Latest news with #BeaverCounty
CBS News
15 hours ago
- CBS News
Retired police officer in Beaver County charged with possession of child pornography
A retired police officer in Beaver County has been charged with felony possession of child sexual abuse material, according to the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office. Peter Benedict Jr., a 68-year-old retired police officer, is now facing 11 felony counts of possession of child sexual abuse material and criminal use of a communication facility after a search of his home earlier this week. "This is unacceptable, lewd, criminal behavior for any member of society, let alone someone who took a sworn oath to protect his community as a law enforcement officer," Attorney General Sunday said. "My Child Predator Section is a team of experienced experts who work proactive investigations to find offenders engaged in criminal conduct online." According to the attorney general's office, the conduct did not occur while he was a police officer. Benedict had most recently served as a school resource officer between 2022 and 2023 and retired in 2023. On July 22, agents searched Benedict's Beaver County home and took electronic devices as a result. We will have more on this story on KDKA-TV News at 5:00 and 6:00.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Utah copper mine reopens after laying dormant for years — what could it mean for other struggling rural towns?
A long-dormant copper mine in Beaver County, Utah resumed operations earlier this year under new ownership. Don't miss Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it It was closed in 2019 amid a slump in the price of the metal due to trade war fears. But in 2023, Milford Mining acquired it and began hiring workers, according to a recent Fox 13 report. The company has struck a deal to sell its copper to Rio Tinto Kennecott — operator of the Bingham Canyon mine and the Magna smelter — signalling confidence in the price of the metal staying high. From dormancy to revival Brendan Moseley, the CEO of Milford Mining, told Fox 13 the mine's reserves can support production for eight to nine more years, and the company is planning an expansion to increase capacity. "It's fantastic for rural Utah. We are currently about 105 full-time and direct employees, plus another 35 to 45 contractors. As we progress towards our expansion which we announced in April, we'll continue to hire more construction workers," he said. In May, Deseret News reported that Milford Mining has so far invested $40 million to modernize its mining facilities and plans to invest $200 million for the expansion. "This investment is projected to create more than 1,000 new jobs over the next 10 years in Beaver County, offering vital economic opportunities for rural Utahns," said the report. The project aligns with broader U.S. efforts to secure domestic sources of critical minerals and reduce dependency on imports. The mine's reopening shows how rural communities can benefit from favorable market conditions and trade policies. As the demand for copper rises, similar sites across the country could be reopened. Read more: Americans are 'revenge saving' to survive — but millions only get a measly 1% on their savings. Why demand for copper is surging This month the price of copper reached record highs after President Trump announced a 50% tariff on copper imports beginning August 1. Copper —the 'metal of electrification' – has many industrial and everyday uses. It is also critical for the transition to clean energy. "That's the electrification of the automobile industry. There is a massive need for more electricity in data centers. You hear a lot on the federal level about more manufacturing. Whether it's copper wire, whether it's plumbing, electronics, or electric cars. Copper is critical in everything we touch as humans," said Nate Foster, the managing director for Rio Tinto Kennecott, to Fox 13. According to the International Energy Agency, the demand for copper is set to surge as countries look to expand their electricity networks, and the current copper mine project pipeline points to a 30% supply deficit by 2035. In other words, demand is expected to far outpace supply. A similar report by S&P Global found that achieving the Net-Zero Emissions by 2050 goals will translate into copper demand surging by over 82% from 2021 to 2035. The demand is driven primarily by the transition to cleaner vehicles and the broader electrification of the economy. Electric vehicles alone use up to four times more copper than their internal‑combustion engine vehicles. Similarly, wind turbines, solar farms, and data centers require extensive wiring and cabling. What to read next Robert Kiyosaki warns of 'massive unemployment' in the US due to the 'biggest change' in history — and says this 1 group of 'smart' Americans will get hit extra hard. Are you one of them? How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you'll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CBS News
17-07-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Bruce Mansfield plant in Beaver County to undergo $3.2 billion transformation into natural gas power plant
The old Bruce Mansfield coal-fired power plant in Shippingport, Beaver County, will be transformed into a natural gas power plant that will employ more than 300 people, thanks to a $3.2 billion investment announced at the Inaugural Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit at Carnegie Mellon University. The Mansfield plant, which was the largest coal-fired power plant in Pennsylvania, closed about half a decade ago. "That affected everybody, not only just this little town, but all throughout these little communities," said David Trevino, borough council president in neighboring Midland, which has a population of 2,400. Many jobs were lost when the coal plant shut down, said Shippingport Mayor John Erickson. Both towns took a hit. Shippingport went from a budget of $6 million in 2006 to a budget of around $1 million this year, Erickson said. They've had to cut back on city services like police. It was part of a larger industrial trend. "We took a beating, this town took a beating, every town has the same story," Trevino said. That story, however, could soon be changing. The town has needed good-paying jobs, Trevino said. The new power plant, which is being built by Frontier Group, and what's built around it could offer that. "It will financially help us out, and it will create some jobs down here," Erickson said. The small town of just over 150 people is no stranger to big investments in power generation. The world's first nuclear power plant was built in the town in the 1950s Three hundred jobs would be permanent, and there would be 15,000 construction jobs. The plant would use natural gas instead of coal. It's not as clean as the nuclear power plant down the street, but it would be an improvement over coal, Erickson said, explaining that at one point, a black material from the plant rained down on the town. The plant will power the electric grid along with a new artificial intelligence data center. In total, the redevelopment will create $6 billion in economic activity. Trevino used to work at the Bruce Mansfield plant and said he looks forward to seeing the new one. "I'm going to see this thing reborn, and add an influx of money and opportunities for young people to come, and it's going to do nothing but enhance the whole community," Trevino said. One neighbor who lives near the plant shared the concern that a representative of the power plant's property owner approached him about selling his property to them. He said he felt they were not offering him the amount of money his property is worth.
The Guardian
16-07-2025
- The Guardian
Police officer who killed bystander after Pennsylvania shooting sentenced to probation
An off-duty police officer who killed a bystander by striking him in the chest and knocking him to the ground as the victim tried to give Beaver county, Pennsylvania, investigators information about a shooting has been ordered to serve five years' probation. John J Hawk, 38, received the sentence on Tuesday after pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the November 2022 attack outside a Walmart that led to the death of Kenneth Vinyard, 48. Hawk also pleaded guilty to assault and reckless endangerment. At the sentencing, Vinyard's family described him as the family glue, according to Pennsylvania attorney general, Dave Sunday. 'This sworn officer's actions contributed to the death of a man who was not a threat to anyone at the scene of this shooting,' Sunday said in a statement. Hawk, an officer in Center Township, was in civilian clothing when he confronted Vinyard as the victim spoke to police, Sunday said. Vinyard died upon arrival at a hospital. Hawk apologized to the victim's family at his sentencing. His lawyer, Stephen Colafella, said his client had been 'grappling with' Vinyard's death before deciding to enter a plea. 'I think a lot of people got closure today,' Colafella said on Tuesday evening, noting that Hawk and the victim's fiancee embraced in court. Colafella said Hawk was no longer on the Center Township police force. The Pennsylvania news station WPXI reported that Vinyard's family settled a lawsuit against Center Township and Hawk for nearly $1m. 'I hope that he can move on and have a good life with his family,' Vinyard's fiancee, Marcy Beatty, told WTAE-TV. 'Ours is broken, and it will take a long time for that to heal.' One person suffered a gunshot wound in the 6 November 2022 shooting at Walmart for which Vinyard was trying to provide information to police, authorities said at the time. At the time Vinyard was mortally injured, he had approached an officer about potential evidence. Hawk, who was neither working nor in uniform, pulled Vinyard away from the officer, Sunday's office said. Hawk then struck Vinyard in the chest and performed a leg-sweep maneuver that caused Vinyard to fall and strike his head on the ground. Sign up to Headlines US Get the most important US headlines and highlights emailed direct to you every morning after newsletter promotion Vinyard later died at a local hospital. Authorities said Vinyard's death result from blunt force trauma and stress inflicted on him by Hawk. Hawk's trial in Vinyard's death was supposed to start on Tuesday when he instead pleaded guilty. Sunday's office said the sentence that Hawk received was at the discretion of state judge Richard Mancini, and there was no agreement as to the punishment between prosecutors and the defendant. The Associated Press contributed reporting
The Guardian
16-07-2025
- The Guardian
Police officer who killed bystander after Pennsylvania shooting sentenced to probation
An off-duty police officer who killed a bystander by striking him in the chest and knocking him to the ground as the victim tried to give Beaver county, Pennsylvania, investigators information about a shooting has been ordered to serve five years' probation. John J Hawk, 38, received the sentence on Tuesday after pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the November 2022 attack outside a Walmart that led to the death of Kenneth Vinyard, 48. Hawk also pleaded guilty to assault and reckless endangerment. At the sentencing, Vinyard's family described him as the family glue, according to Pennsylvania attorney general, Dave Sunday. 'This sworn officer's actions contributed to the death of a man who was not a threat to anyone at the scene of this shooting,' Sunday said in a statement. Hawk, an officer in Center Township, was in civilian clothing when he confronted Vinyard as the victim spoke to police, Sunday said. Vinyard died upon arrival at a hospital. Hawk apologized to the victim's family at his sentencing. His lawyer, Stephen Colafella, said his client had been 'grappling with' Vinyard's death before deciding to enter a plea. 'I think a lot of people got closure today,' Colafella said on Tuesday evening, noting that Hawk and the victim's fiancee embraced in court. Colafella said Hawk is no longer on the Center Township police force. The Pennsylvania news station WPXI reported that Vinyard's family settled a lawsuit against Center Township and Hawk for nearly $1m. 'I hope that he can move on and have a good life with his family,' Vinyard's fiancee, Marcy Beatty, told WTAE-TV. 'Ours is broken, and it will take a long time for that to heal.' One person suffered a gunshot wound in the 6 November 2022 shooting at Walmart for which Vinyard was trying to provide information to police, authorities said at the time. At the time Vinyard was mortally injured, he had approached an officer about potential evidence. Hawk, who was neither working nor in uniform, pulled Vinyard away from the officer, Sunday's office said. Hawk then struck Vinyard in the chest and performed a leg-sweep maneuver that caused Vinyard to fall and strike his head on the ground. Sign up to Headlines US Get the most important US headlines and highlights emailed direct to you every morning after newsletter promotion Vinyard later died at a local hospital. Authorities said Vinyard's death result from blunt force trauma and stress inflicted on him by Hawk. Hawk's trial in Vinyard's death was supposed to start on Tuesday when he instead pleaded guilty. Sunday's office said the sentence that Hawk received was at the discretion of state judge Richard Mancini, and there was no agreement as to the punishment between prosecutors and the defendant. The Associated Press contributed reporting
