Gas prices are a penny lower in Western Pennsylvania this week at $3.652 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report.

The average price of gas in Beaver County is currently $3.73.

For the first time since 2021, domestic gasoline demand was above 9 million barrels daily for a third straight week. Yet despite the robust numbers, pump prices barely budged in most of the country. The national average for a gallon of gas dipped a penny since last week to $3.56, which is three cents more than a month ago but $1.39 less than a year ago.

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand increased slightly from 9.1 to 9.22 million b/d last week. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks rose by 2.7 million barrels to 218.8 million barrels. Although gas demand increased, increasing stocks and lower oil prices have contributed to limiting increases. At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, West Texas Intermediate increased by 79 cents to settle at $72.53. Today, it’s hovering around $67 per barrel.

Harrisburg, PA — The deadline for older adults and Pennsylvanians with disabilities to apply for rebates on rent and property taxes paid in 2022 has been extended from June 30 to December 31, 2023, Acting Secretary of Revenue Pat Browne announced today.

Claimants of the Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR) program are encouraged to file their rebate applications online by visiting mypath.pa.gov. This online filing option makes it easy for the Pennsylvanians who annually benefit from the program to submit their applications.

“So far this year, we’ve already seen more than 50,000 of our rebate applicants use myPATH to file their applications online. This shows us that many of our customers are finding this online tool to be an easy way to make sure their applications are filed seamlessly and processed as quickly as possible,” said Acting Secretary Browne. “Other eligible applicants can take advantage of myPATH in the coming months now that the program deadline has been extended through the remainder of the year.”

This extension comes as Governor Josh Shapiro is calling for a major expansion of the PTRR program in his 2023-2024 proposed budget. Under the Governor’s proposal, the maximum standard rebate would increase from $650 to $1,000. Meanwhile, the income limits for renters and homeowners would be made equal and both increase to $45,000. Those income limits would also be tied to the cost of living moving forward, which means the people who receive a rebate won’t have to worry about losing their eligibility through no fault of their own in the years to come.

Ultimately, the Governor’s proposal would result in nearly 175,000 additional Pennsylvanians qualifying for a property tax or rent rebate. At the same time, the Department of Revenue estimates that 86% of the 430,000 claimants who already qualify will see their rebates increase.

Under current Pennsylvania law, the annual deadline for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is set at June 30. The law requires the Department of Revenue to evaluate the program prior to the statutory June 30 deadline to determine if funds are available to extend the deadline. To date, funding has been available to allow all who qualify to benefit from the program, meaning the deadline can be extended to December 31 for the current year. Applications postmarked by that date will be accepted for processing.

The rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. Currently, the income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters, and half of Social Security income is excluded.

Since the program’s inception in 1971, it has delivered more than $8 billion to older and disabled adults across the Commonwealth. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery and revenue from slots gaming.

When Can You Expect Your Rebate?

Rebates will be distributed beginning July 1, as required by law. Here is additional information to keep in mind:

• If you provide your phone number on your Property Tax/Rent Rebate application form or in the myPATH electronic application, you will receive an automated call from the Department of Revenue when your claim posts to the department’s processing system. You will also receive another automated call when your claim is approved.
• The easiest way to check the status of your rebate is to use the Where’s My Rebate? tool. To check on the status of your claim, you will need your:
  • Social Security number
  • Claim year
  • Date of birth

About the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program

The current maximum standard rebate is $650, but supplemental rebates for certain qualifying homeowners can boost rebates to $975. The Department of Revenue automatically calculates supplemental rebates for qualifying homeowners.

Eligible applicants should check the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program page on the Department of Revenue’s website for more information, including detailed instructions on the program, the paper application form, and contact information for those with questions. It’s free to apply for a rebate, and applicants are reminded that free assistance is available at hundreds of locations across the state, including Department of Revenue district offices, local Area Agencies on Aging, senior centers and state legislators’ offices.

Applicants must reapply for rebates every year because rebates are based on annual income and property taxes or rent paid in each year. Spouses, personal representatives, or estates may file rebate claims on behalf of claimants who lived at least one day in 2022 and meet all other eligibility criteria.

(Monaca, PA) – Walking for at least 11 minutes every day could lower the risk of premature death by  almost 25 percent, according to the largest study of physical activity, disease risk, and mortality. 

Community College of Beaver County is introducing a new set of outdoor walking and exercise trails as a  way for community members, employees, and students to explore CCBC’s beautiful, safe campus and  move their bodies. 

Spearheaded and designed by Professor of Business Paul Rogers, CCBC’s new walking trails are also  equipped with fitness stops and dog waste stations. 

“The CCBC Walking Trails provides a safe, comfortable community location for people to exercise on all  levels. The pet friendly environment attracts community members, staff, and students and is a basic  ingredient to a healthy lifestyle,” said Professor Rogers. 

The public can choose from six different routes, ranging from the Courtyard Stroll (890 ft.) to The Long  Haul (1 mile), challenge themselves with inclines and stairs, or take it easy on flat, shaded paths with a furry friend. 

Through a donation to the CCBC Foundation, Professor Rogers made it his mission to provide the  campus and community with guided paths for everyone from pet parents to wellness walkers and  fitness gurus. 

“Professor Rogers is a true example of dedication, selflessness, and community spirit,” said Kolton Codner, Executive Director of the CCBC Foundation. “He has poured his resources and time into creating  the fitness and walking trail at the Community College of Beaver County. Through his unwavering  commitment, he has paved the path to a healthier future, inspiring countless individuals to embrace an  active lifestyle. Professor Rogers’ remarkable contributions stand as a testament to the transformative  power of passion and generosity, leaving an indelible mark on both the college and the community it  serves.” 

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published June 13, 2023 9:41 A.M.

(Center Township, PA) A 4 year old girl was struck by a car on Oak Lane in Center Township Monday night at 7:59 pm.  Police, firefighters, and Medic-Rescue responded to the scene. The child’s injuries are unknown and she was transported to Children’s Hospital. Her condition is unknown and the accident is under investigation.

(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)

The halls were quieter with the students having left for summer vacation, but the New Brighton School Board was preparing for their own final exam before break.

By June’s end, the board will approve a new General Fund budget for the 2023-24 school year, the details of which were revealed at their June 12 committee meeting. Real estate millage has been tentatively set at 73.9627 mills, with real estate transfer tax set at one-half percent. Three taxes–Per Capita Tax under School Code 679, Per Capita Tax under Act 511, and Occupational Privilege Tax–were all set at $5.00 each.

The only thing not established in the tentative budget was a final number for the amount, which superintendent Dr. Joseph Guarino says is a result of a similarly missing number from the state legislature.

“We still have nothing coming out of Harrisburg,” Guarino stated. “I think the House has made a little bit of momentum with where they are; but I know, for example, [that] the Senate is in recess this entire week. So, we’re still going forward and we’ll be talking more about it come the end of the month, when we get to that point.”

The board is also set to vote on a trio of contracts with KeySolution Educational Staffing, LLC for School Psychologist, Behavior Therapy, and other educational support staff for the 2023-24 school year. A one-year moratorium for the collection of Pay2Participate fees for school athletes during the 2023-24 school year will also be voted on.

Scott Sullivan is set to be the new School Police Officer (SPO) at New Brighton pending clearances, forms, and a vote at the next voting meeting; effective July 1. According to Guarino, the hiring of Sullivan comes as the New Brighton Police Department was unable to provide a School Resource Officer (SRO) for full operation. The position will be a 12-month position throughout the school year.

The voting meeting will take place on June 26 at 7:30 PM at the Little Theatre in New Brighton High School.

99.3 and 95.7 FM along with 1230 WBVP, 1460 WMBA and beavercountyradio.com‘s Mike Azadian and Bruce Frey have the call from Slippery Rock University of this 2023 PIAA Class 3A State Quarterfinal high school baseball game playoff game as the Panthers take on the Chucks.
If you can’t tune into the game you can click the link below to listen on-line via beavercountyradio.com:

You can also download our free apps:

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published June 12, 2023 2:04 P.M.

(Monaca, PA) Rocco Petrick, 13,and his sister Remi, 10 came to Aliquippa City Council last to ask if they can restore the Little Free library located at Main Street and Franklin Avenue. They were approved.

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published June 12, 2023 2:02 P.M.

(Center Township, PA) Fire Chief Bill Brucker said the township enacted a no- burning ordinance that has been in effect since 2018. On Sunday he advised residents to be careful with recreational fires.

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published June 12, 2023 2:00 P.M.

(Aliquippa, PA) Willie L. Clark III was hired by city council as a laborer for the street department, he will begin his duties after passing his pre-employment physicals. Councilman Art Piroli reported that there is road work being done in the city and he’s asking residents to be cautious and patient when driving in areas where work is being done. He also reported that new fire hydrants in place when the school was built are now in place at the junior/senior high school. The old ones were put in place.