Butler County residents seeking information about changes to the state Medical Assistance health coverage may call the Center for Community Resources at 724-431-3748 or visit the website: healthypa.com.

The pending changes to Medicaid are part of the federal Affordable Care Act, which is meant to reduce the number of uninsured.

Beginning in January, Medicaid will expand. According to the state Department of Public Welfare, people ages 19 through 64 with incomes up to 133 percent of the federal poverty level, or $15,521 annual income for an individual and $26,320 for a family of three, may be newly eligible for coverage.

GROVE CITY — Melanie Turner was honored Wednesday at the Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV board of directors meeting as the 2014 recipient of the Spirit Award.Turner of New Castle has been employed by MIU IV for 14 years as graphics operator in the communications department.The award was created to recognize a support staff individual who exemplifies excellence on the job, caring involvement, and involvement in the community.Turner collaborates with all departments at MIU IV to create marketing materials and publications. This includes graphic design, layout and commercial printing. She assists with management of MIU IV's website and daily departmental operations. She also manages MIU IV's annual “Very Special Art Exhibit.”

PITTSBURGH — A Beaver County man pleaded guilty Wednesday in federal court to two charges of mail fraud.Scott D. Hamilton, 37, of Baden pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge David S. Cercone.In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Hamilton defrauded the CNX Gas Company of more than $440,000 by filing assignments of lease interests that contained forgeries and imaginary persons.The lease interests were filed in Illinois and West Virginia. These interests entitled the owner to royalty payments for oil and gas from the land. Hamilton used a fake company and a post office box, authorities said.Hamilton is scheduled to be sentenced March 25. He could face up to 40 years in prison, a $500,000 fine or both.