Category: News

Beat the Heat: PUC Shares #WaysToStayCool and #WaysToSave During Early Summer Temperature Spike

(Photo provided)

HARRISBURG – As millions of Pennsylvanians experience a surge in hot weather, and the official start of summer arrives later this week, the Public Utility Commission (PUC) is urging consumers to explore simple #WaysToStayCool and #WaysToSave – helping to conserve energy and keep summer power bills manageable.

#WaysToStayCool

Tip: Circulating air with a fan can help you feel up to 4 degrees cooler,
without needing to lower your thermostat.

There are several simple things most consumers can do, at little or no added cost, to increase summer comfort while managing power usage and energy costs:

  • Fan Yourself – Fans circulate the air, keeping you feeling cooler even at higher temps.
  • Follow the Shade – Spend time in rooms that do not receive direct sunlight.
  • Block the Heat – Use window blinds and coverings at the sunniest time of day to reduce heat buildup.
  • Don’t Add Extra Heat – Postpone using heat-producing appliances like clothes dryers, dishwashers, and stoves until it is cooler.
  • Cookout, Anyone? – Consider using outdoor barbecue grills or microwaves instead of stoves or ovens, which can increase indoor heat.

#WaysToSave

Tip: Every degree you raise your air conditioning thermostat
above 72 degrees can save up to 3% on cooling expenses.

In addition to staying cool, the PUC highlights several #WaysToSave energy and money:

  • Check your Thermostat – The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your cooling bill.
  • Clean is “Green” – Regularly clean and replace air conditioner filters and ensure air circulation paths are clear.
  • Power Off – Turn off non-essential appliances and lights to reduce power use and unwanted heat.
  • Don’t Cool Unneeded Space – Close off unused rooms and adjust air vents or thermostats to avoid unnecessary cooling expenses.
  • Keep the Heat Outside – Seal cracks to prevent warm air from leaking into your home.

Tip: For more energy-saving tips, visit PAPowerSwitch.com and check your utility’s website for conservation and efficiency resources.

A variety of energy conservation and savings tips are available on the PUC’s official electric shopping website – PAPowerSwitch.com.

Also, many utilities provide information on their websites about conservation, energy efficiency, energy use assessments, and other tools to help manage energy usage. Consumers should explore these resources for additional tips on saving money.

Matzie: Up to $100K in funding secured to boost digital literacy in Beaver County

(File Photo)

AMBRIDGE, June 17 – New grant funding of up to $100,000 from the state Department of Labor and Industry will support programs by the Literacy Pittsburgh organization to ensure residents in Beaver County and around the region have the computer skills they need to succeed, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today.

Matzie – who is chairman of the PA House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee and a board member of the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority – said the funding will help residents get the skills required for good jobs and community connections.

“Knowing how to use a computer holds the key to so many important life opportunities, from finding and qualifying for good jobs to locating essential programs and services,” Matzie said. “That’s why the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority has been working to ensure that the infrastructure and funding are in place to provide residents with access to high-speed internet. But the other essential part of the equation is that folks need to have the skills to take advantage of those connections.

“The new funding to Literacy Pittsburgh to enhance their digital literacy programs is an important step toward that goal.”

The grant is part of a package of $4.9 million in funding to organizations statewide. More information is available here: https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/Labor-and-Industry-Details.aspx?newsid=855.

Cooling Centers Opening Throughout Beaver County

(File Photo)

BEAVER FALLS, PA (JUNE 17, 2024) – The Cornerstone of Beaver County (TCBC) – a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness in Beaver County – will once again serve as a cooling center throughout the summer for those experiencing homelessness or housing-related crisis.

Extreme heat can be dangerous, especially for those experiencing homelessness, utility shut-offs or malfunctions, or other housing crises. These situations can put people and families at risk for illnesses related to heat exposure such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and can exacerbate pre-existing conditions like lung and heart disease and mental illness.

TCBC’s cooling center services at its Beaver Falls office provide relief from the heat, water, basic needs, housing assistance, and additional resources.

The complete list of cooling center locations and hours is as follows:

The Cornerstone of Beaver County –

Mon – Fri 9am – 4pm

600 6th Street, Beaver Falls

New Brighton Municipal Building –

Mon – Thu 8:30am – 4pm

610 3rd Avenue, New Brighton

Uncommon Grounds –

Tues – Thu  7am – 3pm

380 Franklin Ave. Aliquippa

“Homelessness and housing-related crises can lead to many complications and risks even when it comes to something as seemingly simple as weather,” said TCBC Executive Director Marie Timpano.

Timpano continued, “Each year, TCBC and our cooling center partners provide our community’s most vulnerable people with protection from the risks of heat exposure.”

TCBC works to prevent and end homelessness in Beaver County by providing and coordinating emergency shelter, permanent housing, basic needs, and resources. TCBC brings these and various related services under one roof with a comprehensive network of human services partners and community partners.

TCBC also operates the county’s first and only 24-hour men’s emergency shelter, located at 697 State Street in Vanport. The fully-staffed, 24-hour men’s shelter is intentionally designed to provide a safe and supportive environment to help ensure that guests are able to successfully transition to permanent housing, stability, and a future of hope and possibilities.

For more information about TCBC’s emergency and permanent housing programs as well as utilities and basic needs assistance, visit CornerstoneBeaver.org or call 724-846-6400 any time day or night.

Over 150 People Show Up For Opening of Beaver County Trump Campaign Office

(Photos Courtesy of RCBC)

(Vanport, Pa.) Over 150 people came out to welcome The TRUMP campaign to Beaver County on Saturday morning . The Trump  47 office is now open at  the Republican Committee of Beaver County headquarters in Vanport.
The Republican Committee of Beaver County Executive team was joined by Sean Parnell who was the key noter speaker. The office will serve as a regional Trump campaign office for Beaver, Butler, and Lawerence counties.
Other dignataries who spoke were State Rep Josh Kail and Sheriff Tony Guy spoke. RCBC chairman and State Rep candidate Roman Kozak emceed the event.
The highlight of the event was the Trump cookies that were bed by Beaver County Controller Maria Longo.

If you would like to get involved in the Republican Party in Beaver County or if you want more information you can find the RCBC at https://www.beavercountygop.com/

Route 68 Joint Sealing Operations Begin Today in Beaver County

Route 68 Joint Sealing Operations Begin Monday in Beaver County

​Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is announcing joint sealing operations on Route 68 in Marion, New Sewickley, Daugherty, and Rochester townships and Beaver and Rochester boroughs, Beaver County, will begin Monday, June 17 weather permitting.

Starting Monday, rolling single-lane closures on Route 68 will occur in each direction between the Butler County Line and Sebring Road in Beaver Borough daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through late November. Crews will conduct joint sealing operations.

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.

Contact: Yasmeen Manyisha, ymanyisha@pa.gov

2nd of 5 Cruizin’ The Ridge Car Cruise Was as Hot As The Weather

(All photos taken by Beaver County Radio Staff)

(Brighton Twp., Beaver County, Pa.) The second of Five Cruizin’ The Ridge Car  Cruises for 2024 was held on Saturday. The cruises occur at the Beaver County Radio Studios on Dutch Ridge Road in Brighton Twp.

The cruises are being presented by  Beaver County Radio, The Pennsylvania Hot Rod Company, AK Nahas.

This months Cruise was started out by a beautiful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner by Beaver County Radio’s Rachel Kopicko. There were food trucks, a Chinese auction, 50/50 and plenty of good music provided by Beaver County Radio’s JD Merkel.

Next month’s Cruizin on the Ridge is scheduled to happen from 12-4 on Saturday July  13, 2024.

Check out all of the pictures of the fun below:

At least one transported by lifeflight following Route 68 accident

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published June 16, 2024 4:31 P.M.

(Daugherty Township, Pa) At least one person was transported by lifeflight following an accident on Route 68 between New Brighton and New Sewickley Township. Route 68 was shut down as of 4pm between Tulip Drive and the 4 corner intersection with Deer Lane and Big Knob Road. It is unclear how many people were involved.

A person who was traveling on the road shortly before the accident told Beaver County Radio they witnessed a car swerving across the road. We have also heard reports a vehicle may have drove off of a hill.

New Brighton Fire Department declined to comment at the scene and we are working on getting a statement from Daugherty Township Fire Department.

DeAngelis Donuts announces they are closing

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published June 14, 2024 2:19 P.M.
(Rochester Township, Pa) A well known donut shop will be closing their doors for good Sunday. DeAngelis Donuts, located in Rochester and also formerly in Beaver Falls, made the announcement Friday.
In a post on Facebook, the donut destination said “After 77 years we are sad to announce DeAngelis Donuts will be permanently closing. Our last day will be June 16, 2024. So stop in and grab one last DeAngelis Donut! “
The shop also stated that” We want to thank all of our customers who helped support our business and we wish everyone well!”
Anyone who wants to get one last donut can place an order by phone for Saturday or Sunday by contacting 724-856-5651 or the store at 724-775-1641.

COMMISSIONERS AND NATIONAL ASSOCIATION HONOR BEAVER COUNTY MAN FOR WORK WITH PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Beaver County Rehabilitation Center (WIN Services) Employment Specialist John Palmer, of Conway, brings exceptional insight, compassion and creativity to his daily interaction with people with disabilities. On Wednesday, June 12, 2024 John was recognized by the Beaver County Commissioners during a ceremony at the Beaver County Court House for being chosen from over 500 nominees as PA Direct Support Professional of the year. John received the award last April in Sante Fe, New Mexico from ANCOR Connect, the leading voice in Washington for community-based disability support providers.
John’s recognition ceremony at the Court House was attended by 62 people, including members of his family, individuals with disabilities, coworkers and BCRC Board members. BCRC Executive Director Lesley Hallas says, “BCRC is so incredibly proud of John. We are thrilled to celebrate his award and the significant part John plays in the growth of people with disabilities.”
Commisioners Dan Camp, Tony Amadio and Jack Manning expressed their pride in Palmer’s accomplishment and praised his efforts on behalf of people with disabilities in Beaver County. Manning stated, “BCRC is an exceptional organization with exceptional staff that serve a very exceptional group of people.”
John provides habilitation services through WIN Services, a subsidiary of BCRC. According to WIN Services Director Jonni Kichta, “John is dedicated to enhancing the lives of all people with disabilities, and he is exceptionally successful with people who are struggling. He steps up to offer interventions and services to the most challenged individuals, demonstrating that he will not give up. “ John looks beyond the surface to find the meaning behind each person’s actions. He has special handshakes, hello routines and costumes for every occasion. He can determine a person’s mood by their posture or facial expression, and he provides just the right support.“
John understands BCRC participants and meets their needs, whatever they may be. Ms. Kichta witnessed the growth in an individual with minimal speech when John encouraged him to express his thoughts and wishes as a self-advocate. To another person John is a “father-figure,” to another a mentor and others friend, confidant, cheer leader, etc.
Diane Beastrom, President of ANCOR’s Board of Directors was “blown away” by John’s nomination. She says, “I cannot think of a more deserving professional to honor as they truly exemplify what it means to see, appreciate, and value the people we are fortunate enough to support.’
John and WIN Services Director Jonni Kichta attended the awards ceremony sponsored by ANCOR Connect. More than 1000 people attended the conference from all over the world. John received a plaque, gift card and recognition in the digital magazine, Recognizing Excellence.
John is grateful for the recognition that he has received and the support of Ms. Kichta, BCRC Executive Director Lesley Hallas and the administration of Beaver County Behavioral Health. He says, “This has been the highlight of my career and possibly my entire life. It’s great to come to work each day and be a part of making other people smile.”
BCRC’s Executive Director feels that. “John’s recognition is wholeheartedly deserved, and his commitment and dedication to individuals and families in the Intellectual Disabilities/Autism Spectrum community is exemplified in his work daily. John’s recognition also serves to highlight the significance of Direct Support Professionals (DSP), a critical profession that is too often overlooked and undervalued. John exemplifies the best in this profession, and our participants are blessed to benefit from his passion and skill.”