(Photo courtesy of Pa Media Services)

Gibsonia, PA – Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding joined the PA Vegetable Growers
Association today at Harvest Valley Farms, a fourth-generation vegetable farm and PA
Preferred® on-farm market, to highlight investments strengthening fruit and vegetable production and to encourage Pennsylvanians to shop locally this harvest season.
“As we celebrate Pennsylvania Produce Month this August, we are reminded of fruit and vegetable growers – like Harvest Valley Farms – who go the extra mile for the communities they serve,” said Redding. “It is demonstrated through charitable food donation, conservation work, and the connections made by bringing food from field to table. This harvest season, join me in supporting Pennsylvania farmers by shopping locally and buying PA Preferred®. It is a great way to say, ‘thank you’ to all those who help bring food to our tables.”
According to the 2021 Pennsylvania agriculture economic impact update, Pennsylvania fruit and vegetable production supports more than 7,200 family farms, 31,000 jobs, and contributes more than $6.1 billion to the state economy annually.
To grow on-farm opportunities and ensure fresh foods remain available, accessible, and affordable, Governor Wolf developed the Pennsylvania Farm Bill. Since 2019, this historic package of legislation has invested more than $76 million in Pennsylvania agriculture, including dollars to support PA Preferred and grow the commonwealth’s specialty crop industry.
Many on-farm markets like Harvest Valley Farms and farmers market vendors are members of the PA Preferred program or carry PA Preferred products. PA Preferred is the statewide branding program for agricultural products grown, produced, and processed in Pennsylvania.
When purchasing items with the PA Preferred checkmark, consumers are supporting locally grown and processed Pennsylvania agricultural products and directly supporting Pennsylvania farmers.
For more information about PA Preferred, including where to find in-season produce,
visit agriculture.pa.gov.

Pastor Dave Grove talks about the one and only source of truth through scripture and prayer on this week’s edition of “Wake Up Beaver Valley”.

“Wake Up Beaver Valley” airs every Saturday morning from 9 AM to 10 AM on Beaver County Radio and is presented by the Church of The Redeemed of Beaver Valley. Archived editions of “Wake Up Beaver Valley” can be heard at the Beaver County Radio Podcast Library.

(File Photo)

(Pittsburgh, Pa.) The University of Pittsburgh will distribute $7.5 million to more than 20,000 in-state students on all five campuses, the University announced today. These funds represent 100% of Pitt’s one-time state allocation of COVID-19 relief money that was recently granted by Governor Tom Wolf’s office.

Pitt estimates in-state undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled at least half-time will receive grants of approximately $350. The final dollar amount will be determined based on in-state student enrollment numbers following the end of the drop/add period for the fall term, which concludes on Sept. 9.

“We remain grateful for the support of the legislature and Governor Wolf for preserving both the University’s longstanding partnership with the commonwealth and the in-state tuition rate that our partnership supports. This is a powerful benefit—and a lifechanging one—for Pitt students and families throughout Pennsylvania,” said David Brown, Vice Chancellor of Government Relations and Advocacy.

In late September, eligible in-state students will receive an email informing them when the grant amount has posted to their account in PittPAY, the University’s online student billing and payment system. The money will be refunded directly to the bank account students have designated on the eRefunds tab. Students are reminded to confirm they have designated an active and valid bank account.

Additional state funding will support rural education

Pitt also received $167,000 in state funding to support rural education outreach. This funding will be distributed to the University of Pittsburgh-Bradford to deliver educational services to the most rural populations in Pennsylvania. Through this program Pitt-Bradford will support the region’s special post-secondary training and business needs.

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Story by Sandy Giordano, Beaver County Radio News
(Center Twp., Beaver County, Pa.) Beaver County District Attorney David J. Lozier issued a press release Wednesday night with the details on the shooting that took place at approximately 10 a.m. last  Saturday morning on Cedar Ridge Drive in Center Township, Beaver County.

Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is announcing inspection activities on the ramp from the Rochester-Beaver Bridge (Route 51) to Route 65 in Rochester Borough, Beaver County, will occur Thursday, August 25 weather permitting.

(File Photo of Pa State Rep. Josh Kail during an appearance at Beaver County Radio)
(Harrisburg, Pa.)  Reps. Josh Kail (R-Beaver/Washington), Tim O’Neal (R-Washington), and Martina White (R-Philadelphia) issued the following joint statement Wednesday on the recent news that Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner is openly refusing to comply with a lawful subpoena issued by the House Select Committee on Restoring Law and Order:
“Nobody is above the law, and that is especially true for the district attorney in the biggest city in Pennsylvania. By refusing to comply with a lawful subpoena issued by an investigative committee formed by a bipartisan vote of the full Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Larry Krasner is permitting the same lawless behavior he allows on the streets of Philadelphia to reach  the highest levels of the Office of District Attorney.
“District Attorney Krasner could have set the record straight, provided real input into the work of the General Assembly in helping make Philadelphia safer, and show his commitment to the well-being of Pennsylvanians merely by complying with the Select Committee’s subpoena. Instead, he chose the path of most resistance by turning his back on the bipartisan majority of the people’s representatives in the Pennsylvania House that authorized Select Committee to issue subpoenas and has broken his commitment to transparency and further veiled his office in secrecy. It begs the question, what is the district attorney’s office hiding?
“Refusing to comply with lawful subpoenas is a gross dismissal of the law by an official sworn to uphold and enforce it. The General Assembly has options to remedy Krasner’s refusal to comply. The District Attorney, the people of Philadelphia and all the people of Pennsylvania would be better served if he would fully cooperate with the Select Committee.”
Background: Rep. Kail was the sponsor of House Resolution 216, which formed the House Select Committee on Restoring Law and Order, and gave it subpoena power after it was approved by a 114-86 vote on June 29, 2022.

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Story by Sandy Giordano, Beaver County Radio News
(Monaca, Pa.) The Monaca Borough Council met Tuesday night and approved Kukurin Construction, who was the lowest responsible bidder, for the   Water Disinfection Replacement Project at the  pump house. The bid was for $394,000.

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Story by Sandy Giordano, Beaver County Radio News
(Hopewell Twp., Beaver County, Pa.) School starts on Wednesday in the Hopewell School district and four new teachers were hired at Monday night’s  school board meeting. Dana Maurer will teach math at the high school, Alison Colangelo will teach special education at Hopewell Elementary, Brenna Wandel will teach English at the junior high school, and Carly Belich  will teach 5th grade at the junior high school. Alyssa Myers was hired as  a part time elementary library aide, Pamela Loaskie was hired  as a substitute secretary.

(Pittsburgh, Pa.) Labor Day typically marks the end of summer road trips and vacations. However, many people will continue to travel during the fall months according to new research from AAA.

An online survey conducted across the United States in early August found that about 32% of Americans will travel for Labor Day weekend. Of those who plan to travel, the vast majority (82%) will go by automobile. The top destinations for hotel, cruise and tour bookings are:

1. Las Vegas
2. San Diego
3. Orlando
4. Alaska
5. Fort Lauderdale
6. Nashville
7. Hawaii
8. Europe

The late summer survey also found that most respondents are planning trips this fall. According to those polled:

• 73% plan to take a leisure trip after Labor Day
• ​​​​​​​52% will take a road trip
• 30% will fly somewhere
• 7% will take a cruise

According to the survey, the most popular international cruises this fall will be voyages to destinations in the Caribbean, Canada, Europe, and Mexico.

“Travelers can take advantage of some great savings right now, whether it be a trip to see fall colors or a cruise to warmer destinations,” said Bevi Powell, senior vice president, AAA East Central. “There is a lot of pent-up demand for travel, so the best advice is to work with a trusted travel advisor and get those plans for future adventures in place as soon as possible.”

Gasoline and Consumer Behaviors

Gas prices and inflation had an impact on some travelers’ behaviors this summer. According to the survey, 80% said they made cutbacks to save money, with those between the ages of 18 to 34-years-old cutting back the most. The top areas where consumers saved included:

• Non-grocery shopping (clothing, electronics, etc.) – 49%
• Driving – 44%
• Going to movies – 36%
• Flying – 29%
• Other recreational activities (sporting events, concerts, theater, etc.) – 29%

More than 16,000 Drivers Will be Rescued this Labor Day

AAA East Central anticipates coming to the roadside rescue of 16,724 stranded motorists from Thursday, September 1 through Monday, September 5.

To avoid a breakdown on a road trip, AAA recommends drivers inspect tires, batteries, belts, hoses, and fluid levels, or have vehicles inspected by a trusted mechanic at a AAA-Approved Auto Repair facility. For those planning road trips, AAA reminds motorists to make traffic safety a priority. Motorists are urged to get at least 7 hours of sleep before a long journey, make sure everyone is buckled up, obey speed limits, and “Don’t Drive Intoxicated. Don’t Drive Intexticated.”

AAA Offers Tips to Keep the Friendly Skies Friendly

For those who are flying over the long Labor Day weekend or this fall, AAA recommends travelers:

• Work with a reputable travel advisor who can be an advocate.
• Download and use airline apps to get boarding passes, track bags and receive flight updates.
• Travel at least a day before important events, such as weddings, funerals, cruises, or international connections.
• Book early morning flights because they are less prone to delays and cancellations.
• Get to the airport extra early and schedule longer layovers – a one hour layover may not be enough time to make a connection these days.
• If sitting with friends or family members, consider fares that allow you to choose seats.
• Consider purchasing travel insurance.
• Pack smart so the boarding process goes smoothly as passengers try to fit carry-ons into overhead luggage bins.
• Remain kind, patient and courteous with airline and airport staff as well as with other passengers.

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AAA East Central is a not-for-profit association with 71 local offices in Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia serving 2.7 million members.  Past news releases are available at news.eastcentral.aaa.com.  Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

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Story by Beaver County Radio Staff
(Washington D.C.) A Glenshaw man is on of three men who were found guilty in Federal court yesterday of assaulting law enforcement officers and other charges for their actions on Jan. 6, 2021, 29-year-old Robert Morss of Glenshaw, 31-year-old Geoffrey William Sills, of Mechanicsville, Virginia, and 36-year-old David Lee Judd, of Carrollton, Texas – were found guilty of obstruction of an official proceeding. Morss and Sills also were found guilty of assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers with a dangerous weapon and robbery. Judd also was found guilty of assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers. All of the charges are felonies.
Judge Trevor N. McFadden returned the verdicts after a trial in which all three defendants stipulated to a set of facts agreed upon by the government and the defendants.
Morss was arrested on June 11, 2021 and is to be sentenced on Jan. 6, 2023. He faces a possible jail term of up to 20-years for each offense along with potential financial penalties.