Pa. State Police Looking for Suspects in New Castle Killing

Lamar Johnson

(New Castle, Pa.) The Pennsylvania State Police -New Castle is investigating a Homicide on Grandview Avenue, Union Township, Lawrence County that occurred on Tuesday February 16, 2021.  When Union Twp. Police arrived on the scene shortly after 5 pm they located 32 year old Lamar Johnson of New Castle outside of the residence suffering from a gunshot wound. Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene.

Khyana Johnson-wanted for question by PSP-New Castle

Union Township Police turned the investigation to the Pa State Police . The results of the  investigation revealed that Johnson was shot and killed by 25 year old  Markeace Devant Perkins of New Castle.  The Lawrence County District Attorney’s Office approved an arrest warrant for Perkins.  Charges filed against Perkins include Criminal Homicide, Persons Not to Possess Using Firearms, and Prohibited Offensive Weapons. Police were able to confirm that Perkins left the scene with Khyana Johnson of New Castle.

 

Pa State Police are currently looking for Perkins and Johnson. No charges have been filed against Johnson at this point but she is wanted for questioning.

Anyone with information  about the whereabouts of Perkins or Johnson is asked to contact the New Castle Station at 724-598-2211.

Pennsylvania’s First Vehicle Auction of 2021 to Feature 270 Vehicles for Public Purchase on February 23

Pennsylvania’s First Vehicle Auction of 2021 to Feature 270 Vehicles for Public Purchase on February 23
COVID-19 auction protocols will be in place, Weather-Related Modified Preview Schedule
Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania’s first auction of 2021 will feature 270 vehicles that will be available for public purchase on Tuesday, February 23 at 10:00 a.m. at Manheim Keystone Pennsylvania, 488 Firehouse Road, Grantville.

Perfect for the winter weather, there will be a selection of four-wheel-drive vehicles in this auction including pick-up trucks, SUVs, utility vehicles and front-wheel-drive sedans from manufactures such Jeep, Chevrolet, Ford, Dodge and GMC.  There’s even an AM General M917 Military Dump Truck up for bid. Vehicles in the auction seized by state law enforcement agencies include: 2013 Honda Accord, 2011 BMW M3, 2010 BMW X5, and 2008 Land Rover LR2.

There will also be a selection of Crown Victoria sedans, Police Interceptors and other vehicles available are no longer used by state agencies.

As part of efforts to ensure a safe auction environment, in-person access on the day of the auction will be limited to registered public buyers and dealers only, with no guests. Masks and social distancing will be required for entry on preview days and the day of the auction. Masks and sanitizing products will be available for those who arrive without them. No food or beverage service will be provided at the auction site.

Due to upcoming predictions for inclement weather, pre-registration and in-person previewing of the vehicles will now take place on Saturday, February 20 and Sunday, February 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day at the Grantville auction site. During that same time frame, individuals interested in personally viewing the vehicles can do so. Pre-registration is mandatory and must be completed on or before Sunday, February 21, at 4:00 p.m. There will be no registration on the day of the auction.

The auction will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 23. Buyers must purchase with certified funds in the form of money order, cashier’s check, certified check or bank check – made payable to “Manheim Keystone PA.” No cash will be accepted.

The February auction is the first of six auctions planned for 2021. More information on this auction, payment conditions and a complete listing of vehicles is available on the DGS Auto Auction Information page.

CHIPPEWA MARIJUANA AND FREE FOOD-IT MUST BE FRIDAY ON TELEFORUM!

Friday’s Teleforum with Eddy Crow will be a discussion about marijuana in Beaver county; specifically, the possible lowering of punishment capabilities in Chippewa township. It’s also a Free Food Friday on Teleforum and that means Rachel from Al’s Corner will visit the station and bring your chance to win Lent goodies from Al’s corner! The Friday munchie fun starts after the 9 o’clock news on Beaver County Radio.

 

PUC Offers Winter Storm Safety Tips

Residents Reminded to Report Outages, Use Caution During Severe Weather, and Give Utility Crews Room to Work

 

HARRISBURG – As another major winter storm system moves across the Commonwealth, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) reminds households of the steps they can take to prepare for, and recover safely from, storm-related power outages.

Additionally, the PUC cautions residents to give utility crews ample room to perform their repair work – for your protection as well as theirs – and to use extra care when traveling, watching for utility crews working along streets and roads and slowing down in work areas.

 “The combination of snow, ice, high winds and falling temperatures has the potential to disrupt utility service,” said PUC Chairman Gladys Brown Dutrieuille. “Time spent on planning and preparing before a storm can go a long way toward keeping yourself and your family safe when severe weather hits.” 

Storm Preparation Tips

 

The PUC encourages residents to consider the following tips before a storm strikes your community:Know Your Utility Hotlines – Write down, print or save toll-free outage hotlines for your electric utility and/or your natural gas utility, which are listed on your monthly bills and posted on the PUC website.

  • Save Utility Website Address – Your utility’s outage reporting system can provide updates on repair and restoration efforts. Bookmark these electric utility outage sites and natural gas company websites.
  • Keep Your Cell Phone Charged – A well-charged phone will keep you in contact with your utility, other emergency services and family members during any power outage.
  • Secure Supplies – Keep necessary food, medicine and other supplies on-hand, including batteries for flashlights.

Power Outage Tips

 

Should you lose power during a storm, keep the following points in mind:

  • Call Your Utility Hotline to Report Outages – Do not assume that the utility already knows about your outage or that others have already called.
  • Keep Clear of Wires – Do NOT touch or approach any fallen lines.
  • Stay Away from Objects or Puddles in contact with downed power lines.
  • Do NOT Try to Remove Trees or Limbs from power lines.
  • Pre-Charge Cellular Phones or keep a portable cell phone charger on hand.  Plan to use a corded phone, cordless phones won’t work without electricity.
  • Do NOT Call 9-1-1 to Report Power Outages – report those to your utility. Calling 9-1-1 to report non-emergency issues like service outages can take resources away from other emergencies. SPECIAL NOTE: If you see a downed power line, immediately call your electric utility and/or 9-1-1.

 

Safety While Waiting for Power to be Restored

 

Households should consider the following tips to help stay safe until power is restored:

  • Use Flashlights or Battery-Operated Lanterns for emergency lighting. Do not use candles or other potential fire hazards.
  • Turn Off Lights and Electrical Appliances except for the refrigerator and freezer. When power comes back on, it may come back with momentary “surges” or “spikes” that can damage equipment.
  • Leave One Light On – After you turn the lights off, turn one lamp on so you will know when power is restored. Wait at least 15 minutes after power is restored before turning on other appliances.
  • Use Generators Safely – If you use a generator, do NOT run it inside a home or garage or anywhere close to a window or vent. Also, connect the equipment you want to operate directly to the outlets on the generator, not your home’s electrical system, which could shock or injure utility crews working on nearby power lines. Additional generator tips are available here.
  • Check on Elderly Neighbors and those with special needs who might need additional assistance.

 

Natural Gas Safety Tips

 

Consumers using natural gas appliances can also be impacted by storms:

  • Check Gas Appliances – Electric power outages can affect home appliances that operate on natural gas. If they do not function properly when power is restored, call a professional for service.
  • Evacuate if You Smell Natural Gas – Get everyone out of the building immediately.
  • Leave the Door Open and Do NOT Use Phones; do NOT switch lights or appliances on or off; and do NOT take any other action while inside the building.
  • Call 9-1-1 from a safe location – After you are safely outside, call 9-1-1 from your cell phone or neighbor’s home.

During storm emergencies, the PUC continuously monitors utility issues and works closely with the Governor’s Office and the other state agencies involved in Pennsylvania’s coordinated storm response. Across the state, there is extensive behind-the-scenes work when storms are forecast, focused on quickly addressing problems and restoring service as rapidly as possible. Utilities are putting their severe weather plans into motion; crews and equipment are being positioned for quick response to outages; and communication with emergency management coordinators is enhanced.

 

The Commission also highlighted a short video highlighting storm outage heating safety tips, available on the PUC YouTube channel.

Driver Injured in Monday Accident on Pa. 488 in Perry Twp.

(Portersville, Pa.) Pennsylvania State Police in New Castle are reporting that a one car accident occurred at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, February 15, 2021, on Pa. Route 488.

State Police reported via press release that after investigation it was determined that a 2016 Mazda cx-5 driven Anthony Blizman of Zelienople was traveling west on Pa. 488 in Perry Twp. near Hickernell Road and while negotiating a right hand curve Blizman continued straight crossing the center line and crossing into the eastbound lane and off the roadway striking a boulder and then a tree.  Blizman was transported to Heritage Valley, Beaver. Troopers did not report the severity of his injuries. They were assisted at the scene by NOGA EMS and Perry Township and Ellwood City Fire Departments.

Speed Limits Restored on Roadways in the Region

Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT has lifted the speed limit restrictions that were in place on several roadways in the region.

Due to the winter storm impacting the region, speed limits were reduced early this morning to 45 mph on all interstates and several other routes in the region. All speeds are restored to their usual posted limits.

PennDOT is continuing to treat roadways in the area and will continue until roads are clear.

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.

For more winter driving tips and information on how PennDOT treats winter storms, visit www.PennDOT.gov.

Follow PennDOT on Twitter at www.twitter.com/511PAPittsburgh

Aliquippa Board Hires New Coaches During Wednesday Meeting

Shania T. Walker, a 2016 graduate as its new softball coach

(Photo Courtesy of Coach Walker)

Story by Beaver county Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Aliquippa, Pa.) Last night Aliquippa School Board  approved the  hybrid model for instructing elementary school students beginning on Monday, March 1, 2021.   The junior/senior high school will begin the hybrid instruction on March 15, 2021. The plan is subject to review and change if needed.

The board hired Shania T. Walker, a 2016 graduate as its new softball coach. Her contract is for 3 years.  beginning February 18, 2021 through February 17, 2024. Her salary for the 2021 season is $3,200.
Junior high school teacher Daniel Sonsini, a 2008 graduate was hired as the new baseball coach. The contract is for 3 years, the same as Ms. Walker’s .  . His salary will be $3,200 for the 2021 season Both coaches salaries  Each season is subject to  is subject to the completion , and further subject  to proration of salary in the event of a shortened season
Sherman McBride  was hired  as head track and field coach for 3 years, also beginning today  through February 17, 2024. His salary for  the 2021 season is $5,900  subject to the season being completed , and further subject to proration in the event of a shortened season.
Karma Jackson was hired as the girls 7th and 8th grade volleyball coach. her salary is $1,300 for the 2021 season . The salary stipulations are the same as those for the softball and baseball coaches.

Center Police Relocate During Building of New Municipal Complex

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Center Twp., Pa.) Center Township Police Department moved to its temporary headquarters at  the fire department’s social hall  located at 3385  Brodhead Road on Tuesday.  A new police  headquarters will be constructed at the Chapel Road site .

Supervisor Chairman Bill DiCioccio, Jr. said the township is to meet with the architect for the project to go over bids and specifications to move forward in constructing the police headquarters,  which includes a new municipal complex at its  current site  at 224 Center Grange Road.

District Attorney David J. Lozier offers advice to citizens regarding scams

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Beaver, Pa.) COVID-19 has  caused severe financial and emotional stress for many citizens, especially older people  who have less in person visits and family support during the  COVID-19 Older residents are increasingly reaching out to strangers for information or help. Isolated seniors  are answering their phones when strangers call. Too many callers are scam artists  that pose as government representatives. They also pose as helpers for respected medical, insurance or financial companies. They want you to  give them  your personal information  such as your full name, date of birth, social security number, Medicare number or account number.

DON’T NEVER GIVE ANY INFORMATION TO SOMEONE CALLS YOU, Mr. Lozier  advises.   If it’s important enough  you can ask the caller to  identify themselves  and their company  and yo give you a phone number for you to call them back. If it sounds suspicious, ask a family member or friend for advice, or have them call and confirm  who you are talking to. Never give credit card info over the phone.
Neer buy a gift card when a caller asks you to pay a fee with one.  This is a guaranteed scam. Mrs. Lozier said, “The old term Stranger Danger covers all phone calls. If you do  give information or are scammed let your family know. You can  report a telephone or computer   scam online to the Federal Trade Commission or call them FTC 1-877-382-4357. No one will be able to refund your money or get your privacy back once you give it away over the phone.
The best advice I can give as District Attorney is this: have a caller ID and an answering machine. never answer the phone if you don’t know who the caller is. Let any unknown call go to voice mail.  If it is important   the caller will leave a message and a call back number. Be safe— screen you calls with voice mail or an answering machine.