year 2023 marks the 125th anniversary of the Monaca Cornet Band! Director Jean Busack and assistant director Devin Householder stated that there are already pending concert dates. Details will be provided in the near future.
If you would like to play in the Monaca Cornet Band, simply email monacacornet@gmail.com for additional information, or just show up at the April 4 rehearsal.
URGENT! The Monaca Cornet Band is in need of woodwind players — carinets, flutes and alto saxes, but all other musicians are welcome as well. Auditioning is not mandatory. Bring your instrument and don’t forget your music stand.
“This Could Be the Start of Something Big!”

(Midland, Pennsylvania) Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center, the tri-state region’s top entertainment venue and Beaver County’s number one tourism destination, has gifted an in-kind donation of $203,137.86 to its neighboring Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School. The donation is forgiveness of half the sum of custodial, utility, and maintenance services the Center provided to the charter school over the past few
years.
“The Board provided this gift so that the charter school could continue to uphold its mission of offering educational opportunities in an arts-infused learning environment for children in grades 7 through 12 from across southwestern Pennsylvania,” stated Richard Corradi, President of Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center’s Board of Directors. “The vote to provide the gift was unanimous,” according to Corradi.
“This is just another example of how the Center’s presence, involvement, and dedication allow young talented people to be immersed in the arts and affords them the opportunity to work alongside entertainment industry professionals,” added Chris Shovlin, Chief Executive Officer of Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center. “It truly is the Center that distinguishes LPPACS from every other traditional high
school.”
The Center features two state-of-the-art theaters; a 750-seat proscenium MainStage theater and a 175-seat BlackBox Theater in which students work with professional actors, musicians, technicians, and others in a real-world setting in Broadway-style productions. Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center also hosts concerts,
lectures, exhibits, and other events. The mission of Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center is to strengthen the cultural, educational, and economic
vitality of the communities it serves by making high-quality arts and education programs available, accessible, and affordable for everyone. For more information regarding Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center, visit
www.lincolnparkarts.org.

Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is announcing the closure of a portion of Brush Creek Road (Route 1019) in Marion Township, Beaver County, will begin Monday, March 27 weather permitting.

Slide repair and roadway paving requiring the closure of a portion of Brush Creek Road between Mecklem Road and Route 588 will begin at 6 a.m. Monday. Through traffic will be prohibited around-the-clock as crews conduct the slide remediation work through late July. Traffic will be detoured.

Posted Detours

South of the Closure

• From Brush Creek Road, take Mellon Road (Route 1018) eastbound
• Turn left onto Ridge Road (Route 1017)
• Turn left onto Route 588
• End detour

North of the Closure

• Same detour in the opposite direction

Crews from Thomas Construction, Inc. will conduct the work on this $1.11 million project.

Please use caution when traveling in this area.

Motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio News Director. Published March 24, 2023 9:16 A.M.

(Chippewa Township, PA) Blackhawk High School has filed a lawsuit against Norfolk Southern. Attorney Tom King announced the lawsuit. King spoke to Beaver County Radio Friday morning during “Live Mic”. King says this large plume of toxic material traveled through the area resulting in the district being hit by the materials and chemicals and people need to be concerned about what these chemicals can do. The intentional explosion wasn’t made aware to the superintendent until the day of the explosion. School was terminated and students were sent home when they were informed. The school was never advised what to do to protect students, buildings, or property. The district is faced with having been exposed on two occasions to the chemicals. King says, “Norfolk Southern should do right thing to completely investigate what toxins are in the school and what the kids have been exposed to”, in addition to paying for continuing monitoring. He says “There was negligence on their part for the first one, the second was intentional. These aren’t expenses that should be incurred by the tax payers of the district.” He also doesn’t think the EPA intends to come and test the Blackhawk school district property. The district wants the best medical care possible.

Blackhawk is first school to file a suit in regards to the derailment. It is also the first case in the western district of Pennsylvania in the federal court system.  Norfolk Southern has stepped up recently with helping the East Palestine School District. King said “We wouldn’t have given the advice to the board if there wasn’t substantial evidence. The basic facts are known.”

He says the purpose of the lawsuit is to identify the things we need to do to protect students, staff, community, and provide the funding necessary to take precaution, and the best outcome would be that nothing is wrong and no child is at risk to harm.  He ended by saying “We need the experts to come in and Norfolk Southern needs to pay for it.