Pennsylvania State Police Reports 774 Crashes, 556 DUI Arrests During Independence Day Weekend

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) today released the results of its annual Independence Day weekend enforcement detail, which aimed to strengthen roadway safety across the Commonwealth.

The PSP investigated 774 vehicle crashes resulting in 11 fatalities and 244 injuries July 3-7. Intoxicated driving was a factor in 64 crashes, including four fatal crashes.

During the five days, troopers arrested 556 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and issued 28,429 citations, including:

  • 7,975 for speeding;
  • 876 for failing to wear a seat belt;
  • 225 for not securing children in safety seats.

Table 1: Independence Day Weekend Crash Statistics

Year Total Crashes Fatal Crashes People Killed People Injured DUI Crashes DUI-Related Fatal Crashes
2024 (5 days) 774 11 11 244 64 4
2023 (5 days) 668 3 3 194 59 0

 

Table 2: Independence Day Weekend Enforcement Statistics

Year DUI Arrests Speeding Citations Child Seat Citations Seat Belt Citations Other Citations
2024 (5 days) 556 7,975 225 876 19,353
2023 (5 days) 505 7,929 210 845 14,754

 

More information on 2024 Memorial Day enforcement, broken down by Troop, is available here.

These statistics cover only those incidents investigated by the state police and do not include incidents to which other law enforcement agencies responded.

For more statistical information on the Pennsylvania State Police, visit psp.pa.gov.

New License Plates & Highway Welcome Signs announced for PA

Harrisburg, PA – After Independence Day and following his launch of Pennsylvania’s Great American Getaway tourism brand, Governor Josh Shapiro today unveiled new Pennsylvania license plates and “Welcome to Pennsylvania” highway signs. The “Let Freedom Ring” designs celebrate Pennsylvania as the birthplace of American democracy and highlight the state’s leading role in the celebrations of the United States in 2026.

 

“Pennsylvania is the birthplace of our democracy, and as Governor, I have been focused on advancing real freedom across the Commonwealth,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “With all eyes on Pennsylvania as we prepare to host our country’s 250th birthday in 2026, our new license plates and welcome signs will celebrate the best of what the Commonwealth has to offer and show the country why Pennsylvania is the Great American Getaway and the birthplace of American freedom.”

 

The new designs complement the Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway brand, underscoring that tourism is a key priority within the Governor’s economic development strategy. A report unveiled by the Pennsylvania Tourism Office in March shows Pennsylvania’s tourism industry generated $76.7 billion in economic impact, supported 486,871 jobs, contributed $4.7 billion in state and local taxes, and welcomed 192.4 million visitors in 2022 – and the nearly 72 million people who live within a four-hour drive of thousands of getaways and experiences in Pennsylvania will now see the new designs upon entering the Commonwealth.

 

Pennsylvania is a premier weekend getaway destination within close driving proximity to major hubs along the East Coast – and our main streets and small towns, world class restaurants and bars, renowned historical sites, thrilling outdoor recreation, and top tier events and sports can be experienced in a single weekend.

The new welcome signs installed at state-border entry points invite visitors and residents to celebrate Pennsylvania’s legacy of and commitment to advancing real freedom. The first eight signs have been installed on U.S. 15 in Adams County; I-295 in Bucks County; I-90/the Ohio line in Erie County; I-70 in Fulton County; I-80 in Monroe County; Route 449 in Potter County; I-81 in Susquehanna County; and Route 1015 in Tioga County. Another 29 signs will be installed in the coming months.

 

Pennsylvanians can also now sign up to receive an email update when the new license plates are ready to order in spring 2025. When the plates become available, an email will be sent explaining how vehicle owners can request one for their vehicle from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Militaryspecial organizationspecial fund, and specialty plates without legislatively mandated designs will also be updated with the new design.

 

When the plates become available, fee information will be included with replacement instructions on PennDOT’s website and will vary based on plate type and any optional personalization. The department and its partners will use all existing standard issue license plate inventory before transitioning to the new plate design.

 

Man ejected from car in Chippewa Township accident

Story by Beaver County Radio News Staff. Published July 8, 2024 12:32 P.M.

(Chippewa Township, Pa) State Police in Beaver report that they responded to a single vehicle accident with injury on June 30th. The crash took place on I-376 in Chippewa. Police say the driver, identified as 31 year old Derrick Alan, drifted into the center median cable barrier while traveling west. He eventually struck a guard rail and rolled 3 times into the east bound lanes. Alan was ejected from the vehicle sunroof while rolling. He was transported to the hospital for suspected serious injuries.

Beaver Police holding breakfast for Seniors

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published July 8, 2024 12:30 P.M.

(Beaver, Pa) Monday, July 8 was the first breakfast for seniors with the Beaver Police Department. Beaver Police Detective DeGori joined seniors at the Center at the Mall Congregate Room to present a Summer Scam Series Breakfast.

Seniors will be able to gain valuable information on scams affecting seniors in our area and beyond, such as elder fraud, romance scams, social engineering, grandparents scams and more. The next 2 events are Monday, August 19, 2024, and September 23, 2024.
The events are sponsored by the Center at the mall, Beaver Police Department, and the County’s Office on Aging.

While Biden campaigns in Pennsylvania, some Democratic leaders in the House say he should step aside

President Joe Biden attends a church service at Mt. Airy Church of God in Christ, Sunday, July 7, 2024, in Philadelphia (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — President Joe Biden urged his supporters to stay unified during a series of stops in critical Pennsylvania on Sunday, even as some leading congressional Democrats privately suggested it was time for him to abandon his reelection bid because of intensifying questions about whether he’s fit for another term.

Addressing a rousing church service in front of stained glass windows bathed in sunshine at Philadelphia’s Mount Airy Church of God in Christ, the 81-year-old Biden joked, “I know I look 40” but “I’ve been doing this a long time.”

“I, honest to God, have never been more optimistic about America’s future if we stick together,” he said.

There and during a subsequent rally with union members in Harrisburg, Biden offered short speeches that touched on familiar topics. But he also left plenty of room for key backers to discuss standing by him. In that way, the Pennsylvania swing seemed meant to showcase support for the president from key political quarters more than proving he’s up to four more years.

His party, though, remains deeply divided.

As Congress prepares to resume this week, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries convened top committee lawmakers Sunday afternoon to assess their views. Several Democratic committee leaders, including Rep. Jerry Nadler of New York, Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut and Rep. Mark Takano of California, said privately that Biden should step aside, according to two people familiar with the meeting and granted anonymity to discuss it.

But other top Democrats, including members of the influential Congressional Black Caucus, argued just as forcefully that Biden remain the party’s choice. The conversation was wide ranging, with the committee leaders sharing various views on the situation, but there was no unanimity on what should be done, the people said.

Biden was personally calling lawmakers through the weekend. He also joined a call with campaign surrogates and reiterated that he has no plans to leave the race. Instead, the president pledged to campaign harder going forward and to step up his political travel, according to two people who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private conversations.

One Democrat the president spoke to, Sen. Alex Padilla of California, said he and others are pushing the Biden campaign to “let Joe be Joe, get him out there.”

“I absolutely believe we can turn it around,” Padilla told The Associated Press.

Meanwhile, a person familiar with Sen. Mark Warner’s thinking said there will be no meeting on Monday to talk about Biden’s future, as had been previously discussed, and that those discussions will take place in Tuesday’s regular caucus luncheon with all Democratic senators. The person said a private meeting was no longer possible after it was made public that the Virginia Democrat was reaching out to senators about Biden, and that a variety of conversations among senators continue.

Five other, different Democratic lawmakers have already publicly called on Biden to abandon his reelection campaign ahead of November. Meeting this coming week in person means more chances for lawmakers to discuss concerns about Biden’s ability to withstand the remaining four months of the campaign — not to mention four more years in the White House — and true prospects of beating Republican presumptive nominee Donald Trump.

Biden’s campaign team was also calling and texting lawmakers to try to head off more potential defections, while increasingly asking high-profile Biden supporters to speak out on his behalf..

Calls to bow out nonetheless popped up from different directions.

Alan Clendenin, a Tampa city councilman and member of the Democratic National Committee, on Sunday called for Biden to “step aside and allow Vice President Kamala Harris to carry forward his agenda as our Democratic nominee.” Director Rob Reiner, who has helped organize glitzy Hollywood fundraisers for Biden in the past, posted on X, “It’s time for Joe Biden to step down.”

The Democratic convention is fast approaching and Biden’s Friday interview with ABC has not convinced some who remain skeptical.

Democratic fundraising bundler Barry Goodman, a Michigan attorney, said he’s backing Biden but, should he step aside, he’d throw his support to Harris. That’s notable since Goodman was also a finance co-chairman for both of the statewide campaigns of Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who has also been mentioned as a top-of-the-ticket alternative.

“We don’t have much time,” Goodman said. “I don’t think the president gets out. But if he does, I think it would be Kamala.”

There was no such suggestion at Mount Airy, where Pastor Louis Felton likened the president to Joseph and the biblical story of his “coat of many colors.” In it, Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt by his jealous brothers, only eventually to obtain a high place in the kingdom of the pharaoh and have his brothers beg him for assistance without initially recognizing him.

“Never count Joseph out,” Felton implored. Then, referring to Democrats who have called on Biden to step aside, he added, “That’s what’s going on, Mr. President. People are jealous of you. Jealous of your stick-to-itiveness, jealous of your favor. Jealous of God’s hand upon your life.”

Felton also led a prayer where he said, “Our president gets discouraged. But today, through your holy spirit, renew his mind, renew his spirt, renew his body.”

After the church service, Biden visited a campaign office in Philadelphia, where Sen. John Fetterman, a Pennsylvania Democrat who won a tough 2022 race while recovering from a stroke, offered a forceful endorsement.

“There is only one guy that has ever beaten Trump,” Fetterman said. “And he is going to do it twice and put him down for good.”

Later stepping off Air Force One in Harrisburg, the president was asked if the Democratic Party was behind him and emphatically responded, “Yes.”

Joining him at the union event, Rep. Madeleine Dean, also a Pennsylvania Democrat, said that “democracy is on the line. There’s one man who understands it it’s Joe Biden.”

Isabel Afonso, who saw Biden speak in Harrisburg, said she was worried when she saw the president’s debate performance, but doesn’t think he should drop out of the race and that he can still win. “I know he is old, but I know if something happens to him, a reasonable person will replace him,” said Afonso, 63.

At the same event, 73-year-old James Johnson said he knew what it was like to forget things as he’s gotten older but called Biden “a fighter.” He said replacing the president at the top of the Democratic ticket would only cause confusion.

“I’m talking about lifelong Democrats and people that have been in the Democratic Party for a long time,” Johnson said. “They may just decide to jump ship, because of that.”

Still, others aren’t fully convinced.

Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut told CNN that Biden “needs to answer those questions that voters have” while adding, “If he does that this week, I think he will be in a very good position.”

Biden has rejected undergoing independent cognitive testing, arguing that the everyday rigors of the presidency were proof enough of his mental acuity. Yet California Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff told NBC on Sunday that he’d be “happy if both the president and Donald Trump took a cognitive test.”

As some Democrats have done, Schiff also seized on Biden suggesting during the ABC interview that losing to Trump would be acceptable “as long as I give it my all.”

“This is not just about whether he gave it the best college try,” Schiff said “but rather whether he made the right decision to run or to pass the torch.”

—-

Weissert and Mascaro reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Zeke Miller and Kevin Freking in Washington, Michelle Price in New York, Meg Kinnard in Chapin, South Carolina, and Bill Barrow in New Orleans contributed to this report.

Aliquippa man jailed following July 4th assault on his grandson

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published July 8, 2024 12:23 P.M.

(Aliquippa, Pa) Aliquippa Police were dispatched at approximately 4:30pm to respond to a disturbance at Valley Terrace Apartments, 200 Superior Avenue on July 4, 2024. Upon arrival, according to the report, 67 year old James Gilbert wouldn’t answer the door when police knocked and police forced entry into the apartment. Officers found Gilbert was highly intoxicated, and according to the victim and his guardian, Gilbert  struck the juvenile and kicked him. Officers reviewed video footage that was partially captured of the incident. Police took Gilbert into custody, and CYS was notified along with the child’s mother.

Police took Gilbert into custody and took him to the police department where he was charged with 3 misdemeanors, endangering the welfare of children, simple assault, and terroristic threats. He was charged with a summary offense of harassment.
Gilbert is lodged in the Beaver County Jail.

Local Nonprofits Encouraged to Apply for Duquesne Light Company’s Microgrant Program

PITTSBURGH — Duquesne Light Company (DLC) today announced the reopening of its annual Community Impact Grants (CIG) program, which recognizes and awards diverse, grassroot community organizations in Allegheny and Beaver counties with microgrants of up to $10,000 to support efforts in environmental justice, education and social equity. Interested organizations can apply online starting today, July 8, through Aug. 5, 2024.
DLC launched the CIG program in April 2021 to support small nonprofit organizations making lasting positive impacts in the community. Since its inception, the program has awarded more than $600,000 to nearly 100 local organizations, about 85% of which are diverse led. In 2023, DLC funded 38 unique projects focusing on food access; reforestation and green spaces; science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) education; access to technology; refugee assistance; and more.
“As an essential service provider, one of DLC’s core values that guides us each and every day is community. We continually invest in initiatives that enhance the quality of life for those we serve,” said Angela Feldbauer, DLC’s manager of environmental, social and governance (ESG) and corporate giving. “This program has enabled DLC to deepen our relationships with diverse, grassroot nonprofits across our service territory, and we’re honored to stand alongside those organizations once again and continue serving as a trusted partner in the Pittsburgh region.”
Success Story
Grow Pittsburgh was one of the first recipients to receive a microgrant from DLC in 2021 to amplify a community garden in Pittsburgh’s Manchester neighborhood. The funding also aided the organization to grow and make a larger impact supporting the Manchester community.
“Grow Pittsburgh is grateful to Duquesne Light Company for the Community Impact Grant in 2021 that helped establish the Manchester Food for the Soul Community Farm,” said Ryan Walsh, Grow Pittsburgh’s director of development and communications. “This garden has become a treasured source of healthy free food for the neighborhood, and we greatly appreciate DLC’s financial support as well as volunteer support to make this happen.”
 
How to Apply
This year’s CIG program will once again fund efforts in environmental justice, education and social equity, specifically:
  • Community gardens; park upgrades and restorations; and climate resilience.
  • K-12 education in the areas of STEAM; access or increased access to technology and equipment for educational programming or capacity building.
  • Housing, racial equality, refugee assistance and access to food for historically disenfranchised communities.
To be considered for a microgrant, organizations must:
  • Be a 501(c)3 nonprofit or state equivalent, or an organization receiving fiscal sponsorship from a registered 501(c)3 or state equivalent.
  • Meet DLC’s Charitable Giving program guidelines listed in the program’s FAQs.
  • Serve residents in Allegheny and/or Beaver counties.
  • Have an annual operating budget equal to or less than $500,000 and/or a specific targeted project. Organizations with larger budgets that are not applying on behalf of a smaller nonprofit or community group will not be considered for a microgrant.
Funding should not be used for capital campaigns or overhead expenses including rent, employee salaries, insurance or utility support.
All applications will be reviewed by a committee of DLC employees, with final decisions being communicated to applicants within six weeks of the submission deadline. Organizations that receive a microgrant will be listed on DLC’s website and promoted on social media.
To learn more about the program and application process, visit DuquesneLight.com/CIG.
More details about DLC’s broader community programs can be found in the company’s 2023 ESG report.

Blood and platelet donors critically needed in July

This July, the American Red Cross continues to stress that blood and platelet donors are critically needed right now to support lifesaving transfusions this summer. Donors of all blood types are in demand, especially those with type O blood and donors giving platelets.

 

Every donation counts in the mission to keep blood products stocked for patients, including those facing life-threatening situations. More than a quarter of all blood products each year are used in critical care and emergency room cases, highlighting the importance of generous blood and platelet donors. Be a force for good. Book a time to give blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.  

 

The Red Cross has teamed up with Universal Pictures for the theatrical release of TWISTERS to help avoid a summer blood shortage. All who come to give blood or platelets July 1-31 will get a Fandango Movie Ticket* by email. Plus, those who come to give by July 14 will also receive a one-of-a-kind TWISTERS and Red Cross umbrella, while supplies last. BONUS: Those who come to give blood in July will also automatically be entered for a chance to win a 2025 Ram 1500 Big Horn®. See RedCrossBlood.org/Twisters for full details. 

 

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

 

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

Beaver County Chamber’s Monday Memo: 07/08/24

You plan your summer travels, so plan your summer networking!

Date: Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Location: Rochester Boat Ramp

FEES:

Member: $85

Non-Member: $100

Set sail with your local and state officials when you join us for an evening aboard the Gateway Clipper right here in Beaver County. This is a great opportunity to network with legislators and fellow Chamber members as we cruise and dine on the Ohio River.

Sponsorship Opportunities

*If you are interested in any sponsorships, please contact Molly Suehr at msuehr@bcchamber.com or call 724.906.4286.

Register Today: July 17th Legislative Cruise

Ribbon Cutting on July 10th

Join us on July 10th for the Ribbon Cutting of Ginger Gardens, as they celebrate a year and a half in business and the launch of their Ginger Gardens Bouquet Subscriptions!

There is a FREE bouquet bar for attendees at this event!

Application Deadline July 31st + More Details Here
View Full Event Calendar
View all event photos
Submit your member news to msuehr@bcchamber.com
CCBC Community Day

Join CCBC for their 2024 Community Day on Saturday, July 20th from 10 am – 2 pm.

Learn more here.

2024 Bouquet Subscription with Ginger Gardens

Pick up a fresh Ginger Gardens flower bouquet every other week! Sign up for the summer subscription or 2024 (rest of the year) subscription.

Learn more here.

BCCHA’s 28th Annual Golf Outing on August 17th

You are invited to assist Beaver County Cancer & Heart Association in sponsoring the 28th Annual Golf

Outing on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at The Beaver Valley Golf Club, Patterson Township. This outing serves as a means of raising money and awareness to benefit the Beaver County Cancer & Heart Association.

Learn more here.

BEAVER RIVER BRIDGE UPDATE

Fay, S&B USA Construction is proud to work in the Beaver community on the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s largest ($270M) contract to build two new 1,600 ft. long, 3-lane each, bridges replacing the current Beaver River Bridge and reconfiguring the I-76/SR-18 interchange. Upon westbound bridge completion, westbound traffic will be switched while the eastbound bridge is finished. Once the eastbound structure is completed and eastbound traffic switched, the original structure will be demolished. 210 employees will work full-time at peak.

Visit our website for more information!

Seminar: 9 Steps To Having Amazing Teen Skin

As children transition into their teenage years, they experience physical changes, including the onset of puberty. Establishing a healthy skin care routine early provides benefits of maintaining clear, vibrant skin while instilling a love of lifelong habits of self-care.

 

At Kaye Natural Beauty, our licensed esthetician has some practical tips and advice to help teenagers navigate this important aspect of their personal care.

 

Link to Get Tickets: KayeNaturalBeauty.com

Scroll to Events

 

This seminar is for Pre-Teens and Teens.

Are you looking to get involved with the

Beaver County Chamber?

Consider joining our Events Committee!

This committee is responsible for working directly with Chamber staff to determine and plan programming and events for the year as well as reviewing the effectiveness of current events and programming. Committee members should help to further the Chamber’s strategies

by providing business community insights and ideas to staff to collaborate on strategies and events. In addition to this committee, subcommittees are established for each signature event – such as the

Annual Gala and Golf Outing to assist the staff directly in executing these larger events and include more members in the process.

Interested in connecting and learning more? Contact Molly Suehr.

Now Hiring! Want to see a list of job postings from members? Don’t forget to add your own posting to the job postings portal on our website.
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Beaver County Chamber of Commerce
724.775.3944
525 3rd Street, 2nd Floor
Beaver, PA 15009
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Beaver County Chamber of Commerce | 525 Third Street 2nd Floor | Beaver, PA 15009-2132 US