(Sandy Giordano/Beaver County Radio)

The Central Valley School Board discussed the latest updates on the construction at Center Grange Primary School. 

The playground for the school is not in place yet according to Grounds Chairperson Marsha Decenzo, and Superintendent Dr. Nick Perry reported that the playground will be back in place by Spring. Perry also stated that the general contractors for the project cannot be paid until several items are completed.

The board also heard of the retirement of its secretary, Colleen Kearns, in April. She was thanked for her ten years of service in that position, along with the seventeen years in total that she’s been a part of the school district.

Pittsburgh, PA – Due to the winter storm, PennDOT is temporarily reducing the speed limit on several roadways in Allegheny, Beaver and Lawrence counties.

PennDOT is urging motorists to avoid unnecessary travel but those who must head out will see speeds reduced to 45 mph on the following highways:

Allegheny County

• Interstates 79, 279, 376, and 579
• Route 28
• US 22/30

Beaver County

• Interstate 376 (Beaver Valley Expressway)

Lawrence County

• Interstates 79 and 376

On roadways with speed restrictions, commercial vehicles not affected by restrictions on these or other roadways must move to the right lane.

Although PennDOT crews have been treating roadways, the department’s primary goal is to keep roads passable, not completely free of ice and snow. PennDOT will continue to treat roadways throughout the storm until precipitation stops and roads are clear.

While PennDOT recommends not traveling during winter storms, motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.

The department also asks motorists to allow plenty of space when driving near plow trucks. Also, for their own safety and the safety of plow operators, motorists should never attempt to pass a truck while it is plowing or spreading winter materials.

PennDOT reminds motorists to pack an emergency kit for their vehicles. A basic kit should include non-perishable food, water, blanket, small shovel and warm clothes. When preparing an emergency kit, motorists should take into account special needs of passengers such as baby food, pet supplies or medications and pack accordingly.

PennDOT also reminds citizens that downloadable materials, including home and car emergency kit checklists and emergency plan templates, are available at www.Ready.PA.gov or by downloading the free ReadyPA app for Apple or Android devices. Citizens can also find information about getting involved in local emergency response efforts and other volunteer opportunities through the ReadyPA website.

For more winter driving tips and information on how PennDOT treats winter storms, visit www.PennDOT.gov/winter.

Follow PennDOT on Twitter at www.twitter.com/511PAPittsburgh

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Mike Tomlin remains “on go” in Pittsburgh.

Both in 2024 and likely beyond.

The NFL’s longest-tenured head coach said Thursday he plans on returning to the Steelers for an 18th season, brushing aside speculation that he was on the cusp of burning out and considering taking a step back.

Tomlin shook his head and chuckled “no” when asked if he told anyone he needed a break, saying his passion for his job has only intensified the deeper he gets into a career that includes a Super Bowl ring, but also a playoff-win drought that sits at seven years and counting following a 31-17 loss to Buffalo in the opening round on Monday.

The Steelers finished 10-8 in Tomlin’s 17 seasons and have never finished below .500 since he took over for Bill Cowher in January 2007.

Yet Pittsburgh has also been stuck on a treadmill of sorts since reaching the AFC title game in 2016, a stretch that includes five seasons of somewhere between 8 to 10 wins and four quick playoff exits.

While Tomlin believes the Steelers have closed the gap on the teams playing in the divisional round this weekend, he also allowed it doesn’t matter.

“It all sucks, it does,” Tomlin said. “It’s not degrees of suck. It all sucks. I’d rather be working.”

Instead, Tomlin will spend the coming weeks interviewing for an offensive coordinator — a candidate he said will come from outside the organization — and start prepping for the NFL draft and free agency.

Tomlin is entering the final year of a contract extension he signed in 2021. He stormed off rather than answer when asked about it moments after the Steelers fell to the Bills. Three days removed, Tomlin admitted “I could have handled the situation better than I did” but added he felt that wasn’t the time or the place to discuss his future.

A future that will be in Pittsburgh. He declined to get into specifics on whether he will seek a multi-year deal from team president Art Rooney II, but also isn’t concerned about the length (or lack thereof) of a new contract being any sort of sticking point.

“I imagine it is going to get done in a timely manner at the appropriate time,” Tomlin said. “But my mindset is to coach this football team, certainly.”

Tomlin’s presence may be one of the few constants during an offseason for a team that has plenty of questions to answer in the coming months.

The biggest one is at quarterback, where Kenny Pickett sputtered as much as he shined during an uneven first full season as the starter. Pickett threw just six touchdowns in 12 games before needing surgery to repair his right ankle in early December. The 2022 first-round pick recovered but spent the final weeks watching former third-stringer Mason Rudolph lead a late push that propelled the Steelers into the playoffs.

Tomlin remains “extremely confident in Pickett” and praised the intangibles Pickett brings to the table. Still, entering his third season, Pickett needs to start providing tangible evidence of progress too.

“We acknowledge that it is a huge year for him,” Tomlin said, drawing out “huge” as he spoke. “But I’m also excited about just watching him wear that component of it, because I just I know how he’s wired and built. I’m excited about watching him attack it.”

Rudolph went 3-1 as a starter while passing for five touchdowns against just one interception. He is also scheduled to become a free agent in March, though Tomlin indicated the team is interested in bringing Rudolph back to compete with Pickett next summer.

“We’re less speculative about (Rudolph’s) capabilities because there is evidence of it and evidence of it under (tough) circumstances,” Tomlin said.

It’s unlikely that backup Mitch Trubisky, who struggled in relief of Pickett and is set to count $8.3 million against the salary cap, will be in the mix. While there’s a chance the Steelers could bring in a veteran quarterback from outside to join the fray, Pittsburgh has a lot invested in Pickett and needs to find out in 2024 if he’s “the guy” or if it’s time to move on.

Who calls the plays will have a significant impact on Pickett’s future. After promoting from within for an offensive coordinator in 2018 and again in 2021, the Steelers will look elsewhere in search of someone to bring to life an offense that’s finished in the bottom third of the NFL in points scored four of the past five years.

While there was an uptick in production over the final weeks a fter Matt Canada was fired in November, interim offensive coordinator Eddie Faulkner and interim play-caller Mike Sullivan are not under consideration.

“I want us to be versatile and dynamic, ”Tomlin said. “Obviously, we got to score more points. I want to be able to keep defenses off balance. I want to utilize all the talent that we have at our disposal.”

Tomlin’s goal remains to help the Steelers figure out a way to win another championship, an emotionally and physically draining task he believes he’s still up for nearly two decades after Pittsburgh plucked him out of relative obscurity and handed him the keys to one of the NFL’s marquee franchises.

There have been a few downs through the years, but not as many ups as he’d like. And the older he gets, the deeper the disappointment when the season doesn’t end under a blizzard of confetti at the Super Bowl.

“Sometimes I don’t want to move past (the disappointment),” he said. “Sometimes I just want to be here for a minute, in an effort to improve. And so that’s probably where I’m at, honestly, as I stand here today.”

(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)
(Photo/Frank Sparks)

PennDOT, in lieu of today’s winter weather event, has enacted Tier 2 vehicle restrictions throughout the majority of the Interstates and major highways, including the entirety of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

Under Tier 2, commercial vehicles towing loaded tandem trailers and all loaded or unloaded school buses are not permitted on the roadways, along with all vehicles under Tier 1 prohibition which include any and all school buses, motor coaches, commercial buses, RVs, motor homes, and motorcycles among others.

The entirety of Interstates 76, 376, 279, and 579 are under Tier 2, along with the section of Interstate 79 from West Virginia up to the Interstate 80 interchange.

Drivers that are allowed on the roadways are being urged to exercise caution and allow for space for drivers and plows along the highways.

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published January 19, 2023 12:36 A.M.

(Beaver Falls, Pa) The Beaver Falls Police Department are asking the public for help, a week after a woman was found dead on a walking trail near Geneva College.

The Police Department released a statement on Facebook Thursday that says they are “requesting that any business or residence with cameras observing the specific area of 5th Avenue, 6th Avenue, or 7th Avenue between 11th Street to 24th Street, including streets and alley ways, please check your camera recordings for video or activity between 3:15PM-6:30PM on Sunday, January 7, 2024.”

They say even if nothing is observed in the recordings, they would still like them if they are within the specified location and time. They add that the recordings can be delivered to the Police Department or an officer can assist in transferring the footage while also specifying that you must speak with an officer before submitting footage. The Department can be reached by calling 724-846-7000.

The Police further added that “Community Members are requested to understand that Officers are limited in the information that can be provided as to the necessity or events that are being searched for in the videos due to the sensitive nature of the incident being investigated.”

The Beaver Falls Police have yet to make an official statement on the events that took place. Sources say 41 year old Rebecca Miller of Beaver Falls was found dead with multiple stab wounds, and was last known to be going on a walk with a male friend on January 7th. Her body was found and the investigation began on January 11th.

 

 

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published January 18, 2024 9:03 P.M.

(New Brighton, Pa) The New Brighton Borough Council met Thursday evening for their first meeting of 2024. The council authorized the placement of a Sons of Italy Lodge Veterans marker in Townsend Park.

Council approved road closures along 3rd Avenue in New Brighton on Friday, June 28th, from 4pm until 10pm. Roads affected by the closure will be 10th street from 3rd Avenue to 4th Avenue, 11th Street from 3rd Avenue to 5th Avenue, and parking spaces along with the access lane between 8th Street and 13th Street. The closures will be for a wine walk.

The Council discussed safety concerns regarding lighting in tunnels leading to Big Rock Park and the fishing park, as not all of the tunnels have lights. The board will look into adding proper lighting, although they believe electricity access may need to be added to do so.

The Council will meet again on Febuary 15th.

(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)
(Photo courtesy Chipotle Mexican Restaurants)

The Chipotle Mexican Grill will be opening its doors in Beaver County on Friday, January 19.

Chipotle’s first Beaver County location at 89 Wagner Road in Monaca is set to open at 10:45 AM and continue through 10:00 PM, which will be their operating hours every day. Included in the new Chipotle location is the Chipotlane, which is the restaurant’s drive-thru pickup lane for digital orders placed online.

The new Monaca Chipotle is also looking for staff members to join its crew on their new venture. Those interested in positions can find out more details by going to chipotle.com/careers.

(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)

Senate Leader Jay Costa Jr. announced that he will be seeking re-election for the 43rd Senatorial District in Pennsylvania, which covers the city of Pittsburgh and thirteen of the city’s Eastern municipalities.

“It’s been an honor to serve you and we’ve accomplished a lot but my work is not yet done,” said Senator Costa. “We deserve substantive policy changes at a state level that will promote more affordable, accessible housing, action on gun violence prevention policy, funding streams for our schools that need the most help, and finally – an overdue increase in the minimum wage.”

Senator Costa is a lifelong resident of Allegheny County, and has been serving as Senator since 1996 and Democratic Senate Leader since 2011.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Democrats in majority control of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives advanced several gun control measures Wednesday, including one that would ban sales of automatic and semi-automatic guns, after years of standstill in the politically divided state government.

The bills were passed by the Judiciary Committee on party lines and await the full House’s consideration.

Even if the bills clear the House floor, however, they will likely face a cold reception in the state Senate; other gun control measures passed by the House last year did not even get called up in committee. Instead, senators have prioritized working with Democrats to boost funding for anti-violence and mental health programs.

Still, it’s the second time since Democrats regained majority status in the chamber that they’ve used their heft to push gun control measures. They kicked off the current two-year session last March with a hearing on gun violence. Under Republican majorities in both chambers until last year, the Legislature has not seriously considered broadening gun-control measures since 2018.

The slate of bills that passed Judiciary on Wednesday would balance gun ownership with protecting average citizens, Democrats argued.

“These are issues that we were clear at the beginning of the session we wanted to tackle,” said the committee’s chairman, Democratic Rep. Tim Briggs of Montgomery County. “The first thing we did was have a hearing on gun violence prevention measures.”

Republicans raised concerns about infringing upon constitutional rights.

“If the government can infringe on our Second Amendment rights, no rights can be enjoyed by citizens of this nation,” said Rep. Joe Hamm, a Republican from Lycoming County.

One bill the committee approved would ban future sales of “assault weapons,” defined as automatic and semi-automatic firearms. Sponsors cited the use of high-capacity semi-automatic rifles in a number of mass shootings, including in Pittsburgh, where a gunman carried out the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history in 2018 armed with an AR-15 rifle and other weapons.

Previously, Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro has said he’d support legislation that limits the availability of such firearms. At least 10 states have enacted laws banning them, sometimes spurring litigation.

Among the other legislation that passed the committee, one bill would prohibit accelerated trigger activators, which increase the rate of gunfire. Another bill would prohibit the purchase, sale and production of untraceable gun parts. A fourth would subject 3D-printed firearms to the same regulations as standard firearms.

Another bill would shorten the time a judge has to notify the Pennsylvania State Police about a person with mental health from about a week to four days.

Adam Garber, executive director of CeaseFirePA, a gun violence prevention group, said the advancing of the bills showed a “commitment to survivors.” He called the automatic weapons ban proposal the first such effort in “modern times.”

“This is what it looks like to tackle the violent crime that plagues cities from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh and everywhere else in between,” Garber said.

Nationally, the U.S. set a record pace for mass killings in the first six months of 2023. But gun violence measures also seek to address domestic violence killings, community violence and suicides.

In Philadelphia, gun violence played a significant role in the campaign for mayor, with now-Mayor Cherelle Parker, a Democrat, promising a tough-on-crime approach that included declaring a public safety emergency.

Philadelphia has been buffeted by violent crime, tallying a record number of homicides in 2021, most of them gun-related. That number has steadily fallen, but it still remained above pre-COVID-19 levels in 2023.

A full House vote likely won’t come for months, as the chamber is deadlocked at 101-101 after the resignation of a Democratic lawmaker. A special election will again determine majority status in February.

(Sandy Giordano/Beaver County Radio)

Two new fire trucks and a new fire engine have finally arrived in Center Township.

The trucks that were purchased from Sutphen Company in Urbana, Ohio were delayed due to the COVID-19 outbreak and other issues, according to Center Fire Chief Bill Brucker.\

The announcement was made at the Center Township Supervisors Meeting, where  a liquor license transfer was approved by the supervisors for a new restaurant opening in the Center Square Plaza. The license was previously held by an Aliquippa business that has since closed.