Sheetz logo. (PRNewsFoto/SHEETZ, INC.)

(Altoona, PA) In response to recent reports of the Sheetz employee handbook requiring applicants to not have obvious missing, broken or badly discolored teeth, the company made a statement to Business Insider saying that they will review what they call the “Smile Policy”. They also note that under the current rule, they give employees 90 days to resolve their dental issues.

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published January 27, 2023 7:20 A.M.

(Aliquippa, PA) On Wednesday night at the city’s work session Kelly Callen, administrative assistant, James Bologna, code and zoning officer, and Alex Scott , road department superintendent were approved to be part of the 12-year vesting provision for non-union employees. This provision is an estimated increase to the city’s 2023 MMO. Angela Emerson was appointed by council to serve on the city’s planning commission. Council meets in regular session on Wednesday, February 1, 2023.

(Pittsburgh, Pa.) While tire-hungry potholes are typically a sign of spring, this winter’s frequent temperature swings have taken an early toll on the nation’s roadways – and drivers are paying a steep price. AAA East Central advises motorists to take proactive steps to avoid costly repairs caused by hitting potholes.

“Potholes can certainly pose a safety risk to motorists, but they can also result in unexpected and costly repair bills,” says Mike Hoshaw, vice president of automotive services, AAA East Central. “It can cost anywhere from $250 to as much as $1000 to fix problems like tire punctures and bent wheels along with more expensive issues like suspension damage.”

A recent survey from AAA found that in 2021, 1 in 10 drivers sustained vehicle damage significant enough to warrant a repair after hitting a pothole, with an average price tag of almost $600 per repair. In all, damage caused by potholes cost American drivers a staggering $26.5 billion in 2021 alone.

Potholes form when moisture collects in small holes and cracks in the road surface. The moisture expands and contracts when temperatures go up and down. This breaks up the pavement and, combined with the weight of passing cars, eventually results in a pothole.

To minimize vehicle damage from potholes, AAA East Central offers the following tips:

• Inspect tires: Properly inflated tires can act as a “cushion” when hitting a pothole.
• Look ahead: Make a point of scanning the road ahead for potholes so there is enough time to react and to avoid hitting a pothole.
• Slow down: If a pothole cannot be avoided, reduce speed safely without abrupt braking.
• Beware of puddles: Puddles often disguise deep potholes.
• Recognize noises/vibrations; A hard pothole impact can dislodge wheel weights, damage the tire or wheel, and even break suspension components.  Any unusual noises after a pothole hit should be inspected immediately.
• Check for a spare: Many newer cars do not have spare tires.  Check to see if the vehicle is equipped with a spare, and make sure to regularly check its tire pressure (PSI).

Motorists should identify a repair shop they trust to help keep their vehicle in good shape. The AAA Approved Auto Repair network consists of nearly 7,000 facilities that have met AAA’s high standards, including, technician certifications, ongoing training, financial stability, facility cleanliness, insurance requirements, rigorous inspections and customer satisfaction. Visit AAA.com/autorepair to find a nearby facility.

AAA East Central is a not-for-profit association with 70 local offices in Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia serving 2.7 million members.  News releases are available at news.eastcentral.aaa.com.  Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

( Photo  Ambridge Police Department Sergeant Michael McQuaide (Left) Sergeant AJ Bialik (Right)  and new Full Time Patrol Officer Riley Anderson (Middle)  provided by Ambridge Police Department.

Story by Sandy Giordano, Beaver County Radio News
(Ambridge, Pa.) Ambridge Borough announced the promotion of  Police Officers Michael McQuaide and AJ Bialik to sergeant at a recent council meeting. The borough also announced the hiring of new patrol officer Riley Anderson. The promotions were recommended by Police Chief John Deluca.

Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is announcing overnight inspection activities on the McKees Rocks Bridge (Route 3104) in McKees Rocks Borough, Allegheny County will occur Thursday night, January 26 weather permitting.

(File Photo)

Story by Sandy Giordano, Beaver County Radio News
strong>(Hopewell, Twp., Beaver County, Pa.) The Hopewell School Board met on Tuesday night and approved the  2023-2024 course curriculum guides for  the junior and senior high schools.
In other business Madison Martin was approved to complete her student teaching  during the spring semester under the guidance of journalism teacher Nick Mohrbacher. She is a student at Geneva College. Peter Lewis, also  a Geneva student  will complete 12  observation  hours  at the high school  under the direction of Michele Grandovic.
A Client Services  Agreement with Soliant Health LLC was approved, they will provide psychological evaluation services through May 31, 2023. A temporary  services agreement was approved with Trend Services, Inc for psychological services began  January 24, 2023 through June 30, 2023.
Students in K-8  will have  Spring Learning, an after school program per ESSER III  guidelines. Program range dates are February 28, 2023 to March 30, 2023, at each k-8 location. District transportation will not be provided.
The board also approved a request from Central Valley Middle School to have their swim team use the district’s pool for their practices for the 2022-2023 season.
The board approved a contract with the Hopewell Police Department to provide extra services on an as needed basis  at an hourly rate of $69.27 per hour, with a 2 hour minimum.
Taylor Carnot was hired to teach third grade  as a day to day substitute at Hopewell Elementary School. She’ll be paid $125 a day, effective january 3, 2023. Terry Borkovic and Lexi Thompson were hired as middle school volleyball coaches they’ll receive a stipend of $1,450.00 each ,effective, January 25. 2023. Debbie McMahon ‘s retirement as the senior high school head cook is effective, April 2, 2023.
The board’s next meeting is Tuesday, February 14, 2023, and on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 in person and virtual at 7 p.m. An assessment appeal by the Hopewell Shopping Center that was approved Monday night by the township was also approved by the school board Tuesday night. There are 5 parcels and they are owned by Schreiber Company.

(File Photo of Pa. State Rep. (15th) Josh Kail during a recent appearance at Beaver County Radio)

(Harrisburg, Pa.)  In order to address the issues Pennsylvanians care about most, House Republican Policy Committee Chairman Joshua D. Kail (R-Beaver/Washington) hosted a hearing Monday titled “Constitutional Amendments – Why We Care” on a joint resolution proposing amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The proposed amendments would provide for a two-year window for victims of childhood sexual assault to file previously time-barred claims, to authorize the General Assembly to disapprove regulations, and require voters to present identification when casting a ballot.

“Meaningful change starts with innovative policy solutions to support a prosperous Commonwealth for future generations,” said Kail. “We are ready to get to work on these measurers and want the people of Pennsylvania to be able to vote directly on these proposals.”

Held at the Main Capitol Building in Harrisburg, the policy hearing’s testifiers were:

• Rep. Jim Gregory (R-Blair/Huntingdon).
• Frank LaRose, Ohio Secretary of State.
• Madeline Malisa, senior fellow for the Foundation for Government Accountability.
• David Taylor, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association.
• Grant Gulibon, environmental specialist for the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.

Gregory, who survived childhood sexual abuse, has been a leader on creating a two-year window of time in which survivors of childhood sexual abuse could file lawsuits if the statute of limitations has otherwise expired in their case. He said speaking with fellow survivors inspires him to fight every day on this issue, particularly after a Department of State administrative error in 2019 created delays.

On the issue of voter ID, Pennsylvania is one of only 15 states where voters can cast their ballot without showing an identification document. Seeking outside advice on how a neighboring state successfully conducts its elections, LaRose said Ohio was able to pass legislation requiring photo identification to vote and making state-issued photo identification available for free, preventing the disenfranchisement of any eligible citizen.

In order for good governance to remain at the forefront, Taylor testified that the system of checks and balances is non-negotiable. He emphasized that instances such as the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic are examples of how crippling overregulation can be.

“We heard a lot of great feedback, and I am excited to continue our discussions on how we can move Pennsylvania forward,” said Kail.

(File Photo)

Story by Sandy Giordano, Beaver County Radio News
(New Brighton, Pa.) 41-year-old James L. Pulley, of New Brighton,  is being lodged in the Beaver County Jail after he fled when his vehicle struck an unoccupied vehicle in the 800 block of Grove Ave in the borough around 9:10 PM Wednesday night.

(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)

The snowfall that hit Beaver County didn’t stop the Commissioners from holding their weekly work session, though it was a more hastened meeting than most.

Much of the shortened session was focused on the moves of the Parks & Recreation department, who finally received the new Zamboni machine for the Brady’s Run Ice Arena. Director Tony Caltury said that the next step for the indoor playing surface is to reach out to businesses throughout the county for advertising on the boards and the Zamboni itself over the next several months.

Caltury also provided an update on the digital sign for Brady’s Run Park to be placed at the corner of Constitution Boulevard (Route 51) and Brady’s Run Road. “We have quotes. So if we want to move forward, we can,” Caltury stated. He noted that in conversations with Brighton Township officials, the quotes for a digital sign fall “roughly about $30,000”.

Solicitor Garen Fedeles spoke about the Board of Commissioners’ recent and “very productive” meeting with the Brady’s Run Municipal Authority and Beaver Falls Municipal Authority in regards to the installation of water lines at Brady’s Run Park. “We are in the final process of putting together what those designs would be,” Fedeles said. “Unfortunately, with the lag as far as getting the necessary approvals, it doesn’t look like this project will be completed until maybe the fourth quarter of this year.”

Fedeles then presented an unusually short list of thirteen resolutions for the January 26 public meeting, for which Commissioner Jack Manning joked “we’re gonna pay for that.” The resolutions will be voted on at the meeting tomorrow at 10:00 AM.

Pittsburgh, PA –PennDOT has lifted the speed limit and right-lane-only commercial vehicle restrictions that were in place on several roadways in Beaver and Lawrence counties.