On the Friday morning edition of A.M. Beaver County, Midland Innovation & Technology Charter School CEO Dr. Chester Thompson will join Matt Drzik to talk about the latest evolution of the new school set to open in the Fall of 2022. The interview will take place following the 8:30 news.

Frank Sparks starts the morning with local news at 6:30 on Beaver County Radio.

(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)

“Our goal is not always to arrest. It’s trying to figure out the best solution to the problem. We’re problem solvers.”

New Sewickley Township patrol officer Samantha Vinson talked about the role that her and other police officers have on an everyday basis in a conversation with Matt Drzik on the July 14 edition of A.M. Beaver County. The NSTPD will be once again celebrating National Night Out on August 2, with festivities taking place at Green Valley Park from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM. The event is dedicated to establish connection between an area’s citizens and its police department.

For officers like Vinson, the image of a police officer is much different than that portrayed in media. “They definitely want to hear the stories especially because of the police TV shows and stuff. They’re seeing us being just nonstop,” she said. “And it’s kind of funny, because the majority of the time officers are just doing paperwork.” But Vinson says that both the variety of roles that she plays–chiefly, as someone who tries to help solve a problem–makes her love her job. “The craziest thing about my job is I just never know what I’m going to walk into, and the aspect of it is ‘every day is a new day’.”

In the case of National Night Out though, the roles for the officers and the plans for the evening are set in place. There will be food trucks, live music, a bounce house, airbrush tattoo artists, the “Drunk Busters” obstacle course to showcase the ills of intoxicated driving, a “smoke trailer” to demonstrate what firefighters deal with, and a helicopter demonstration…just to name a few things. “We’re hoping it’s a good night for everybody,” Vinson stated.

To watch the full interview with Officer Samantha Vinson, click on the Facebook feed below!

(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)

For over two decades, an event has brought cool treats to the hot summer night in order to provide awareness and connection for supporting families in Western Pennsylvania.

Pressley Ridge will once again be hosting its “Ice Cream Fundae” on Sunday, July 17 at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM. Graeter’s Ice Cream will be providing 400 gallons of ice cream for the event, which will also feature live music, face painting, a magic show, and a contest for the attendees to decide their favorite flavor of ice cream. More details and ticket information can be found by going to pressleyridge.org/icecream.

Susanne Cole, the President & CEO of Pressley Ridge, joined Matt Drzik on the July 13 edition of A.M. Beaver County to talk about this year’s “Ice Cream Fundae”. To hear the full preview, click on the player below.

(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)

“I’ve been in local government for twelve or thirteen years, and I have not once heard anyone say what they’re going to do for the kids. What are we going to do for them?”

The pleas coming from Rochester mayor Keith Jackson during his July 13 chat with Matt Drzik on A.M. Beaver County reflect a disconnect between council members and the youth. As the mayor noted, several of those who work for the borough have kids of a young age, but others have kids who are much older and may see the needs of the youth differently.

Jackson also spoke about taking chances on businesses in the borough: “You can’t just pick and choose who you want to come in to start a business…I believe in giving everyone a first chance and second chance, because each and every one of us out here has received not just a first chance, but a second chance and third chance. Let them come in and open up their businesses…if they can’t stay in business, I’m pretty sure they have enough sense where they’re back away from it. But give them an opportunity to make something happen for our town.”

To watch the full interview with Mayor Jackson, click on the Facebook feed below!

At 8:10 on the Wednesday edition of A.M. Beaver County, Rochester mayor Keith Jackson returns to the show to talk with Matt Drzik about summertime in Rochester and what events are coming up.

Then following the 8:35 news, Matt will speak with Susanne Cole, the President & CEO of Pressley Ridge, about their upcoming “Ice Cream Fundae” on Sunday, July 17.

Also, you’ll have another chance for a four-pack of tickets to see the Pirates and the Miami Marlins at PNC Park on July 22…just keep it dialed to Beaver County Radio for the “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” contest trivia question brought to you by Aliquippa Giant Eagle.

Frank Sparks kicks off the morning with the latest local news at 6:30 on Beaver County Radio.

(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)
(Photo Beaver County Radio Files)

“We are making progress, we are working together, we are learning the differences of each other.”

Mayor Kenya Johns of Beaver Falls returned to the Beaver County Radio studios on the July 12 edition of A.M. Beaver County to discuss the recent progresses made in the connection between citizens and leaders within the city. While there isn’t agreement on everything–the parking on 7th Avenue, for example–Johns has noted that the engagement in asking questions and presenting ideas has increased over her first several months in office. “That’s good civic engagement,” she stated. “That’s what a city or government needs; it needs to hear the voices constantly, needs people to be present when they’re making decisions, so we constantly realize that we are public servants, and we are here to serve, and we got to make sure we serve people what’s best for them.”

Mayor Johns also mentioned a couple of upcoming events to be held in the city: a bourbon tasting being hosted by the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce at Jumet Financial as well as Hutch & Home on August 11, followed by a Sidewalk Sale presented by the Beaver Falls Business District Authority on August 20 featuring a hot-rod car cruise along the main drag. The city is also joining Beaver County in celebrating Unity Week this week, which the mayor says reiterates the emphasis on having communities work together to improve livelihood.

To watch the full interview with Beaver Falls mayor Kenya Johns, click on the Facebook feed below!

On the Tuesday edition of A.M. Beaver County, Matt Drzik will sit down with Beaver Falls mayor Kenya Johns at 8:10 to discuss the summer season in Beaver Falls, including upcoming events such as the Bourbon Tasting being held in the city by the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce.

Also, following the 8:30 news, Beaver County Radio sports director Bob Barrickman will join Matt to reflect on the long and storied coaching career of the late Rich Niedbala of Western Beaver High School.

Frank Sparks starts the morning with local news at 6:30 on A.M. Beaver County.

(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)

The melodies through Midland return after a week off as “Midland Music Mondays” will be held at Lincoln Park on Monday night, July 11. The Hopewell Community Big Band will be holding a free concert at 6:30 PM with the food truck provided by Al’s Pizza Truck in Beaver Falls, and a 50/50 to benefit the Midland Fire Department.

Dr. Todd Goodman–who is in the Hopewell Community Big Band–joined Matt Drzik on the July 11 edition of A.M. Beaver County to talk about the show, featuring a range of sounds from the old-school big band style to modern hits like “Hey Jude” and “Sir Duke”. The “Midland Music Mondays” series is presented by Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center and Beaver County Radio.

To listen to the full conversation with Dr. Goodman, click on the player below!

(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)

“They want to do it, but they want to feel more appreciated.”

Many businesses are weighing their options between profit and providing for their employees, and Patriot Home Care is no different. Where they are different, however, is in the offerings and flexibility that employees have–including a sign-on bonus, and maintaining a client-caretaker relationship if they are coming from another home care company.

Kelly Cope from Patriot Home Care joined Matt Drzik on the July 11 edition of A.M. Beaver County to discuss those issues, but also to announce that Patriot Home Care is holding an open house from 9 AM to 5 PM on Wednesday, July 13 at their offices on 7th Avenue in Beaver Falls. Cope says that she, along with her staff, will be there to greet the public and answer any questions that may be asked about home care and assisted independent living. There will be hot dogs, chips, and other refreshments available throughout the day.

To find out more about Patriot Home Care, check out their website, call 724-506-8911 or email Kelly directly at kcope@patriot-hc.com. To watch the full interview with Kelly Cope, click on the Facebook feed below.

On Monday’s edition of A.M. Beaver County, Matt Drzik will talk with Dr. Todd Graham at 8:10 about the upcoming performance of the Hopewell Community Big Band as part of “Midland Music Mondays”.

Then at 8:35, Matt will talk with Kelly Cope of Patriot Home Care in Beaver Falls to talk about the benefits of working for PHC and the benefits of assisted independent living.

Frank Sparks starts your week with local news at 6:30 on Beaver County Radio.