WASHINGTON, Pa. (AP) — Residents in a western Pennsylvania county are calling for the resignation of an official who is facing felony animal cruelty charges after authorities say her dog starved to death. Washington County Controller April Sloane was arrested last week at her county office. North Strabane police filed the charges after a necropsy of her dog, Thor, showed the animal died of “severe emaciation” and weighed only 20 pounds, less than half of what its weight should have been. Sloane was arraigned and released on a $150,000 unsecured bond. She has declined comment on the charges. Sloane, a Republican, was elected to her post in November 2021.

NEW YORK (AP) — Hackers accessed Xfinity customers’ personal information by exploiting a vulnerability in software used by the company, the Comcast-owned telecommunications business announced this week. In a Monday notice to customers, Xfinity said there was unauthorized access to internal systems as a result of this vulnerability — which was previously announced by software provider Citrix — between Oct. 16 and 19. In the following months, Xfinity determined that information was likely acquired, including usernames, hashed passwords and, for some customers, the last four digits of Social Security numbers as well as account security questions. Analysis of the breach is still ongoing, but Xfinity is not aware of any leaks to date.

[Dec. 20, 2023] — When blood products are fully stocked on hospital shelves, patients don’t have to wait for critical care. Giving blood or platelets with the American Red Cross in December can help those in need make more holiday memories with loved ones. 

 

This is a busy time for many. Holiday gatherings, travel and seasonal illnesses can all impact donor availability, making it hard to collect enough blood and platelets. Unfortunately, trauma patients in the emergency room, those undergoing cancer treatment and new parents in need of lifesaving transfusions can’t take a holiday break. Donors are needed every single day.   

 

Those who come to give blood, platelets or AB Elite plasma Dec. 18, 2023 – Jan. 5, 2024, will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last. To extend a special thank-you to donors for helping address the need for blood, platelets and plasma during the critical post-holiday time, those who come to give Jan. 1-31, 2024, National Blood Donor Month, will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.

 

Making and keeping appointments throughout the month can help safeguard the national blood supply into the new year. Schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

HARRISBURG, PA:  The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) reported today that the combined total revenue generated from all forms of gaming, along with fantasy contests, during November 2023 was $444,473,505, a decrease of 1.74% compared to revenue generated in November 2022.

 

AMBRIDGE, Dec. 19 – Water and wastewater projects were awarded more than $3.7 million in funding today under programs administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced.

“My advocacy for funding starts with projects that demonstrate need, an application that is sound and the ability to close the process. One of my most important jobs as state representative is to use my experience to identify a funding source that gives applicants the best chance for success and then securing those competitive dollars.

“These are big projects that will ensure better water and wastewater service across our district. We’re talking about projects that will bring state-of-the-art improvements, reduce service interruptions and shutdowns and boost efficiency to benefit ratepayers. With the funding for these projects secured, residents and small businesses will soon be reaping the benefits.”

Matzie said the funding awarded under the under the COVID-19 ARPA H2O PA Program includes:

• $1.11 million to Hopewell Township to replace VCP lining along Route 151 and the Upper Raccoon Creek interceptor sewer.
• $633,492 to the Center Township Sanitary Authority to rehabilitate the Lower Moon Run sanitary sewer interceptor.
• $265,823 to the Center Township Sanitary Authority to construct a 140,000-gallon wet well storage tank at the New College wastewater lift station.

Funding awarded under the COVID-19 ARPA PA Small Water and Sewer Program includes:

• $430,450 to Rochester Area Joint Sewer Authority for an interceptor rehabilitation project located in Rochester and Freedom boroughs.
• $250,000 to Monaca Borough for the 9^th Street storm/sanitary sewer separation project.
• $245,000 to Hopewell Township for the Raccoon Creek bar screen replacement project.
  $203,722 to Harmony Township for storm sewer infrastructure improvements.
• $154,415 to Freedom Borough Collection and Conveyance Authority for sanitary sewer improvements.
• $150,000 to Conway Borough waterline replacement along 10^th Street and Third Avenue.
• $141,820 to Harmony Township for sanitary sewer line rehabilitation.
• $117,300 to Rochester Borough Sewer and Maintenance Authority for sanitary sewer system repairs.

Matzie said that in addition to the water and wastewater infrastructure funding, Beaver County will share in $264,000 awarded under the COVID-19 ARPA PA Arts and Cultural Recovery Program to the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council for distribution to arts and cultural professionals.

More about the COVID-19 ARPA H2O PA Program is available here: https://dced.pa.gov/programs/covid-19-arpa-h2o-pa-water-supply-sanitary-sewer-and-storm-water-projects/.

More about the COVID-19 ARPA PA Small Water and Sewer Program is available here: https://dced.pa.gov/programs/covid-19-arpa-pa-small-water-sewer/.

The programs are administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development under the direction of the Commonwealth Financing Authority.

(Beaver County, Pa) Beaver County Republican Chairman Roman Kozak issued the following statement following news that the new voter registration numbers show that Beaver County now has a Republican majority. Per the Pennsylvania Department of State, the most recent voter registration numbers for Beaver County show 48,170 voters registered Republican, 48,079 registered Democrats, and 15,476 registered in other parties or unaffiliated.

“With the most recent voter registration data, we can proudly and loudly proclaim that Beaver County is now a Republican majority county. Ten to 20 years ago, most of us could never imagine this happening.

“These numbers are a validation of the hard work of our Republican elected county team. From our judiciary to our county commissioners and row offices, and down to our municipal offices and school directors, Republican-led government continues to represent true Beaver County values. The people of Beaver County are telling us they want a government that is responsive to them as well as one that is professionally and responsibly managed.

“With this historic change, Beaver County voters are sending a message to the rest of Pennsylvania: Today’s Democrat party is out of touch with voters and their values.

“Thank you and congratulations to each member of the Republican Committee of Beaver County for the grassroots work they have done to help make this happen.

“Republicans are winning across Beaver County, but we still have much work to do. The future direction of our county, region, and country depends on it.”

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio News Director. Photo from Aliquippa Woods Facebook Page. Published December 20, 2023 7:00 A.M.  

(Aliquippa, Pa) The Kraft Heinz company sent the Aliquippa Quips a special present as part of their State Championship win. The team received a shipment of Heinz Ketchup in glass bottles labeled with PIAA Football Championship 2023 Aliquippa Football. The bottles were sent directly to the school and are not available for sale.
Kraft Heinz also sent a letter to Dr. Woods and the Aliquippa School District, congratulating them on an outstanding year and PIAA 4A Domination. Kraft Heinz also said in the letter that while they are building a new legacy of Heinz Field in Aliquippa, “the future looks extremely bright”.

(File Photo of Rep. Kail)

BEAVER – Today, the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) approved $2.36 million in grants for various projects, including upgrades to sewer systems and stormwater improvements, in the 15th legislative district. Rep. Joshua D. Kail (R-Beaver/Washington) advocated for these grants as part of his commitment to invest in Pennsylvania’s infrastructure.

“Maintaining sewer and water systems is critical to the health of our community,” said Kail. “I’m pleased to be able to secure millions in funding for the 15th District and look forward to seeing these improvement projects—and the jobs they create—come to fruition.”

The CFA was established as an independent agency of the Commonwealth and holds fiduciary responsibility over the funding of programs and investments in Pennsylvania’s economic growth.

(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)

Western Pennsylvanians are getting a present at the pump this Christmas season, as AAA East Central’s latest report shows a seven-cent decrease in the average price of a gallon of unleaded gas. This week’s $3.46 average is down from last week’s average of $3.53 by seven cents, and down 34 cents from the average of $3.80 one year ago.

The Butler area matches the regional average of $3.46, with Pittsburgh coming in a few cents higher at $3.50 a gallon. Beaver County is higher still, with an average of $3.54 for an unleaded gallon this week.

Here’s the full numbers from AAA East Central’s report:

This week’s average prices: Western Pennsylvania Average                         $3.456
Average price during the week of December 11, 2023                                      $3.528
Average price during the week of December 19, 2022                                      $3.795

The average price of unleaded self-serve gasoline in various areas:      

$3.286      Altoona
$3.539      Beaver
$3.644      Bradford
$3.407      Brookville
$3.459      Butler
$3.471      Clarion
$3.431      DuBois
$3.388      Erie
$3.511      Greensburg
$3.458      Indiana
$3.485      Jeannette
$3.656      Kittanning
$3.468      Latrobe
$3.339      Meadville
$3.451      Mercer
$3.219      New Castle
$3.466      New Kensington
$3.423      Oil City
$3.496      Pittsburgh
$3.366      Sharon
$3.473      Uniontown
$3.602      Warren
$3.461      Washington

(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)
(Photo/AP)

As was reported yesterday, Pittsburgh based U.S. Steel was acquired by Japan-based Nippon Steel in a multi-billion dollar all-cash deal. Following the sale, Senator Bob Casey released a statement showcasing his concern about the deal:

“The United States’ marquee steel company should remain under American ownership. From initial reports, this deal appears to be a bad deal for Pennsylvania and for Pennsylvania workers. I’m concerned about what this means for the Steelworkers and the good union jobs that have supported Pennsylvania families for generations, for the long-term investment in the Commonwealth, and for American industrial leadership.”

The acquisition of U.S. Steel was reported to be for $14.1 billion, which nearly doubled the offer from rival Cleveland Cliffs earlier this year. U.S. Steel will keep its name and its headquarters in Pittsburgh, where it will become a subsidiary of Nippon.