Author: Beaver County Radio

On Teen Driver Safety Week, Shapiro Administration Highlights the Importance of Teen Driver Safety, Launches New Social Media Campaign for Teen Drivers

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Commonwealth Media Services, Caption for Photo: WSSD Communications Director Bradon Long joins PennDOT, PSP, PA Department of Education, and PA Insurance Commission with West Shore School District education representatives address the challenges facing teen drivers, teen driver safety, education and training at Red Land High School during Teen Driver Safety Week.)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) The Pennsylvania Departments of Transportation (PennDOT), Education (PDE), Insurance (PID), and the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) visited Red Land High School in Lewisberry, Pennsylvania today to highlight the importance of teaching teen driver safety and launch a new social media campaign that features tips on vehicle maintenance and safety driving to prepare young drivers as well as all drivers to safely navigate different scenarios that they may face before they leave home and while on the road.   

This campaign will feature informational videos on things like how to change a flat tire, check both vehicle fluids and tire pressure, what to do if you are stopped by law enforcement, as well as Pennsylvania’s distracted driving law called Paul Miller’s law, which bans the use of handheld devices while driving. 

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death that is among teenagers. There were 79,625 crashes involving at least one 16- to 19-year-old driver, resulting in 486 fatalities in the state of Pennsylvania from 2021 to 2025. 62 percent of those crashes involved a teenage driver who was driving too fast for conditions (22,635 crashes), improper or careless turning (14,477), being a distracted driver (10,188), or being an inexperienced driver (7,064). 

PennDOT will release the new social media content each day of Teen Driver Safety Week on its X (click here), Facebook (click here), Instagram (click here), and YouTube (click here) accounts in collaboration with the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP).

Pennsylvania Department of Health Provides Statewide Update on Measles Outbreak as Cases Reach 1,286 in 42 Counties

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Department of Health)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) announced today that 1,286 measles cases have been confirmed across 42 counties in Pennsylvania so far in 2026. The Pennsylvania Department of Health continues to lead the robust response in Pennsylvania to the ongoing outbreak of measles and is making the most up-to-date information on cases, deaths and hospitalizations available on their measles dashboard at pa.gov/measles (click here to learn more.) 

According to a release from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, here are the key updates that they include and more information about measles and how to treat it: 

    • New Positive Cases (since October 16, 2026): 26
    • Total Counties: 42
    • Total Cumulative Cases: 1,286
    • Total Hospitalizations: 247
    • Total Confirmed Measles-Associated Deaths: 5
    • Measles cases among vaccinated individuals: 4 (less than 1% of cases)

Outreach and Response 

  • DOH is proactively working with residents, community organizations, and health care providers to combat the measles outbreak in the Commonwealth through access to fact-based information and access to the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. 
  • State health officials have administered nearly 5,200 MMR vaccinations at 156 pop-up vaccination clinics in the affected communities since the outbreak began in late April. Dozens of additional vaccine clinics are scheduled for the upcoming weeks and months, based on community interest and need. Overall, state health center staff have administered more than 7,700 MMR vaccine doses to residents across the Commonwealth in 2026. 
  • Health care providers have also seen a surge of interest from residents seeking MMR vaccinations. In a typical month, Pennsylvania health care providers administer approximately 25,000 doses of the MMR vaccine. In August 2026, more than 49,000 MMR vaccines were administered across the Commonwealth and over the first three weeks of September 2026, more than 38,000 doses have been administered. 

Getting Vaccinated 

  • The best protection against measles remains getting fully vaccinated. The MMR vaccine, administered over two doses, boosts a person’s immune system and provides 97% lifetime protection. People who have two documented doses of MMR do not need another. Adults who have only one dose, or who cannot find their vaccination records, should talk with a health care provider or pharmacist about getting vaccinated. 
  • Residents interested in getting vaccinated should contact their trusted health care provider. 

Measles Symptoms and Transmission 

  • Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause serious short- and long-term health problems including pneumonia and brain swelling, with nearly 20 percent of people who contract measles being hospitalized. Death from measles, though rare, occurs in one to three patients per 1,000 cases. 
  • Measles spreads when a person who is infected breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus remains infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after the person with the infection leaves the area. 
  • Symptoms begin with fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis), followed by a rash that starts on the head and spreads downward. Without proper protection or supportive care, measles can be deadly. Symptoms can start 7 to 21 days after exposure. 
  • People who believe they were exposed to measles, and are experiencing symptoms, should contact their health care provider or call DOH’s toll-free hotline at 877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258). 

AAA: Gas Prices Climb in Pennsylvania as Crude Oil Rises

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of AAA East Central)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Gas prices are 12 cents higher in Western Pennsylvania this week at about $4.70 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report.

The national average for a gallon of regular gas decreased six cents from last week at $4.29, even though crude oil prices are up to an amount of around $100 per barrel.

The national average for gas has stayed above the amount of $4 per gallon since late July and is presently more than a dollar higher than it was at this time last year.

The fall months typically bring gas prices that are lower, but volatility that is in the oil market has led to seasonal record highs this year. 

The report also states that the average price that you can expect for a gallon of regular unleaded gas in Beaver County is about $4.77.

According to AAA East Central and AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report, here are the average price of unleaded self-serve gasoline this week in various areas:

$4.482      Altoona
$4.765      Beaver
$4.553      Bradford
$4.509      Brookville
$4.753      Butler
$4.729      Clarion
$4.596      DuBois
$4.741      Erie
$4.747      Greensburg
$4.689      Indiana
$4.791      Jeannette
$4.740      Kittanning
$4.796      Latrobe
$4.788      Meadville
$4.767      Mercer
$4.658      New Castle
$4.702      New Kensington
$4.785      Oil City
$4.750      Pittsburgh
$4.524      Sharon
$4.713      Uniontown
$4.766      Warren
$4.721      Washington

Route 65 Bridge over Connoquenessing Creek Replacement Work Extended in Beaver County

(File Photo of a Road Work Ahead Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) PennDOT District 11 announced that the closure of the Route 65 bridge over the Connoquenessing Creek in North Sewickley and Franklin townships has been extended.

A full closure and detour of Route 65 between Country Club Road and Mercer Road (Route 1006) will stay in place around-the-clock through 6 P.M. on Saturday, October 31st. Crews from Swank Construction Company will continue to install a new precast modular concrete structure. All traffic will be detoured, and the detour for this work can be found below, according to a release courtesy of PennDOT District 11:

Posted Detours

Car detour

South of the closure

  • From Route 65 take Chapel Drive
  • Turn left onto Celia Road
  • Turn left onto Shadyrest Road
  • Turn left onto Route 288
  • Continue to intersection with Route 65/River Road
  • End detour

North of the closure

  • Same detour in the opposite direction

Truck detour

Trucks from south of the closure to north of the closure

  • From northbound Route 65, turn left onto Route 588
  • Turn right onto the Eastvale Bridge and cross over the Beaver River
  • Turn right onto north Route 18
  • Turn right onto eastbound Route 351
  • Turn left to continue on eastbound Route 351
  • Turn left onto Fifth Street
  • End detour at intersection with Route 65/Route 288

Truck detour

Trucks from north of the closure to south of the closure

  • From Route 288 continue past southbound Route 65
  • Turn left onto Fountain Avenue
  • Turn left onto Fifth Street
  • Turn right onto Spring Avenue
  • Turn left onto 6th Street
  • Turn right onto Beaver Avenue
  • Turn left onto 8th Street
  • Turn right onto Lawrence Avenue/westbound Route 351
  • Turn right to stay on Route 351/Arthur Street
  • Turn left onto southbound Route 18
  • Turn left onto eastbound Route 588 across the Eastvale Bridge
  • Continue to the intersection with Route 65
  • End detour

Stephen J. Vastano (1964-2026)

Stephen J. Vastano, 62, of Beaver Falls, passed away on October 17th, 2026, at AHN Swickley. He was born in Vineland, New Jersey on March 31st, 1964, a son of the late Francis and Eileen Scarani Vastano. He is survived by his wife, Anna M. Vastano, two children, Taylor M. (Blaine) Krause and Christopher M. Modro, three brothers and one sister-in-law, George Vastano, Paul Vastano and David (Joy) Vastano, one sister and a brother-in-law, Gina (Henery) Zerella, his nieces and nephews: Matthew (Mary Claire), Eric, Pelle, and Karin (Brendan); as well as two brothers and sisters-in-law, Eugene Jr. and Sue Mittica and Doli and Tom Weir, as well as numerous cousins, and a very special, supportive group of friends from Steve’s hometown of Vineland, New Jersey, and his buddy and canine companion, Aurora.

Stephen was a graduate of Vineland High School in Vineland, New Jersey, and Drexel University in Philadelphia where he joined Theta Chi Fraternity. Ultimately, his passion was cooking, specifically in pastries. Therefore, he attended and graduated from the Restaurant School of Philadelphia and became a pastry chef. He also loved to sing, and he sang in numerous choirs throughout his life. He was Catholic by faith. He was also a Eucharistic minister and a member of Knights of Columbus.

Friends will be received on Thursday, October 22nd from 3-7 p.m., at the William Murphy Funeral Home Inc. 349 Adams Street, Rochester, who was in charge of his arrangements. Service details will follow. Interment will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 2152 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls. The family would like to thank the staff at Encompass Health Wexford for their kindness and compassion shown to Stephen.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Stephen, please visit the floral store of the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Joseph Genevie (1941-2026)

Joseph Genevie, 84, of Beaver Falls, passed away on October 14th, 2026. He was born in Rochester on October 30th, 1941, a son of the late Edward Sr. and Esther Genevie. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Darryl Genevie. He is survived by his loving wife, Georgian Genevie, his grandson, Ryan Genevie, his brothers, John, Edward and Benjamin Genevie, his sisters, Margaret Hendryx, Esther Shrum and Wanda Genevie and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Joseph was a laborer by profession and his life was characterized by hard work, a kind heart, and an unwavering devotion to his loved ones. He was a proud veteran of the Vietnam war. He worked at Westinghouse for many years prior to his retirement. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.

In accordance with his wishes, all services were private.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls.

Peoples Gas launches search for new office in Pittsburgh

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of People’s Natural Gas)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Peoples Gas is now considering its options for a new office in the future. 

Peoples Gas changed ownership from when it first set up its regional headquarters at Peoples Center in the North Shore of Pittsburgh in 2016. 

Peoples Gas External Communications Manager Nick Paradise confirmed his company’s decision to scout the office options of the local market in Pittsburgh.

Peoples Gas is the biggest natural gas distribution company in Pennsylvania with about 740,000 customers in an 18-county region located in western Pennsylvania.

Measles cases in the state of Pennsylvania surpass 1,200

(File Photo: Source for Photo: This undated image made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Feb. 4, 2015, shows an electron microscope image of a measles virus particle. (Cynthia Goldsmith/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, via AP, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) The measles cases in the state of Pennsylvania surpassed a total of 1,200 over the weekend.

This comes as the United States is experiencing the worst year for measles since 1991.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health continues to lead the robust response to the ongoing outbreak of measles in the state and is making the most up-to-date information on cases, deaths and hospitalizations available on its measles dashboard (click here).

Getting fully vaccinated for measles is the best protection against it, and if you think you have been exposed to it or are experiencing symptoms of measles, you should either call your health care provider or call 877-724-3258.

Symptoms of measles begin with cough, fever, runny nose, and red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis), and is followed by a rash which starts on the head and spreads downward.

Symptoms can start 7 to 21 days after the exposure and measles can be deadly without the proper protection or supportive care.

Steelers coach Mike McCarthy shrugs off foot injury after halftime tent visit in Steelers’ game against the Buccaneers in Tampa

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy talks on the sidelines during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Tampa, Fla., Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike McCarthy was able to laugh off an injury after spending halftime of Sunday’s win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the medical tent after his foot was stepped on.

The team’s medical staff and the Steelers overcoming a 13-point, second-half deficit to win 26-19 in overtime made him feel a lot better.

McCarthy limped across the field toward the visiting locker room at Raymond James Stadium before turning and walking slowly to the tent behind Pittsburgh’s bench. He returned to the sideline for the second half with the Steelers trailing 13-3.

“I don’t recommend it,” McCarthy said of his time in the injury tent. “It’s really hot in there.”

McCarthy credited the Steelers’ medical staff for making sure he was able to stay on the sideline and said he was able to communicate with the team from the tent while assistant head coach/secondary coach Joe Whitt Jr. handled the duties.

“Joe has head coach responsibilities normally, so they didn’t miss a beat,” McCarthy added.

NFL halftime periods are 13 minutes, which meant that there wasn’t going to be much time for McCarthy to get into the locker room and then get back on the field.

Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said that not much happens at halftime, anyway.

“People don’t realize what happens at halftime, I think,” he said. “There’s like a huddle by the coaches in the back and the players … we’re just BS’ing and talking among ourselves about things that happened. Some sandwiches get eaten and bananas. … There’s not a whole lot of stuff that happens at halftime.”

Rodgers said that he received word that McCarthy was in the tent and was happy the coach was good to go for the second half.

“I’m glad he’s OK,” Rodgers added. “He’s from Pittsburgh. He toughed it out.”

The Steelers rallied with 16 points in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 19 before winning in overtime.

Pittsburgh Felon Charged as Armed Career Criminal for Possession of Firearm

(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today that a resident of Pittsburgh has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating a federal firearms law.

The one-count Indictment named forty-seven-year-old Jason Briggs as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about May 19th, 2026, Briggs possessed a firearm and ammunition after having been previously convicted on state felony drug trafficking charges.

Federal law prohibits the possession of either ammunition or a firearm by a convicted felon.

Briggs could face a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both, provided by the law, under the Armed Career Criminal Act.