Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published June 6, 2024 11:43 A.M.
(New Brighton, Pa) An alleged armed robbery took place at the American Legion Club in New Brighton Tuesday evening. We have no additional details to share at this time and are awaiting a statement from the New Brighton Police Department.
Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is announcing roadway improvement work on Route 351 (Crescent Avenue) in Ellwood City Borough, Lawrence County will begin Monday, June 10 weather permitting.
A full closure of Crescent Avenue between Second Street and Fourth Street will occur from 7 a.m. Monday continuously through 6 p.m. Monday, July 22 as crews conduct roadway reconstruction and paving operations. Traffic will be detoured.
Posted Detour
East of the Closure (at Second Street)
West of the Closure
Bicycles will be detoured via Park Avenue.
The prime contractor on this $2.49 million group paving project is A. Folino Construction.
The carb-craze continues at Kennywood with the delicious debut of the park’s first-ever Potato Smash-ing Contest. Celebrating the all-new Potato Patch® themed bumper cars, Potato Smash, the contest will take place on Wednesday, June 12 at 12 p.m. in front of the ride.
Potato enthusiasts and smashing aficionados signed up for a chance to participate in the contest and 20 lucky spud stompers were randomly selected to compete and attempt to mash their way to potato-smashing glory. Potato Smash swag will be given to all contestants, with the top tubers receiving two 2024 Kennywood Gold Season Passes.
Plus, all guests are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item to be donated to a local food bank. Those who bring donations will receive discounted admission at the gate for $39.99.
Are you interested in stopping by for the Potato Smash-ing Contest? Or are you interested in competing in the starchy showdown? Please reach out to me directly and I can arrange a friendly media competition.
The Potato Smash-ing Contest is just a morsel of all the Kennywood fun this June. The park’s gastronomic extravaganza, Bites and Pints, spotlighting eight different international cuisines, runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through June 30 . The chef-inspired tasting event features unique menu items with dishes inspired by Brazil, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, South Korea, Mexico plus brand-new electrifying entertainment.
The Nerveless Nocks’s Jetpack Flying Water Circus featuring daredevils Cyrus Nock and Troy Stowe, wows guests with incredible demonstrations and stunts performed with jet ski-powered jet packs that thrust the stuntmen 50 feet in the air. Visitors can catch the all-new show at select times daily through July 7, at the park’s Garden Stage.
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) and U.S. Representative Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17) announced that most payments made to victims of the Norfolk Southern train derailment disaster will be tax exempt. After being urged by Senator Casey, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has recognized the Norfolk Southern derailment as “of “catastrophic nature” and exempted individuals and families from being taxed on reimbursements for reasonable post-disaster needs including shelter, food, and clothing.
“Victims of the Norfolk Southern disaster deserved to be compensated for the hell they have been through, and these payments should never be taxed as income. Today, the IRS took the critical step to support these families. We must continue providing these communities with the relief and support they need and ensure that catastrophes like this never happen again,” said Senator Casey.
“People affected by the disaster in East Palestine have already dealt with enough, they shouldn’t have to face a huge tax bill on relief payments. Now, thanks to the Biden administration, they finally have clarity from the IRS that means many relief payments are fully tax-free. I urge Pennsylvanians impacted by the derailment to file amended returns ASAP to get the tax relief they deserve,” said Senator Fetterman.
“The East Palestine derailment was a disaster for a lot of families in Beaver County, and it is ridiculous that folks hurt by this train derailment in their backyard would have to pay taxes on Norfolk Southern’s payments to them,” said Rep. Deluzio. “I knew we had to make this right, and after successfully moving a bill through the House to waive taxes from these payments, I’m glad that the Biden Administration is taking action to help. Soon, the IRS will exempt these payments from federal taxes—just like we do for natural disasters. Next, we have to keep up the work to make freight rail safer and pass my bill, the Railway Safety Act.”
Harrisburg, PA – Today, Governor Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 37 – known as Paul Miller’s Law – into law, prohibiting the use of hand-held devices while driving. This bipartisan legislation makes Pennsylvania the 29th state in the nation to ban distracted driving.
Paul Miller’s Law allows law enforcement to issue a ticket when a driver uses a cell phone while driving. Drivers can still use their phones to alert emergency responders and to make phone calls, use a GPS, and listen to music, if they are using hands-free technology.
“I have met too many people with injuries they’ll live with for the rest of their lives because they were hit by a distracted driver – and too many families that have an empty seat at the dinner table because of distracted driving,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “This commonsense, bipartisan legislation – passed and signed into law in honor of Paul Miller’s legacy – empowers our state and local police to stop distracted driving and make our roads and communities safer. This law also increases transparency and ensures accountability at traffic stops while providing crucial public safety data to keep our roads safe. This is an example of what we can accomplish when we work together — Senators and Representatives from both parties came together to pass commonsense legislation that will save lives across Pennsylvania.”
Paul Miller Jr. was tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident with a tractor-trailer in 2010 in Monroe County as the result of a distracted driver who reached for their phone while driving. Since Paul’s death, Eileen Miller has become a national advocate for stronger laws to curb distracted driving.
“When Paul passed away, when unfortunately, two Dunmore state troopers came knocking on my door to tell me that my son was killed, I did not know it was distracted driving at the time,” said Eileen Miller, Paul Miller Jr.’s mother. “My son did everything right – and somebody else was the one who was the cause of my son’s demise. I whispered in the ear of my son at the morgue – who I couldn’t even identify, I didn’t even know that it was him, he was that bad – but I whispered in his ear that when I found out what had caused that crash, I would fight for change. We later found out that it was distracted driving. I held that honor to him – and today is Paul Miller’s law. I’ve gotten it done, Paul, I did it. This is for every family that is in Pennsylvania that doesn’t have to have two state troopers knocking on their door to tell them that their loved one was killed by something so preventable as distracted driving.”
Paul Miller’s Law will also work to prevent bias in policing by requiring law enforcement to collect data on drivers pulled over during traffic stops, including race, ethnicity, and gender. The data will be made publicly available in an annual report. This amendment – which the Governor advocated for in conjunction with the Legislative Black Caucus – builds on the Shapiro Administration’s work to ensure Pennsylvanians can have the utmost faith in the law enforcement officers serving and protecting them every day.
“Limiting distractions while behind the wheel makes Pennsylvania’s roadways safer for everyone,” said Colonel Christopher Paris, Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. “Eliminating the handling of cell phones while driving will certainly reduce the number of crashes and save lives.”
In 2023, distracted driving was the leading cause of car crashes in Pennsylvania with traffic deaths rising by 2.25% compared to 2022, according to PennDOT’s annual crash information report. The report showed 1,209 deaths in motor vehicle crashes, up from 1,179 in the prior year. There were more than 11,262 distracted driving crashes in 2023, compared to 8,330 alcohol-related crashes.
“In 2023, there were over 11 thousand crashes in Pennsylvania that involved a distracted driver,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “Driving requires 100% of your attention 100% of the time, and this bill – which I was proud to support as Minority Chair of the House Transportation Committee – is an important step forward in discouraging distracted driving and keeping everyone safe on the road. Congratulations to Senator Brown for her tireless efforts in support of this bill, and thanks to Eileen Miller for her years-long advocacy for this cause.”
Governor Shapiro was also joined by a bipartisan group of legislators, including SB 37 prime sponsor Senator Rosemary Brown.
“After more than a decade of dedicated work to enact this legislation, the passage of Senate Bill 37 marks a monumental victory for Pennsylvania,” said Senator Rosemary Brown. “As this bill is signed into law, I am filled with gratitude for those who helped me along this process, and I know this measure will protect drivers, prevent crashes, and save lives. This bill is more than legislation – it is a reminder of the power of perseverance and the impact we can have when we prioritize public safety.”
“This law is a shining example of responsible legislation that will both improve public safety and enhance transparency. I cannot stress enough the importance of that both and clause,” said Representative Napoleon Nelson. “We will not sacrifice justice and the freedoms of historically marginalized and overpoliced communities in the name of public safety. There is no safety there. Nor will we cede our responsibility to protect our residents and bind the hands of law enforcement strictly in the name of civil rights. There is no civility there. Act 18 is an impactful example of our capacity to do both.”
So far in 2024, Governor Shapiro has signed 18 bills into law.
Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is announcing culvert replacement work requiring a long-term closure of a portion of Route 65 (Mercer Road) in North Sewickley Township, Beaver County will begin Monday, June 10 weather permitting.
Culvert replacement work will begin at 8 a.m. Monday on Route 65 between Bologne Valley Road and Oakland Drive. To allow the work to occur, a full closure of a portion of Route 65 will close to traffic around-the-clock through 8 a.m. Wednesday, August 7. Traffic will be detoured.
Posted Car Detour
North of the Closure
South of the Closure
Posted Truck Detour
North of the Closure
South of the Closure
The culvert replacement work is part of the $6.23 million Route 65 improvement project which also includes milling and resurfacing, base repairs, guide rail updates, drainage improvements, structure replacement over Bennetts Run, sign and pavement markings, ADA ramps, signal updates, and other miscellaneous construction between Route 18 (Third Avenue) in New Brighton Borough and Route 588 (Bennetts Run Road) in North Sewickley Township. Work began in March 2023. Overall work will conclude in the spring of 2025.
Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published June6, 2024 11:35 A.M.
(Raccoon Township, Pa) Raccoon Township Police reported on Wednesday that 2 teens were injured during a rollover crash ejecting them from the vehicle at 5:57pm last Saturday. Both teens were life flighted to a Pittsburgh trauma center. They are expected to fully recover, according to police.
Sgt. Ben Fenchak said the cause of the accident was mechanical failure that led to the driver losing control of the vehicle.
Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published June 6, 2024 11:33 A.M.
(Racoon Township, Pa) A Center Township man is facing charges following a traffic stop in Raccoon Township. Brandon Carrodus of Center Township fled from police on Route 18 following an incident on Sunday, May 26, just before midnight. The traffic stop was initiated in the 900 block of Route 18. When an officer approached his vehicle, he sped off. Carrodus is charged with Fleeing and eluding police and other charges, according to police.
HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania House Republicans Tuesday held a press conference calling on House Democrats to call up for a vote—without amendment or partisan gimmicks—the bipartisan Senate-passed tax cut plan that would reduce the Personal Income Tax and eliminate the Gross Receipts Tax on electricity.
House Republican Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) said passage of the tax cut plan, which would put more money in the pockets of every Pennsylvanian, starkly contrasts with Democrats’ vision for the future of Pennsylvania.
“While Bidenflation continues to be a problem, we cannot join Democratic leaders in looking at the reserves, the surplus, and the budgetary security we have built up as license to double down on government bloat,” Cutler said.
“If we are to use the surplus money we have now, we call on all lawmakers to join us in recognizing it is not ours to spend to balloon government bureaucracy. We must reject the notion it is fiscally sound to add unsustainable recurring costs onto the taxpayers and the Pennsylvanians who are already paying more and getting less. We believe this money comes from the taxpayers, and it must be returned to the taxpayers.”
The House version of the tax cut plan will be introduced by Rep. Tim O’Neal (R-Washington) and Rep. Josh Kail (R-Beaver/Washington) with support from the entire House Republican leadership team.
“We are not talking about tax breaks for just a privileged few or for massive corporations. This plan would mean more money in every single paycheck in Pennsylvania and would immediately reduce electricity bills for every single consumer,” O’Neal said. “Think about what even a small boost in a working mom’s paycheck would mean for her family. Or what a reduction in an electricity bill would mean for a retired couple.”
Kail noted the elimination of the Gross Receipts Tax on energy bills would lower energy costs and make real the promise of Pennsylvania energy.
“If you live in this great Commonwealth, you should be able to reap the benefits of the richness that is Pennsylvania energy,” he said. “One component of this historic tax cut package includes the elimination of the Gross Receipts Tax on your utility bills. We’re proposing lower energy bills for you and your family.”
Rep. Martina White (R-Philadelphia) added the tax cuts passed by the Senate and introduced in the House today will be a would for working class Pennsylvanians.
“These tax cuts, which passed the Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support, are a solution designed to provide much-needed financial relief to the backbone of our Commonwealth, working class people,” she said.
Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published June 5, 2024 10:52 A.M.
(Conway Borough, Pa) Workers were replacing the main line in the downtown area of Conway Borough and discovered issues and shut off the hose. It was done for the safety and health of the residents.