Author: Beaver County Radio

Old Economy Park pool liner update from contractor among topics discussed at most recent Commissioners’ work session

(File Photo of the Beaver County Courthouse)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver, PA) Several topics were discussed at this morning’s Beaver County Commissioners’ work session at the County Courthouse. One of them was when Beaver County Recreation and Tourism Director Tony Caltury gave the Commissioners an update on the liner of the pool at Old Economy Park in Baden during the department head report of the session. Caltury met with the contractor yesterday for the project involving the liner and its repairs and a crew leader said that the crew is looking to complete the liner in about six or seven days. Some concrete work was completed and a steel plate was added around the side walls to connect the liner. Caltury called the YMCA this morning and once that process is done, a determination will be made on “whether to fill the pool or what the best options are moving forward.” Beaver County Solicitor Garen Fedeles also addressed the checks that were sent out this week regarding the settlement from the 2023 East Palestine train derailment during the Solicitors’ report. Fedeles noted that “the county has nothing to do with that” and he stated that if you have any questions, you can call the phone number on the back of the check that you receive. Fedeles also mentioned the 457 retirement plan used by some individuals has now been moved to the checking account for Empower. Fedeles also confirmed that the Commissioners have authorized a time capsule to be opened and utilized in the county in 2076, which is the 300th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America and mentioned highlights of the twenty-six resolutions on deck for tomorrow, which includes an amendment for the Old Economy Park pool liner and an agreement to demo eight county homes. County Commisisoner Jack Manning also noted that the Commissioners are holding interviews for the position of jail corrections officers at the County Jail from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 25th. The starting pay is $20 an hour for part-time corrections officers in this position. Caltury also let the audience of the session know that Brush Creek Park will host events of the World Disc Golf Championship both tomorrow and this Friday with 433 people participating in the event.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica The Moving Wall coming to Patterson Township; volunteers needed

(File Photo of an American Flag)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Patterson Township, PA) A traveling tribute to more than 58,000 American military members who gave their lives in service to their country called the Moving Wall during the Vietnam War is coming to Patterson Township from July 16th-July 20th.  

This wall is a half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. which travels around the country each year for people to see it and pay their respects. 

According to Kayla Hall, an administrative assistant for Patterson Township who is involved with the group, a group effort by Patterson Township, Patterson Heights, White Township, Franciscan Manor, the Vietnam Veterans Association and the Beaver County Commissioners has arranged to bring the Moving Wall to the Beaver Falls area for America’s 250th anniversary.

An opening ceremony for The Moving Wall is scheduled for July 16th at 10 a.m. at Franciscan Manor. Hall stated that this opening ceremony will include a wreath laying and the reading of names of the 77 individuals from Beaver County listed on the memorial as killed or missing in action in Vietnam.

This memorial will stay open for 24 hours a day until the closing ceremony takes place at 12 noon on July 20th.

Onsite parking will not be available at Franciscan Manor, but visitors can park at the Patterson Township Fire Department and walk a short distance to the memorial.

Hall also confirmed that those who need handicapped accessible parking should park at the Patterson Primary School and take a shuttle to the memorial.

Volunteers are also needed to help with the event, including site volunteers that can assist during the 24-hour operation of the wall and help visitors that are looking for specific names on that memorial.

You can volunteer by signing up online at the Patterson Township website (click here), call 724-843-8339 or email accounting@pattersontwp.com.

Shapiro Administration Launches Specialized 511PA Website to Help Travelers Navigate I-376 (Parkway East) Closure in Pittsburgh

(File Photo of the PennDOT Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) PennDOT is advising drivers to use the information available at a specialized website, https://www.511pa.com/map/page/CommercialStBridge (click here) so they can plan their trip ahead of the 25-day closure of the Interstate 376 Commercial Street Bridge starting on Friday at 9 p.m.

The page is dedicated to monitoring conditions of traffic on primary travel routes to events and routes around the greater Pittsburgh area.

These enhancements support the commitment of Governor Josh Shapiro to providing accessible, real-time digital services to every Pennsylvanian.

Congressman Chris Deluzio Holds Town Hall with Veterans in Beaver County

(File Photo of Congressman Chris Deluzio)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) held a town hall with veterans in Beaver County last night.

He regularly holds open-question town hall events. Over twenty events were held during the 2025-2026 session of Congress, which is its current session.

The town hall gave Western Pennsylvania veterans the chance to talk directly with Deluzio about issues ranging from the Iran War to funding and staffing levels at local VA hospitals to current legislation that impacts veterans benefits.

Deluzio also shared updates on his work in Washington, which includes fighting back against the proposed benefit cuts for veterans with tinnitus and sleep apnea in the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act.

This prompted House leadership to cancel the vote on the bill for now.

Pittsburgh Music Festival brings all-star lineup to Pittsburgh Brewing this weekend

SCOTT TADY

CREIGHTON — A two-day celebration of local music, community and charity takes place this Saturday and Sunday on the Iron City Stages at Pittsburgh Brewing Co. in Creighton.

The Pittsburgh Music Festival offers many of Western Pennsylvania’s favorite local musical artists — including Norman Nardini, David Granati, Billy Price, Joe Grushecky, the Gathering Field, the Shiners and more.

Co-organizers Ron Esser and John Vento handcrafted an event that will appeal to all sorts of live music lovers.

Esser, owner of Moondog’s blues bar in Blawnox and for eight years a mastermind
behind the Pittsburgh Blues and Roots Festival, appeared Wednesday on the Beaver County Radio Morning Show to discuss this weekend’s concert festival.

Here is that interview, with WBVP-WMBA host Scott Tady:

 

The band lineup:
Saturday, July 11:
● Gathering Field
● Norman Nardini with special guest David Granati
● Sun King Warriors
● Zac Keim Band
● The Shiners
● Band Together Pittsburgh Band
● Bill Toms & Hard Rain

Sunday, July 12:
● Billy Price
● Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers
● Kenny Blake & The New Hip with special guests Megan Paullet & Xavier Allen
● The Nied’s Hotel Band with special guests Jimmy Krenn, Joe Wodarek & Mike
Filosemi
● Guitar Zack
● Leonard T. Zanotti (LTZ) with special guest Nicole Belli

Inside Acoustic Stage
● Devin Russian
● Chet Vincent
● Tim Good

The newly expanded festival will continue its tradition of supporting Band Together
Pittsburgh and Autism Pittsburgh, while introducing a broader lineup of all-local
performers across multiple genres including blues, rock, Americana, country, roots,
jazz and more.

“After 30+ years of blues, we are still connecting with our blues audience but also
providing different types of music to expand our audience,” said Esser,
affectionately known as “Moondog.” “We are excited to broaden our reach for this new
chapter and continue supporting people living on the autism spectrum and their families through the power of music.”

The festival will feature multiple stages, 12 bands, acoustic performers,
and a full celebration of Pittsburgh’s music community at the home of Pittsburgh
Brewing Company.

“We can’t wait to collaborate with Ron Esser and John Vento (Band Together Pittsburgh
Co-Founders) for this new festival,” said Rebecca McCormick, director of events and
tours at Pittsburgh Brewing. “It’s an exciting opportunity to bring together the
community for a great cause. Pittsburgh Brewing Company is looking forward to
creating a new tradition in Pittsburgh.”

The Pittsburgh Music Festival will feature a diverse lineup of regional talent, local food
and beverages, and a vibrant atmosphere celebrating the city’s creative spirit while
raising funds and awareness for two important community organizations.

Co-organizer John Vento says, “As with the former Pittsburgh Blues & Roots Festival, the highlight for many of us is having great performers and production crew members who live on the autism spectrum present their talents.”

Tickets are now on sale through pghmusicfestival.com 

About Pittsburgh Brewing Company
Founded in 1861, Pittsburgh Brewing Co. is a cornerstone of Pennsylvania’s brewing heritage.
Renowned for its iconic brands such as Iron City Beer and I.C. Light, the company blends time-honored brewing traditions with innovative techniques to craft beverages. The brewery is committed to celebrating the city’s hardworking spirit and vibrant culture.

About Band Together Pittsburgh
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Band Together Pittsburgh uses music as an instrument for change, providing innovative programming, experiences and vocational opportunities to enhance the lives of
those on the autism spectrum.

Learn more at bandtogetherpgh.org

About Autism Pittsburgh
Since 1967, Autism-Pittsburgh has been the foremost voice and resource of the local autism community. They are comprised of volunteers, parents and professionals, working on behalf of all children and those of adult age on the autism spectrum. Learn more at autismpittsburgh.org

New scam in Beaver County involving scam callers posing as county deputy sheriffs

(File Photo of a Scam Alert Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) A new scam is going around in Beaver County, as the Beaver County Sheriff’s Office received numerous calls regarding this scam that is being
perpetrated by individuals who is claiming to be County Deputy Sheriff’s.

The scam caller advises the victims that there is a warrant out for them for failing to appear for federal jury duty and a that the warrant can be resolved by making an immediate payment, via western union, to account numbers they provide.

The caller identification has been “spoofed” to indicate that it is the County Sheriff’s Office.

Don not give any personal information away to the scammers and if the caller claims that the County SHeriff’s Office has a warrant for you, please call either 724-770-4602 or Beaver County Emergency Services at 724-775-0880.

According to a release courtesy of the Beaver County Sheriff’s Office, here is a summary of how to safeguard you from becoming the victim of any scam:

1. Under no circumstances should a resident ever provide any personal information over the phone when receiving calls. If you have any question as to the legitimacy of the call, get the individuals name and position, hang up and then obtain legitimate contact information for the company/agency, through independent means, and re-contact them. As in this case, if they say there is a warrant for your arrest in Beaver County, contact the Beaver County Sheriff’s Office.
2. NEVER provide credit card information, social security numbers, your date of birth, bank information, gift card numbers, etc. to anyone with whom you have not initiated the call.
3. Note any telephone number of the caller displayed on your caller ID. Beware, however, that many scammers “spoof” the numbers of a legitimate entity to make you think the call is from who they claim to be.
4. Document the conversation with the suspect.
5. Disconnect without providing any financial and/or personal information.
6. Criminals are able to access much of our personal information simply with the use of personal
computers and Web sites.

James “Jim” Augustus Guzzo (1943-2026)

James “Jim” Augustus Guzzo, 83, formerly of Moon Township, passed away on June 25th, 2026.

He was born in Pittsburgh on June 14th, 1943, a cherished son of the late Joseph W. and Ida Guzzo.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Roberta S Guzzo of Sewickley, three sons: James T. (Melanie) Guzzo of Pittsburgh, Joseph W. (Hailey) Guzzo of San Diego, California and John A. (Lisa) Guzzo of St. John, Indiana, six grandchildren: James C., Grant J. (Sophie), Joselyn A., Jackson A., Jensen A., and Julianna A. Guzzo; as well as his four siblings: Joseph (Lois) Guzzo, Susan Guzzo, John R. Guzzo, and Janet Wescott.

James valued education deeply, graduating from Penn State University before going on to earn two master’s degrees from both the University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne University. He dedicated his professional life to a distinguished career at Westinghouse, where he retired as a business analyst in the Productivity and Quality Center.  He was never one to slow down, because he then founded his own consulting business, which he successfully ran before retiring to devote his time to one of his greatest passions: investing.

He was remembered as a brilliant mind and a deeply dedicated family man who brought wisdom, analytical skill, and a quiet strength to everything he did. His love for his family was the ultimate cornerstone of his life, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, learning, and devotion that will inspire his loved ones for generations to come.

A funeral mass in his honor will be held on Saturday, September 5th at 10 A.M. at St Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 1304 4th Avenue, Coraopolis.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in James’ name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Richard A. Childs, Jr. (1957-2026)

Richard A. Childs, Jr., 68, passed away peacefully at his residence on June 25th, 2026, with his loving wife by his side, after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born on August 11th, 1957, and is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Wendy Childs, his father, Richard Childs, Sr., two sisters, Barb Fetch and Chris Kephart, two stepsisters, Margie Ware and Emma Jean, a stepbrother, Joe (Bobbie) Fleet, three brothers in law, Micheal (Lynn) Moore, Edward (Deb) Moore, and John (June) Moore, twenty-one nieces and nephews, twenty-four great nieces and nephews and one great-great nephew.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Eleanor Fleet.

He worked at J & L Steel through the years and he also worked at Hospital Baby Services, installing equipment and maintaining the cameras. He also ran his own construction company, and for the last several years, he and his wife ran a small childcare center. He had 37 wonderful years with his loving and devoted wife. They had the opportunity to travel to several states and enjoy the sites that each state offered.

A Celebration of Life for Richard will occur on Saturday, August 8th at 1 P.M., in the Centerpoint Community Fellowship Hall, 118 Community College Drive, Monaca.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge.

Carole Elaine (Schwartz) Dietrich (1938-2026)

Carole Elaine (Schwartz) Dietrich, 88, of Beaver Falls, passed away on June 21st, 2026, at Providence Health and Rehabilitation Center in Beaver Falls.

She was born in Beaver Falls on February 14th, 1938, the daughter of the late Fred and Edythe Schwartz. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Dietrich, her son, John William Dietrich, a brother and sister-in-law, Alfred and Leahjoy Eisenbraun and her nephew, Richard Eisenbraun. She is survived by her son, Ronald Fredric Dietrich, her daughter-in-law, Roxane Dietrich, two grandchildren, Mark Allen Dietrich and Megan Wotton, one great grandson, Jayce Dietrich, two great granddaughters, Lillie Madison Dietrich and Camden Wotton, one niece, Linda (Jeff) Howell and a number of cousins.

Carole was a 1956 graduate of Beaver Falls High School. She attended Christian Assembly Church in Beaver Falls. She had also been a member of First Assembly of God Church in Patterson Township, where she was on the Hospitality Committee and helped plan many dinners in the church for over 15 years with two good friends, Edie Boxen and Ruth Ann Beckman. She was involved in many different things during her life. She was most of all a devoted wife and mother. She worked at Betty Gay dress shop in Beaver Falls. She also worked as an assistant for Thrift Loan Consumer Discount Company for 15 years and retired from First National Bank, formerly Reeves Bank. After retirement, she was a caregiver for approximately 10 senior citizens where this profession came naturally for her, as she genuinely enjoyed nurturing people and helped many Beaver County families take care of their loved ones. Each of them having left a special place in her heart. She also was an excellent caregiver to her husband, Bill, for many years. She enjoyed many years in the Beaver Falls Plaza being an officer and planned many events with the Beaver Falls Plaza Organization. She and her husband Bill also started a Gospel Music Hour in 2001 at the Plaza with many singers and musicians that faithfully came every month. It also had been directed by a special friend, Dottie Jopchak, for a number of years when her husband Bill could no longer direct. She also worked for the Elections in the First Ward of Beaver Falls and also held the position of Judge of Elections for many years.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 23rd, from 2-6 p.m. at Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements. A service will be held on Friday, July 24th, at 11 a.m. at Christian Assembly Church, 814 Lincoln Place, Beaver Falls, with Pastor Dale Russo officiating. A private burial will take place at Grandview Cemetery, 139 Norwood Drive, Beaver Falls. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Providence Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Pirates sign outfielder and former player Joshua Palacios to a minor-league contract

(Credit for Photo: Pittsburgh Pirates’ Josh Palacios celebrates as he crosses home plate on a solo home run off Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Yonny Chirinos during the fifth inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The Pittsburgh Pirates signed outfielder Joshua Palacios to a minor-league contract and optioned him to Triple-A Indianapolis yesterday, according to the MLB transactions log.  

Palacios is closer to returning to the Pirates after he played for them in 2023 and 2024.  

He slashed .236/.291/.398 for an OPS of .689, along with earning 74 hits, 11 doubles, 2 triples, twelve home runs and 49 RBIs in 114 games with the Pirates.