Lawrence County Commissioner Chairman Morgan Boyd has announced his resignation to take a position in the Shapiro administration. According to the New Castle News Boyd’s last day in office will be March 10th. Boyd has accepted a position as special assistant to the secretary of Community and Economic Development for the state. The four common pleas court judges will appoint someone by a majority vote, to fill the rest of Boyd’s term which ends on December 31st of this year.
An Ellwood City man who was arrested by Ellwood City Police earlier this month on child pornography charges, now faces additional charges. 29 year old Shane Clapper has now been charged with rape of a child along with involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child. Clapper also faces 26 charges of soliciting sexual content from a minor and 26 charges for the possession of child porn. Clapper’s bond was set at 300 thousand dollars.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro traveled to Beaver County yesterday to meet with emergency leaders about the recent train derailment near the Pennsylvania-Ohio border. An estimated 50 train cars went off the rails earlier this month in East Palestine Ohio. Some of those car contained hazardous chemicals and the response to the accident led to an evacuation order for residents in the area. People inside the meeting said the group, including the governor, addressed topics such as the clean-up of the derailment and the need to hold Norfolk Southern accountable.
Pennsylvania Nissan drivers will want to take note of a recall announced by the vehicle manufacturer of more than 400-thousand pickups, SUVs and minivans. Nissan says the recall involving select vehicles from model years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 concerns an airbag issue that could lead to injuries. Owners of vehicle included in the recall will be notified by April 10th. More info can be found at www.nhtsa.gov.
The Sewickley Township building that is home to the local library and the recreation center is closed until further notice. Inspectors say the former high school building needs maintenance and repairs before it is safe to continue using. Library Director Mandy Luchs says they are looking into the possibility of creating a pop-up library in another space but don’t currently have any concrete plans. She says members who have items checked out can return them to other libraries in the county or just hold onto them for now.
A Mercer man faces charges following a one vehicle accident last month in Mercer County. According to state police, 42 year old Thomas Filer was westbound on route 208 when he lost control of his vehicle and traveled into a ditch causing the vehicle to roll over and land on its roof. Filer was taken to the Allegheny Health Network in Grove City for treatment. Police charged Filer with driving under the influence and other traffic violations.
A Kansas City Chiefs flag is flying in the office of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. It’s one of a few wagers settled by the Governor following the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs. Shapiro also placed a bet with the Governor of Kansas, Laura Kelly. She’s set to receive some cheesesteaks and Philadelphia soft pretzels soon.
An Aliquippa man was taken to the hospital following a one vehicle accident in Hopewell Township. State Police in Beaver County report 33 year old Deonte Price was westbound on Interstate 376 traveling at a high rate of speed when he lost control of his vehicle and struck a number of guardrails. Price was taken to Heritage Valley Hospital in Beaver for treatment. Police said the investigatioin into the accident is ongoing.