FILE – Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., leaves an intelligence briefing on the unknown aerial objects, at the Capitol in Washington, Feb. 14, 2023. A person close to Fetterman says he’ll return to the Senate in April, two months after the freshman Democrat sought inpatient treatment for clinical depression. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A person close to Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman says he’ll return to the Senate in April, two months after the freshman Democrat sought inpatient treatment for clinical depression. The person, who was not authorized to discuss Fetterman’s plans and spoke on condition of anonymity, said Wednesday that Fetterman will return the week of April 17. It wasn’t immediately clear when Fetterman will leave Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where he checked in Feb. 15. The 53-year-old Fetterman was still recovering from the aftereffects of a stroke he suffered last May when he went to Walter Reed. Doctors say post-stroke depression is common and treatable.

Harrisburg, PA – Today, Governor Josh Shapiro announced that Norfolk Southern has completed their first $1 million in reimbursements to Pennsylvania fire departments, first responders, and Beaver County Hazmat. This initial $1 million from Norfolk Southern is part of the funding Governor Shapiro secured in reimbursements for equipment that was damaged or contaminated during the response and remediation to Norfolk Southern’s train derailment in East Palestine. Fire companies from Beaver, Lawrence, and Washington Counties responded to the derailment and the controlled vent and burn – and Governor Shapiro is working to ensure they receive any and all funding they need.

 

Governor Shapiro continues to deliver on his promise to hold Norfolk Southern accountable for any and all impacts to the Commonwealth. Last month, Governor Shapiro secured an initial commitment from Norfolk Southern to pay for millions in damages to Pennsylvania and impacted residents in Beaver and Lawrence Counties, including covering costs to local responders.

 

“Norfolk Southern’s train derailment hurt communities in Western Pennsylvania, put our first responders at risk, and has taken up immense local and state resources,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “Norfolk Southern must do better – and the entire cost of this derailment and its impact on the Commonwealth must be picked up by them, not the people of Pennsylvania. This critical funding will help make fire departments and first responders whole, and my Administration will continue to hold Norfolk Southern accountable for any and all impacts on our Commonwealth.”

 

“Our fire companies and first responders put their health and safety on the line for Pennsylvanians each day – we are proud of the good work they do and we thank them for their service,” said Acting Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook. “In order to continue doing their jobs safely and effectively, our firefighters need the right gear. We urge Norfolk Southern to continue to swiftly reimburse our departments and their local partners for any damaged equipment.”

 

In addition to securing this critical funding for Pennsylvania fire departments and first responders, Governor Shapiro has led the way to ensure that Pennsylvania residents are receiving reimbursements for losses they incurred as a result of Norfolk Southern’s train derailment. Governor Shapiro is fighting for Pennsylvanians like those he met with in Darlington Township – who just this week received reimbursements for 20 dozen eggs they lost after the derailment. Pennsylvanians who want to apply for reimbursements should visit this link to learn how to apply as the Shapiro Administration continues working to hold Norfolk Southern accountable and secure funding for all damages to our Commonwealth.

 

The Shapiro Administration plans to maintain a long-term presence in Beaver County to continue assisting residents impacted by the Norfolk Southern train derailment. Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) staff are continuing to conduct the Assessment of Chemical Exposure (ACE) survey among residents and first responders living near the derailment. The surveys help residents identify symptoms, experiences, and concerns about the impact of the train derailment on their lives.

 

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has been conducting independent water and soil sampling to closely monitor water contamination risks within a two-mile radius of the East Palestine derailment. Concerned residents who are beyond the two-mile radius may reach out to DEP to request testing by calling 412-442-4000.

 

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture launched a hotline for concerned farmers and producers. Those who have questions or concerns can contact the hotline at 855-777-6735.

 

Visit the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency’s (PEMA) dashboard for more information about resources available to Pennsylvania residents.

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio News Director. Published March 30, 2023 9:54 A.M.

(Beaver Falls, PA) The City of Beaver Falls has announced street sweeping will resume on April 3rd. They say residents should still follow the day listed for their block, although the time has been modified. Street sweeping in the city will now take place from 5am until 1pm. Beaver Falls Mayor Kenya Johns issued a statement on Facebook saying the reason for the extended operation time is due to current staffing issues.  She stated that the daylight operations will be pursued for a trial period before making a final decision. Mayor Johns also said nobody will be ticketed during this transition.

Jacee Serak (Submitted by CCBC)

Monaca, PA – Community College of Beaver County (CCBC) proudly announces Jacee Serak as a 2023 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar. Jacee was one of just 50 students nationally to receive $1,500 as part of her selection as a Gold Scholar, the top tier of the program.
A second-year business administration major and honors student, Jacee serves as vice president of Phi Theta Kappa, president of the Student Government Association, student representative to the Board of Trustees, and is a student intern in the Student Life Department.
“The Coca-Cola scholarship will greatly benefit me in the next chapter of my life,” said Jacee, who is planning to attend Pennsylvania Western University of California (PennWest Cal-U) to pursue a degree in Business Administration. “I am so grateful for the scholarship and proud to represent CCBC, which helped me achieve this honor.”
Through its Coca-Cola Academic Team program, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation recognizes 50 Gold, 50 Silver, and 50 Bronze Scholars with nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually. Each scholar also receives a commemorative medallion. Students are nominated for the academic team by their college
administrators. Selection is based on academic achievement, leadership, and engagement in college and community service.
“We are so pleased that Jacee won this Coca-Cola Scholarship,” said Brittney Golden, CCBC Dean of Students. “Jacee has been an integral part of our campus community these last two years, especially in her role as Student Government President. She’s actively involved with many clubs and organizations on campus and serves as the student liaison each month at our Board of Trustee meetings. Jacee embodies
the spirit of our campus and is a wonderful representation of who our students are: dedicated and hardworking individuals who want to further their education and make a difference in our community!”
“The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges,” said Jane Hale Hopkins, President of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. “We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa to make it possible for deserving students to achieve their educational goals and support tomorrow’s leaders of the global community.”
Coca-Cola Academic Team members will be recognized in both local and statewide ceremonies and will also be recognized internationally during Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention, PTK Catalyst.

(Slippery Rock Township, PA) A Canadian National train derailed in Slippery Rock near Halston Road Wednesday.

Around 15 railcars are said to have derailed. They were all carrying iron ore and not dangerous. No fires or injuries took place. The cause of the derailment is still under investigation.

Pepsi is unveiling a new logo and visual identity system after 14 years that includes a bold typeface, updated color palette and a signature pulse. (PepsiCo)

(PURCHASE, N.Y) Pepsi has announced they will be unveiling a new logo and visual identity system, the first update of the iconic Pepsi globe logo in 14 years. Pepsi will roll out the new look in North America this fall in time for the brand’s 125th anniversary, and globally in 2024. They also say as of 2022, Pepsi has begun to convert all 20oz bottles of Pepsi, including Pepsi Zero Sugar to 100% recycled PET. Pepsi says the new logo and visual identity pays homage to the brand’s rich heritage while taking a big leap toward the future.

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published March 30, 2023 7:43 A.M.

(Hopewell Township, PA) Hopewell Area School District is running on a 2 hour delay today, Thursday, March 30, 2023. Parents have been notified and the information is on the district’s website. Our Lady of Fatima students are also on a 2 hour delay.

Emergency responders and heavy equipment are seen at the site of a deadly explosion at a chocolate factory in West Reading, Pennsylvania, Saturday, March 25. (AP Photo/Michael Rubinkam)

WEST READING, Pa. (AP) — Federal safety investigators are looking at a natural gas pipeline for fractures and other damage as they gather evidence on the cause of a deadly explosion at a Pennsylvania chocolate factory. The National Transportation Safety Board opened a probe into Friday’s blast at R.M. Palmer Co., which killed seven, wounded several others and leveled the building in West Reading. An agency spokesman said Wednesday that safety investigators are gathering evidence about the pipeline. The family that owns the factory says the loss of their employees “will be felt forever.” A coroner is set to release the names of most of the victims later Wednesday.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Amid nationwide shortages in police officers, nurses and teachers, a central plank in Gov. Josh Shapiro’s effort to attract more people into Pennsylvania’s ranks is a financial incentive that many new recruits may not fully receive. That is because the size of the proposed tax credit depends on how much a newly certified officer, nurse or teacher pays in state income tax. Many of them likely would pay well below the $2,500 tax credit maximum in state income tax. A worker would have to make almost $82,000 to get the full $2,500 benefit, and the worker may not even work a full year the first year they are eligible.

Pittsburgh, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) partnered with the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), Ross Township Police Department, Impact Teen Drivers (ITD), and local teen leaders today to address reckless and distracted driving and kick off April’s National Distracted Driving Awareness month.

The partners joined North Hills High School students to demonstrate the very real dangers of distracted driving through a mock trial. Veronica Smith, mother of 16-year-old Mary Smith, was charged with distracted driving after drinking (coffee) while driving. The Honorable Magisterial District Judge Opiela, who serves Ross Township and West View Borough, presided over the mock courtroom.

Cell phone use is not the only distraction while driving. Other common distractions include eating and drinking, reaching for objects inside the vehicle, changing settings in the vehicle, brushing hair or applying makeup, and over-engaging with passengers, to name a few.

“Anything that causes a driver to take their attention away from driving, take their eyes off of the road, or take their hands off of the wheel is a distraction,” said PennDOT District 11 Safety Press Officer Yasmeen Manyisha. “National Distracted Driving Awareness Month is the perfect time for everyone – students, parents, and all motorists – to commit to driving distraction free, this month, and always.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens aged 15-18 in the United States. Modeling good behavior is particularly important when it comes to driving. The trial emphasized the central importance of parents as influencers of teen driving behaviors.

Impact Teen Drivers (ITD) is a nationally recognized nonprofit whose vision is to create a widespread culture shift among teens and their influencers where reckless and distracted driving are recognized as unacceptable behaviors outside social norms. “Most teens are making good decisions behind the wheel, and we leverage this good behavior using positive community norming to make distracted driving as socially unacceptable as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol,” said Dr. Kelly Browning, ITD Executive Director.

Impact Teen Drivers’ evidence-based programming for schools and communities in Pennsylvania is made possible by NJM Insurance Group (NJM), a nationally recognized insurer and teen driver safety advocate. For more information on how to bring our programs to your community, please contact us at (916) 733-7432 or info@ImpactTeenDrivers.org.

For more information on distracted driving, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/safety.

PennDOT’s media center offers social-media-sized graphics highlighting topics such as seat belts, impaired driving, and distracted driving for organizations, community groups, or others who share safety information with their stakeholders.

For regional updates, follow PennDOT on Twitter and join the Greater Pittsburgh Area PennDOT Facebook group.