Provident Charter School Celebrates Historic Achievement: First Black Belt Recipients

(Pittsburgh, PA) Provident Charter School (PCS) proudly announces a groundbreaking milestone in its innovative approach to education. PCS, a free public charter school designed for children with dyslexia, is thrilled to celebrate the achievement of its first black belt recipients in Tae Kwon Do. This honor marks a significant moment not only for the students but also for the school, as it underscores the effectiveness of its unique curriculum.

Since its inception in 2016, Provident Charter School has distinguished itself by offering a comprehensive educational experience tailored to the needs of students with dyslexia. Central to its approach is the integration of Tae Kwon Do, a martial art renowned for its focus on discipline, perseverance, and self-control. Under the guidance of Grandmaster Zang, students at PCS have embraced this holistic approach to learning, demonstrating remarkable progress and personal growth.

The journey of these exceptional students began humbly as white belts, but through dedication, resilience, and a commitment to excellence, they have risen to the esteemed rank of black belt. By embodying values such as perseverance, compassion, and self-control, these students have not only mastered the physical techniques of Tae Kwon Do but have also cultivated essential life skills that will serve them well beyond the confines of the dojo.

On June 3, 2024, Provident Charter School will proudly bestow black belts upon its inaugural group of recipients. This ceremony represents more than just a symbolic achievement; it is a testament to the transformative power of education when combined with innovative approaches tailored to the individual needs of students.

“We are immensely proud of our students’ accomplishments and the dedication they have shown throughout their journey,” said Maria Paluselli, CEO. “This milestone not only reflects their personal growth but also reaffirms our commitment to providing a holistic and empowering educational experience for children with dyslexia.”

As Provident Charter School continues to pioneer new approaches to education, the achievement of its first black belt recipients serves as a beacon of inspiration for students, educators, and communities alike. Through a steadfast dedication to innovation, inclusion, and excellence, PCS is shaping the future of education one black belt at a time.

Aliquippa man arrested for vehicle violation and drug possession

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published May 6, 2024 12:34 P.M.

(Aliquippa, Pa) PA State Police were on patrol  Saturday night and attempted to stop a vehicle operated by 37 year old Zachary Constantine at Tyler and Division Streets.  The report stated the officer pursued the vehicle for 1 1/2 miles  and Constantine was found to be impaired and in possession of  suspected marijuana and heroin. He was taken into custody and refused to take a blood test at Heritage Valley Hospital. Charges are pending against Constantine and will be filed at the district justice’s office.

Public hearing scheduled on Baden Academy’s status

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published May 6, 2024 12:30 P.M.

(Baden, Pa) Over 500 signatures have been received on a petition to keep Baden Academy open. The Ambridge School Board will hold a special meeting at the high school at 6 pm Wednesday. Baden Academy has classes for grades K-6 and parents want to keep it open. Ambridge School district has been in talks to not renew the school’s charter.

Westbound I-376 Beaver Valley Expressway Lane Restriction This Week in Brighton Township

Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is announcing a single-lane restriction on westbound I-376 (Beaver Valley Expressway) in Brighton Township, Beaver County, will occur Tuesday through Friday, May 7-10 weather permitting.

Inspection activities on the bridge that carries I-376 over Brady’s Run Park between the Chippewa/Route 51 (Exit 31) and Brighton (Exit 36) interchanges will require a single-lane restriction in the westbound direction daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, May 10. Flaggers will assist large vehicles through the work zone as needed.

Please use caution in the area.

Hopewell Area School District weighing options on school consolidation

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published May 6, 2024 12:27 P.M.

(Hopewell Township, Pa) On Tuesday May 14, 2024 at 7 pm, PNC Bank and Dan Engen representing DRAW COLLECTIVE, an architectural firm hired by the district last year, will be on hand to further discuss the district’s options on whether to consolidate the district’s 5 buildings to 2 or 3 due to enrollment trends and budgetary resources. On Saturday, May 18, 2024 beginning at noon, a community meeting will be held. On Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 7 pm, DRAW COLLECTIVE will make its final presentation of durable school options. All meetings will be held in the high school auditorium and a link to view the meetings virtually will be made available prior to each meeting, according to the School Board Secretary Nancy Barber.

Kohone Concept and Adam Valen From Drusky Ent. Joined Scott and Frank on The Beaver Morning Show Friday

(Photos courtesy of Kohone Concept and Drusky Entertainment)

(Brighton Twp., Pa.) During Friday morning’s “The Beaver Morning Show” with Scott Tady and Frank Sparks they were joined by music artist Kohone Concept and Adam Valen from Drusky Entertainment to talk about Kohone Concept’s upcoming show. The guys also talked about Kohone Concept’s new music and upcoming shows. Adam Valen spoke about the music industry and up coming Drusky shows throughout the rest of the year. You can hear the complete interview by clicking the play button below.
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Billy Evanochko from Billy the Kid and the Regulators Joined Scott and Frank on The Beaver Morning Show

(Photos courtesy of  Frank Sparks)

(Brighton Twp., Pa.) Billy Evanochko from “Billy the Kid and the Regulators” joined Scott and Frank on The Beaver Morning Show. Billy talked about the upcoming 2024 Rocking on the River Music Festival in Rochester on June the 15th.
You can listen to Billy’s interview below:
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One lifeflighted after Darlington crash

Beaver County Radio News. Published May 3, 2024 3:47 P.M.

(Darlington Township, Pa) A motor vehicle crash at Route 51 and Cannelton Rd. took place yesterday and had a confirmed patient trapped in the car. A victim was extracted from the vehicle and lifeflighted for treatment. Pennsylvania State police and PennDot shut down 51 in both directions temporarily.

Local School Districts Receive Food Service Equipment Grants, Kail Says

BEAVER, PA—Four local school districts are receiving funding to purchase new food service equipment for cafeterias because of grants awarded by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). Funding for the grants is made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and is awarded to schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program.

 

Beaver County’s Hopewell Area School District and Western Beaver County School District are receiving $33,500 and $24,185, respectively. Washington County’s Fort Cherry School District and McGuffey School District are receiving $6,764 and $21,819, respectively.

 

“As a father, I know that children learn best when they are well-nourished. With these grants, our schools can upgrade their cafeteria equipment, such as refrigerators and stoves, and ensure our students are entering the classroom ready to learn without hunger distracting them,” said Rep. Josh Kail (R-Beaver/Washington), who represents parts of the four school districts.

 

Comcast Awarded More Than $61 Million to Expand Network to Homes and Businesses in Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG (May 2, 2024) – Comcast announced it has been selected by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, as part of the Broadband Infrastructure Program funded by the Capital Projects Fund (CPF), to expand its network across 158municipalities. The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority awarded Comcast more than $61 million to bring gigabit plus speeds to homes and businesses that were previously unserved or underserved with high-speed Internet. As service becomes available, residents and businesses will have access to Comcast’s full suite of services, including Xfinity Internet, Xfinity TV & Streaming, and Xfinity Mobile as well as Comcast Business Internet and mobile. Comcast expects these projects will be complete in late 2026.

“We are thrilled to have been selected by the Commonwealth to reach more Pennsylvanians in unserved areas with our superior network while also enabling them to benefit from the power of the Internet and engage in the digital economy,” said Ricky Frazier Jr., Senior Vice President, Comcast’s Keystone Region which is based in Pennsylvania. “The enthusiasm for our company within these communities has been humbling. There is a strong desire for Xfinity and Comcast Business services and we look forward to meeting that need.”

The award, combined with its capital investment, allows Comcast to bring the nation’s largest and most reliable network to more residents and businesses in the following 13 counties:

  • Adams County
  • Beaver County
  • Berks County
  • Blair County
  • Cambria County
  • Chester County
  • Cumberland County
  • Indiana County
  • Lackawanna County
  • Luzerne County
  • Washington County
  • Wyoming County
  • York County

In addition to the more than $61 million awarded by the state, Washington County, in Western Pennsylvania, committed matching funding to Comcast to extend Internet service for its county residents and businesses.

“We are excited to work together to further Comcast’s presence in Washington County,” said John Timney, Executive Director, Washington County Authority. “Access to high speed Internet will improve quality of living for our residents, increase property values, and Comcast brings the added benefit of offering Internet Essentials and digital literacy resources for our low income households.”

Once construction for the projects is underway, residents and businesses can visit Xfinity.com/MyTown and enter their addresses for additional details on timing and future service availability.

With deep roots in Pennsylvania, including corporate headquarters in Philadelphia, Comcast’s commitment to the Commonwealth is strong. Over the last several years, Comcast has expanded its network to more than 315,000 additional homes and businesses in Pennsylvania, much of this with its private capital, while also investing nearly $2.4 billion in technology and infrastructure across the state, and offering continued value to customers such as recent increased speeds for millions of customers at no additional cost. Additionally, the company offers more than 156,000 Xfinity WiFi hotspots across Pennsylvania making the network accessible to customers outside of their homes.

Comcast is also deeply committed to advancing digital equity. The company’s community partnerships in Pennsylvania have totaled more than $144 million in cash and in-kind contributions to 646 local non-profits over the last three years. This investment also includes 187 Lift Zones that provide free WiFi service to promote digital learning. Lift Zones are part of Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion commitment to advance digital equity through programs and community partnerships that connect people to the Internet, advance economic mobility, and open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers, and creators.

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Comcast’s network and Internet experience are powering homes today and into the future.

  • Ultimate Capacity: Xfinity customers connect more than 1 billion devices across the company’s network annually. With the next-generation Xfinity gateways, we deliver the most advanced WiFi technology carrying three times more bandwidth to power streaming, gaming, videoconferencing, and more, simultaneously.
  • Fastest Internet: More than a third of Xfinity Internet customers subscribe to gigabit speed products. Recently Comcast connected the first customers in the world to a DOCSIS 4.0 connection, delivering symmetrical gig speeds over existing connections in customers’ homes with plans to continue to rollout these speeds across the country over the coming years.
  • Unprecedented Coverage: The latest Xfinity Gateway provides a more reliable connection throughout the home. Customers can get wall-to-wall WiFi coverage with a powerful WiFi Boost Pod that extends coverage to hard-to-reach areas of the home.
  • Most Reliable Connection: Comcast is scaling the nation’s largest and most reliable network that passes 62 million homes and businesses and counting. The company launched Storm-Ready WiFi, a new device that comes powered with cellular and battery backup to help keep customers connected even when the power goes out.
  • Ultra-Low Latency: The Xfinity network and the latest Xfinity Gateway are a powerful combination that deliver ultra-low latency for those moments when response times matter most like video games, a fast-growing category with Xfinity households averaging more than one gaming console per home.