As part of the region’s Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) that the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) manages, the organization is hosting a public meeting for Beaver County residents on Monday, Nov. 13, 2023. At the meeting, residents will learn about the TIP and have the opportunity to share their thoughts on any local transportation and infrastructure projects they want addressed in their community. The TIP for years 2025-2028 is currently being developed. This meeting serves as an introduction/status update on the TIP before a draft plan is made available for the public’s review/comment period in late Spring 2024.

 Sta­ff members from SPC, PennDOT, county officials, and area stakeholders will attend this meeting. SPC is hosting this meeting in Beaver County, and will host other meetings throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania in the weeks ahead.

 If a member of the public is not able to attend this meeting in-person, but would like to learn more about the TIP (or has questions about transportation planning activities), they are encouraged to:

• Send an email to comments@spcregion.org
• Mail questions/comments to Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission’s address at 42 21^st Street, Suite 101, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
• Call SPC at (412) 391-5590
• Visit the Get Involved! page on SPC’s website at www.spcregion.org/get-involved/

The meeting is being held Monday, Nov. 13, 2023 from 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm in the Beaver County Courthouse, 810 Third Street Beaver, PA 15009

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) has opened a new cadet application cycle with no college credit requirement for women and men seeking careers as state troopers. Waiving the requirement for the previous hiring cycle proved highly successful at increasing the number of cadet applicants.

“We streamlined the process for those who want to serve as a state trooper, and we’re pleased to see people taking advantage of this opportunity,” said Colonel Christopher Paris, Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. “If you’re willing to work hard to make our communities safer and possess the qualities we value, college credits will not stand between you and a rewarding career among our ranks.”

At the direction of Governor Shapiro, the PSP suspended the educational requirement of 60 college credits on August 28, when it opened a two-month hiring cycle that resulted in 1,545 eligible cadet applications received. During the next stages of the hiring process, 1,074 candidates took the written examination and 1,054 moved on to the next phase of the process. Of those applicants, 624 previously would not have been eligible due to the college credit requirement.  In comparison, the PSP received 1,374 eligible applications during a six-month hiring cycle that opened on February 1, 2023, and required candidates to have the college credits. Of those applicants, just 898 took the written exam.

Over a six-month period with a college credit requirement, approximately 150 people per month took the state trooper exam. During the two-month period without a college credit requirement, 537 people per month took the state trooper exam. That’s a 258% increase in applicants taking the test to become state troopers.

Applications for the current cycle remain open through January 31, 2024.

Cadet applicants must possess a high school diploma or GED certificate and a valid driver’s license from any state. Applicants must be at least 20 years old at the time of application, and they must be at least 21 years old and cannot have reached age 40 upon entry into the training academy. Cadets must be a Pennsylvania resident and possess a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license at the time of graduation.

Applicants who meet all eligibility requirements move on to a qualifying written examination. Applicants who pass the qualifying exam must have a polygraph examination, background investigation, physical readiness test, medical screening, and psychological screening before training at the academy.

Cadet training lasts approximately 28 weeks and is paramilitary in nature. The comprehensive and rigorous training includes coursework in Pennsylvania’s crimes and vehicle codes, law enforcement principles and practices, firearms and special equipment training, and physical fitness activities.

Upon completion of the training academy, cadets are promoted to trooper and receive an increase in salary, currently set at $66,911 annually.

Governor Josh Shapiro, on his first full day in office, announced that 92 percent of state government jobs – about 65,000 positions – do not require a four-year college degree. Governor Shapiro also ordered all state agencies under his jurisdiction to take steps to emphasize work experience in their hiring.

For more information on becoming a Pennsylvania State Police trooper, visit patrooper.com. To apply for the current hiring cycle, go to governmentjobs.com.

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

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of McKees Rocks, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to 15 months of incarceration followed by two years of supervised release on his conviction of violating  federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Robert Botti, age 43.
According to information presented to the court, Botti supplied between 400 grams and 500 grams to another individual, Douglas Smith during the course of a conspiracy. On June 15, 202 investigators seized approximately three ounces of cocaine from Botti’s residence.
Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan D. Lusty prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the
Pennsylvania State Police, and the Perryopolis Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Botti.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

HARRISBURG – House Republicans have been fighting to safeguard government information and prevent any disruption in the vital roles that government plays in Pennsylvania communities. House Bill 573 would require annual reports submitted to the governor contain an assessment of any potential weaknesses or risks that may exist within an administrative department.

 Recently, the House approved an amendment authored by Rep. Rob Mercuri (R-Allegheny) strengthening protections to avoid information technology (IT) threats to state agencies.

More specifically, the amendment to House Bill 573 would require state agencies to review IT applications and services owned by foreign companies with close relationships to foreign countries.

“At the present time, there is a substantial risk that negative actors will have the ability to infiltrate our agencies,” said Mercuri. “The amendment is essential to House Bill 573 and the risk assessment. This is an important step forward in preparing our state government for future emergencies. I am pleased my House colleagues voted unanimously to approve my amendment.”

The bill is now awaiting action by the House Appropriations Committee.

 

McMurray, PA – The Community College of Beaver County (CCBC) is moving forward with a more than $1.5 million dollar project to expand educational programming throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania. In development for over a year, this project includes a $781K grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and $800K of in-kind support from Intermediate Unit 1 and Peters Township Schools enabling CCBC to commence operations in Washington County.
The project intentionally co-locates an educational intermediate unit serving 25 districts and five career and technology centers across three states with one of the top 150 community colleges in the nation to provide access to affordable and stackable educational pathways to high-demand career fields.
“The new Washington County College Center is a critical component to growing enrollment funnels for the College, but it also provides residents in Washington, Fayette, and Greene Counties with opportunities to pursue at a value meaningful educational and career pathways that were previously inaccessible,” said CCBC President Dr. Roger W. Davis.
Offerings began in the fall of 2023 with CCBC’s six nationally recognized High School Academies, serving the region’s high school juniors and seniors to start college early earning associate degree credits while still in high school. Eleven future pilots and air traffic controllers are currently enrolled and taking Aviation Academy classes at the Washington County College Center.
Spring 2024 will see the launch of additional dual enrollment and college in high school courses, career- ready degree programs in Education and Criminal Justice, an online micro credential in Medical Billing and Coding, and approximately 20 non-credit personal and professional classes for the community.
ARC’s grant award will support efforts to build infrastructure and expand program offerings at CCBC’s
Washington County College Center through 2026 with the goal of serving at least 500 students. Additional programs and partnerships with local schools, career and technology centers, and businesses will provide ways for residents throughout the region to pursue higher education, upskill, and train for in-demand regional jobs in cyber security, child development, industrial maintenance, welding, and more.

(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)

Those who shop at the Walmart Supercenter in Economy may notice some changes the next time they walk into the facility. That’s because the store, along with over 1,400 stores across the United States, have been upgraded, remodeled or renovated in a half-billion dollar incentive by the company.

The recent re-opening of the Economy Walmart came complete with a ribbon cutting ceremony, Gia Javens from Central Valley School District singing the national anthem, and a performance from the Ambridge Middle School Band.

According to a press release, the store’s new mural is an eye-catching installation that reflects local attractions and the best that Economy has to offer, and is part of Walmart’s Community Mural Program, the largest public-facing art installation celebrating communities across America.

Along with the reopening of the supercenter, Store Manager Chris Glass also announced that $5,000 in grants will be awarded to non-profit organizations:

• $1,500 to Aliquippa Diversity Council
• $1,500 to Ambridge Middle School
• $1,000 to Beaver County Rehabilitation Center
• $1,000 to Economy Police Department

(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)

The Pennsylvania Department of Education has released the results from last year’s school assessments across the commonwealth, and the numbers show a slight increase in subject proficiencies.

English Language Arts proficiency is up to 54.5% in 2023, up 0.4% from the year prior. Math and Science have increased higher; with the former up 2.6% to 38.3%, and the latter up 4.5% to a rating 58.9% this year.

These numbers were compiled from data taken from the state-level assessments given to students Grades 3-12, including the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA), Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment (PASA), and Keystone Exams.

(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)

On Wednesday, AAA East Central announced winners of Platinum, Gold, and Silver Awards for police departments who were recognized for their efforts to keep the roadways in their communities safe. Throughout Western Pennsylvania, 63 police departments were awarded Platinum awards, while 25 departments won Gold or Silver Awards.

Locally, Platinum Award police departments include Beaver, Cranberry Township, Hopewell, New Brighton, New Sewickley, and Rochester. The Troop D division of the Pennsylvania State Police was also awarded with a Platinum status. 

Additionally, a gold award was given to the University of Pittsburgh police department, and the police departments of Aliquippa and Beaver Falls each received Silver Awards.

(File photo of Pa. State Rep Jim Marshall during an appearance at Beaver County Radio) 

Story by Beaver County Radio Staff

(Brighton Twp., Pa.) Pennsylvania State Representative Jim Marshall who represents the 14th District which includes parts of Beaver announced on “Rappin with the Reps”, with Eddy Crow, that he will not seek re-election in next year’s election. Jim was first elected to the State House in 2006.  Marshall said “That the decision to not run again is complex and that when it’s time you know and he knows it is now time. ”

Rep. Marshall said that “Serving the people of the 14 th District has been, and will continue to be, one of the greatest honors of my life. When I was elected in 2006, I made a commitment that I would do everything in my power to better the lives of my constituents, with a focus on the needs of our first responders and veterans. I believe that I met that goal.
“Reflecting on my years of service, I am proud of the bipartisan work accomplished as a co-chair of the Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee with my friend and colleague, Rep. Rob Matzie. We worked together in a manner with all Pennsylvanians in mind.
Furthermore, making the changes in Harrisburg that affected home meant the most. With respect for blue collar workers and involvement in strong small communities, we used our life experiences to navigate changes in legislation. From furthering rail safety to expanding rural broadband, protecting consumers and more, we enjoyed facing the challenges of delivering the needed improvements to all Pennsylvanians but, affectionately, even more – Beaver County.
“Thank you to my constituents for displaying unwavering trust in me, as well as my colleagues for collaborating with me on how we can make the Commonwealth a better place to live, work and raise a family. This has truly been the opportunity of a lifetime.
“As I finish the remainder of my term, my dedicated team and I will continue to have an open-door policy and offer outstanding constituent service.”

You can see Jim’s appearance on “Rappin with the Reps” and the discussion on Jim’s decision Below:

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Democrat Dan McCaffery won an open seat on Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court in Tuesday’s general election, preserving a strong Democratic majority on a panel that has produced several critical election-related rulings in the presidential battleground state.

The seven-member bench, which will be made up five Democrats and two Republicans, is also at the center of cases on guns and abortion rights — which had a prominent role in the campaign.

McCaffery, a judge who serves on a statewide appellate court, beat Carolyn Carluccio, a Montgomery County judge. Justices serve 10-year terms before they must run for retention to stay on the court.

McCaffery, a former Philadelphia judge and prosecutor, had positioned himself as a defender of abortion rights and other rights that he said Democrats had fought for, but were under threat from the U.S. Supreme Court’s conservative majority.

McCaffery’s talk of fighting for threatened rights — and a state-record-smashing amount of money spent on the race — transformed what would have normally been a sleepy judicial campaign into a high-profile affair with a crush of TV ads and fliers stuffing mailboxes.

“It’s something that really caught fire on the campaign trail, and I think a lot it of had to do with the more recent decisions at the U.S. Supreme Court and the scandals at the U.S. Supreme Court,” McCaffery told The Associated Press. “People were really taking notice.”

Carluccio conceded the race in a statement and congratulated McCaffery.

McCaffery’s victory is the latest for abortion rights proponents in a string of races around the country, including a pivotal state Supreme Court race in Wisconsin where abortion was the top issue.

Like in Wisconsin, Democrats in Pennsylvania’s high court race focused on the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision last year to overturn Roe v. Wade and end nearly a half-century of federal abortion protections — making it a key avenue to attack Carluccio.

Carluccio tried to avoid that debate, saying the issue didn’t belong in the race since state law makes abortion legal through 24 weeks. She sought to avoid publicly expressing an opinion on the issue, though she was endorsed by anti-abortion groups.

More than $20 million — believed to be a state record for a judicial campaign — flowed into the race, much of it from billionaire Jeffrey Yass, who supported Carluccio, and labor unions and trial lawyers that backed McCaffery.

McCaffery said Tuesday that he was surprised by how much money flowed into the race.

“It was crazy, I never saw anything like it in my life,” he said.

Democrats currently hold a 4-2 majority on the court, with the open seat created by the death last year of Chief Justice Max Baer, a Democrat.

The court is currently examining a challenge to a state law that restricts the use of public funds to help women get abortions as well as Philadelphia’s challenge to a law barring it and other municipalities from restricting the sale and possession of guns.

In recent years the court has issued pivotal decisions on major election-related cases, including throwing out GOP-drawn congressional districts as unconstitutionally gerrymandered and rejecting a Republican effort to overturn the 2020 presidential election in the state after Donald Trump lost to Joe Biden.

It also upheld the constitutionality of the state’s expansive mail-in voting law and settled a variety of voting-related disputes before the 2020 election, spurring an outcry from Republicans.

In one 2020 case, justices ordered counties to count mail-in ballots that arrived up to three days after polls closed, citing delays in mail service caused by disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Republicans unsuccessfully challenged the decision up to the U.S. Supreme Court, which declined to take the case.

The ballots in question — nearly 10,000 in all — were never counted in any federal race, including for president, because the election was certified while their fate remained in legal limbo. State elections officials said the votes weren’t enough to change any results.

Two other Democrats won races Tuesday for lower statewide courts. Jill Beck won a seat on the state Superior Court and Matt Wolf won a seat on the Commonwealth Court. The AP had not yet called a race for a second open seat on the Superior Court.