(File photo Pa Wine and Spirits store in Chippewa in 2019, taken by Jimi Miller, used with permission)
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — The panel that regulates the sale of alcohol in Pennsylvania has ordered the removal of Russian-made products to show solidarity and support for the people of Ukraine. The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board took the action Sunday in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The board instructed all Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores and licensee service centers to remove Russian-made products. In addition, Russian-made special order products will no longer be available. The order has limited impact. The panel says only two affected products — Russian Standard and Ustianochka 80-proof vodkas — are stocked in Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores. It also says about a half-dozen special order brands come from Russia.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — The panel that regulates the sale of alcohol in Pennsylvania has ordered the removal of Russian-made products to show solidarity and support for the people of Ukraine.
The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board took the action Sunday in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The board’s action comes as some other U.S. states have made similar moves, and bars and liquor stores have pulled Russian vodka off their shelves and promoted Ukrainian brands instead.
“Given the evolving political-economic climate, it’s just the right thing to do,” said chairman Tim Holden in a statement.
Pennsylvania ‘s board instructed all Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores and licensee service centers to remove Russian-made products. In addition, Russian-made special order products will no longer be available.
The order has limited impact because only two affected products — Russian Standard and Ustianochka 80-proof vodkas — are stocked in Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores, the board said. It also said about a half-dozen special order brands come from Russia.
Although some producers give their vodkas Russian-themed names, it will not restrict the sales of Russian-branded products that are not sourced from Russia, the panel said.
While regulating the distribution of alcoholic beverages in Pennsylvania, the board said it operates 600 wine and spirits stores statewide, and licenses 20,000 alcohol producers, retailers and handlers.
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Follow the AP’s coverage of the Ukraine crisis at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

(File Photo of Matize’s Official Photo)

(HARRISBURG, Pa.) A resolution introduced by Reps. Ryan Bizzarro, Rob Matzie and Pam Snyder would make the Keystone State the latest to increase economic costs to Russia, following its unprovoked acts of imperialism against Ukraine.

“Russia’s actions must have consequences,” said Bizzarro, D-Erie. “A lot of legislators are talking about their support for Ukraine, but we must now demonstrate that support by using the leverage we have in Pennsylvania to put whatever pressure we can on Russia.”

The Pennsylvania School Employees Retirement System, State Employees Retirement System and the Pennsylvania Treasury manage millions of taxpayer dollars. This resolution would encourage them to cut ties with any brokerage firms, banks or investment companies and divest from any companies, real estate or other investments backed or owned by Russia or its citizens.

“We are joining national and global efforts to force Russia to cease fire,” said Snyder, D-Greene/Fayette/Washington. “Divesting all Pennsylvania investments from Russian companies and holdings is something we can do to keep the pressure on and send a message from the Keystone State to the Kremlin.”

“Pennsylvania, with one of the largest populations of Americans claiming Ukrainian ancestors, must participate in any and all sanctions. It’s the right thing to do,” said Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny.

If adopted, the resolution encourages every Pennsylvania public entity to stop doing business with Russia and take those monies elsewhere.

To view the co-sponsorship memo, visit Divesting PA from Russian Holdings – PA Co-Sponsorship Memo.

By CLAUDIA LAUER Associated Press
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit accusing Pennsylvania’s judicial system of violating federal law, saying several lower court judges had barred defendants from taking prescribed medication to treat Opioid Use Disorder while in drug treatment courts. The lawsuit filed Thursday comes weeks after attorneys from the Justice department’s Civil Rights Division sent a letter to the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania. It said the system’s policies violate the Americans with Disabilities Act and cited at least three complaints from people forced off legal medications by courts in two Pennsylvania counties.

(File Photo)

(North Beaver Twp., Lawrence County, Pa.) Pa State Police in New Castle are reporting that they were dispatched to the area of Kyle and Reed Road in North Beaver Twp., Lawrence County last Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at 3:10 PM for a patrol check for two suspicious individuals in the same area an ATV was report stolen previously. While searching the area the stolen ATV was located along with two individuals. One the the individuals 44-year-old Richard Lucicosky was found to be in possession of a handgun with the serial number that was obliterated nor did he have a valid concealed carry permit for the weapon. Through investigation it was learned the Lucicosky was previously charged with a felony and was not to be in possession of a firearm.
He was arrested and is currently being lodge in the Lawrence County Jail.

(File Photo)

Story by Sandy Giordano, Beaver County Radio News Correspondnet

(Hopewell Twp., Pa.) Hopewell School District Dr. Robert W. Kartychak announced that a 7-1 vote  to modify the  health and safety plan was adopted  last week.  The part of the plan pertains to the facial coverings for students, staff and visitors, and provides  regardless of vaccination status, facial coverings are strongly  recommended when Beaver County is in the high or substantial  or high rate of transmission. Facial coverings  are not required for students, staff, or visitors effective March 7, 2022.