PITTSBURGH — Duquesne Light Company (DLC) has begun its 2024 season of clearing overgrown trees, shrubs and brush — the leading cause of power outages. This year, approximately 45,000 trees along 1,300 miles of power lines in Allegheny and Beaver counties will be maintained, including areas within the city of Pittsburgh. As an electric utility that consistently provides class-leading reliability in Pennsylvania, DLC continually invests in and works to enhance its vegetation management efforts to keep providing customers with safe and reliable service while also protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring public safety.

DLC applies best practices and advanced technologies from both the arboricultural and utility vegetation management industries in meeting all state and federal regulations. Various techniques are used to safely manage vegetation, including manual removal or pruning, brush clearing and selective herbicide applications. Prior to performing work, the company notifies all impacted customers and property owners via phone and door hangers. In alignment with the utility industry’s standard vegetation management practices, DLC chips and hauls away branches and limbs and leaves the remaining wood stacked in manageable pieces. Many customers use this resource as firewood for their homes or share it with their communities; others choose to contact local landscapers for removal assistance. While DLC maintains the service wire that flows to a home, the customer is responsible for pruning or removing any vines or tree branches from the service-wire area that may interfere with electric service. DLC is also not responsible for maintaining vegetation that interferes with communication lines and poles.

“Vegetation management goes beyond removing and pruning potentially harmful vegetation; it’s also about educating our customers and communities on why these practices matter,” said Brian Bieber, DLC’s senior manager of vegetation management. “Planting the right trees in the right places is key to preventing power outages, ensuring the continuation of high-quality service and keeping the public and our workers safe.”

While tree removals may be necessary to keep the electrical grid safe and reliable, DLC offers vouchers for utility-compatible trees to impacted property owners. These vouchers can be redeemed at select local nurseries and are good for trees, brush and shrubs that do not grow high enough to affect the poles and wires that form the grid..

Commitment to Community and Environmental Stewardship

DLC has been nationally recognized for 25 consecutive years with the Tree Line USA award by the Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters, which recognize public and private utilities for pursuing best practices to protect and cultivate America’s urban tree canopy.

This award specifically recognizes efforts in:

• Promoting utility vegetation management best practices.
• Training qualified tree professionals in line clearance.
• Engaging in tree plantings and public education.
• Participating in Arbor Day celebrations.

“We recognize and share our customers’ appreciation for healthy and beautiful trees in southwestern Pennsylvania. That’s why, in addition to conducting continuous outreach and education about vegetation species that are compatible with the grid, we partner with numerous community organizations to advance environmental stewardship through volunteerism and advocacy. From parks and green spaces to tree plantings and urban gardens, DLC has invested millions of dollars over the years to protect our region’s biodiversity and natural environment,” said Christine Waller, DLC’s vice president of communications and corporate responsibility.

In 2023, DLC partnered with South Side Parks, Uptown Partners of Pittsburgh and the Borough of Carnegie to plant 31 utility-compatible trees in several local communities. The company also planted an additional 15 compatible trees last Arbor Day in the Larimer neighborhood, including varieties of red baron, royal raindrops crabapples and the American hophornbeam.

Recently, volunteers from the company participated in a tree-planting event at a Pittsburgh-area elementary school to educate students on trees and the local ecosystem. DLC’s Vegetation Management team will also partner with the city of Pittsburgh on Arbor Day, April 26, to plant 12 trees near Allegheny Commons Park. The company plans to engage in more tree plantings and other environmental stewardship efforts throughout the year.

For more information about DLC’s vegetation management program, including educational resources, visit the company’s website.

PITTSBURGH – In partnership with the Pittsburgh Pirates, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District will host their “Water Safety Night” at PNC Park, May 11.

The event intends to promote safe practices on our waterways as the summer recreation season begins.

Before the game, members from the Pittsburgh District and other waterway partners will set up interactive displays and games on Federal Street to promote life jackets, water safety, and safe boating practices to the public.

Pittsburgh District will participate in the first pitch and provide a color guard team to present the colors during the national anthem. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ official mascot, Bobber the Water Safety Dog, will participate in the Great Pierogi Race during in-game entertainment. The first 20,000 fans to enter the stadium will receive a free T-shirt promoting the “Wear It” Safe Boating Campaign.

Prior to the Pirates versus the Chicago Cubs baseball game, USACE and its partners will line Federal Street from 1 to 4 p.m., with displays including a USACE patrol boat, the district’s diving program display, and a fully functional lock and dam model. Bobber will be available to take pictures and greet fans. Activities will be available for children and adults.

Water Safety Night helps to promote National Safe Boating Week, May 18 – 24, 2024.

Other groups participating in the event include the U.S. Coast Guard, Friends of the River Front, Pennsylvania Game Commination, Point State Park, Penn State, Lower Kiski River Rescue, Port of Pittsburgh Commission, Pittsburgh Safe Boating Council, Waterways Association of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Three Rivers Rowing, and the Carnegie Science Center. USACE will have more than 25 partnering agencies supporting the event.

Accidents can happen quickly while on the waterways. The water safety night and the upcoming safe boating week target males aged 18 and older, who are the most at-risk group for water-related fatalities. Despite that demographic’s risk perception, they make up a significant majority of recreation incidents, often because they are not wearing life jackets. The water safety night presents a crucial opportunity to educate and raise awareness, potentially saving lives. Statistics show that 90 percent of people who drowned may have been saved if they had worn a life jacket.

For everyone out on the waterways, the Corps of Engineers wants to remind you to KNOW. TAKE. WEAR. Know the waterways. Take a water-safety course. Wear your life jacket.

FILE – A black plume rises over East Palestine, Ohio, as a result of a controlled detonation of a portion of the derailed Norfolk Southern trains, Feb. 6, 2023. Norfolk Southern announced new details Monday, Sept. 18, about its plan to compensate East Palestine residents for lost home values since the fiery derailment disrupted life in the eastern Ohio town in February. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

HARRISBURG – In the wake of the recent $600 million settlement reached by Norfolk Southern in its class-action lawsuit related to its train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, last year, state Sens. Doug Mastriano (R-33), Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47), and Michele Brooks (R-50) today introduced legislation to provide a state tax deduction for Pennsylvanians who receive payments.

“Ohio has already established a deduction for their residents who received payments and I believe it’s fair to do the same for Pennsylvanians.,” said Mastriano, who serves as chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, hosted a hearing immediately following the train wreck, and subpoenaed Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw to appear before the committee. “Businesses have been shuttered, property values have plummeted, and personal medical expenses continue to accrue. This tax deduction will help put more money back into the pockets of the victims.”

Mastriano, Vogel and Brooks today introduced Senate Bill 1149 to provide a state income tax deduction for disaster relief payments provided to Pennsylvania residents by a government agency, Norfolk Southern or an insurer as the result of the Feb. 3, 2023, train wreck. The deduction would also be retroactive to any payments received by victims in 2023.

“I am pleased to be partnering with Sen. Mastriano and Sen. Brooks on this legislation,” Vogel said. “There are many residents still having to deal with negative, residual effects from the derailment, which have caused increased financial burdens on these hurting families. Through our proposal of establishing a state tax deduction for Pennsylvania residents who have or will receive future disaster relief payments, we aim to help alleviate some of the financial stress they are experiencing and continue to help these families as we navigate further through the aftermath of this tragic accident.”

The train wreck took place just across the western border of Pennsylvania and was followed two days later on Feb. 5, 2023, by the planned ignition and burning of five railroad cars carrying dangerous chemicals. The toxic plume resulted in residents reporting various medical problems including rashes, burning lips, sore throats, itchy eyes and other skin irritations. Residents reported additional medical concerns at a follow-up hearing held last month by the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee.

“I’m committed to working with my colleagues in the General Assembly to provide meaningful help to the hurting residents affected by this train wreck,” Brooks said. “This bill would enable these families to keep more of the money that is intended to help them begin to try to move on from this incident. I believe this tax deduction is the responsible thing to do for these residents.”

Senate Bill 1149 has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration.

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published April 25, 2024 12:59 P.M.

(Aliquippa, Pa) Joseph Trone retired on April 3, 2024 and council at it’s work session Wednesday night presented a proclamation to him for his more than 28 years of service. His son followed in his footsteps and is also a firefighter in the city.

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) announced today that Comcast Cable Communications, LLC (Beaver County) is being awarded over $4.2 million and Armstrong Telecommunications, Inc. (Butler County) is being awarded over $16.6 million to increase access to reliable, high-speed internet, according to Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47).

“Access to high-speed internet is a must for Pennsylvanians especially in this day and age,” said Vogel. “There is such a heavy reliance on this crucial service to connect with health care providers, assist with educational needs, and take part in ever evolving telework positions. This funding will further allow for access to this necessity for our residents and help propel our communities forward.”

Made feasible by the federally funded Broadband Infrastructure Program, a total of $200 million in competitive grants was awarded for projects across the state lacking 25/3 Mbps internet service, as highlighted by the senator.

To ensure transparency and efficiency, the PBDA mandates quarterly and annual progress reports from grantees, accompanied by comprehensive guidance on state and federal requirements and technical support. All funds must be utilized by Dec. 31, 2026.

Grantees will be held accountable for the prudent expenditure of awarded funds. The PBDA has the ability to claw back any unused or misused funds.

This inaugural round of grants represents a significant milestone in the PBDA’s broader initiative to close the digital divide since the General Assembly established the PBDA in 2021.

Pittsburgh, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is reminding motorists to “Park the Phone” to reduce distracted driving crashes in the region during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

“Park the Phone” is a campaign created by PennDOT to remind motorists and pedestrians to avoid distractions while on the roadway.

As part of the campaign, participants make a promise to put their phones down while behind the wheel by signing the “Park the Phone” pledge cards. The campaign is introduced to high school and college students year-round. Today, PennDOT employees are showing their support by taking the pledge at the PennDOT District Office.

Cell phone use is not the only distraction while driving. Other common distractions include eating and drinking, reaching for objects inside the vehicle, changing settings in the vehicle, brushing hair or applying makeup, and over-engaging with passengers, to name a few.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens aged 15-18 in the United States. Modeling good behavior is particularly important when it comes to driving.

According to preliminary PennDOT data, there are over 11,268 distracted driving crashes in 2023. Of those, there were also 65 fatalities.

Additionally, last year there have been 1,794 distracted driving crashes in the Allegheny, Beaver and Lawrence County region, with 6 fatalities.

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published April 24, 2024 11:18 A.M.

(Aliquippa, Pa) Aliquippa School District’s lawsuit against PIAA in court got underway Tuesday. It was the first Day in Beaver County Court for the hearings. Proceedings continue Wednesday. Aliquippa is appealing the PIAA’s ruling that the QUIPS football team should be moved up to 5A classification, from 4A. Coach Mike Warfield and team Doctor Stephen Hribar testified at the hearing on Tuesday.

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published April 24, 2024 8:45 A.M.

(Ambridge, Pa) Beaver County District Attorney Nate Bible held a press conference at the Ambridge Police Department Tuesday afternoon. Asaun Moreland, 15, of Aliquippa was gunned down execution style in July 2023 by Nasaun Hunt and Nyeheame Kirksey, 18. Hunt has been charged in the murder and is in the Beaver County Jail while Kirksey is still being sought.

FILE – Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, center left, and Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., attend a news conference with dozens of women and girls who were sexually abused by Larry Nassar, a former doctor for Michigan State University athletics and USA Gymnastics, July 24, 2018, on Capitol Hill in Washington. The U.S. Justice Department has agreed to pay approximately $100 million to settle claims with about 100 sexual assault victims of Nassar, a source with direct knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

DETROIT (AP) — The U.S. Justice Department announced a $138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.

When combined with other settlements, $1 billion now has been set aside by various organizations to compensate hundreds of women who said Nassar assaulted them under the guise of treatment for sports injuries.

Nassar worked at Michigan State University and also served as a team doctor at Indianapolis-based USA Gymnastics. He’s now serving decades in prison for assaulting female athletes, including medal-winning Olympic gymnasts.

Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin Mizer said Nassar betrayed the trust of those in his care for decades, and that the “allegations should have been taken seriously from the outset.”

“While these settlements won’t undo the harm Nassar inflicted, our hope is that they will help give the victims of his crimes some of the critical support they need to continue healing,” Mizer said of the agreement to settle 139 claims.

The Justice Department has acknowledged that it failed to step in. For more than a year, FBI agents in Indianapolis and Los Angeles had knowledge of allegations against him but apparently took no action, an internal investigation found.

FBI Director Christopher Wray was contrite — and very blunt — when he spoke to survivors at a Senate hearing in 2021. The assault survivors include decorated Olympians Simone Biles, Aly Raisman and McKayla Maroney.

“I’m sorry that so many different people let you down, over and over again,” Wray said. “And I’m especially sorry that there were people at the FBI who had their own chance to stop this monster back in 2015 and failed.”

After a search, investigators said in 2016 that they had found images of child sex abuse and followed up with federal charges against Nassar. Separately, the Michigan attorney general’s office handled the assault charges that ultimately shocked the sports world and led to an extraordinary dayslong sentencing hearing with gripping testimony about his crimes.

“I’m deeply grateful. Accountability with the Justice Department has been a long time in coming,” said Rachael Denhollander of Louisville, Kentucky, who is not part of the latest settlement but was the first person to publicly step forward and detail abuse at the hands of Nassar.

“The unfortunate reality is that what we are seeing today is something that most survivors never see,” Denhollander told The Associated Press. “Most survivors never see accountability. Most survivors never see justice. Most survivors never get restitution.”

Michigan State University, which was also accused of missing chances over many years to stop Nassar, agreed to pay $500 million to more than 300 women and girls who were assaulted. USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee made a $380 million settlement.

Mick Grewal, an attorney who represented 44 people in claims against the government, said the $1 billion in overall settlements speaks to “the travesty that occurred.”

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Associated Press reporters Mike Householder in Detroit; Dylan Lovan in Louisville, Kentucky; and Alanna Durkin Richer in Washington, D.C., contributed to this story.

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For more updates on the cases against Larry Nasser: https://apnews.com/hub/larry-nassar