Author: Beaver County Radio

Achortown Road closure update discussed at Commissioners’ work session

(File Photo of the Beaver County Courthouse)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver, PA) Several topics were discussed at today’s Beaver County Commissioners’ work session at the County Courthouse.

One of them was an update on the possible reopening of Achortown Road in Beaver Falls, which has been closed in Beaver Falls since 2018.

Commissioner Chairman Dan Camp informed the audience of a program at the Commissioenrs’ work session on August 5th that is called “The Takeback Program.”

The state of Pennsylvania has money to fix Achortown Road, but if the Commissioners apply for “The Takeback Program,” the state can fix it and then turn it back to the county.

However, the Commissioners will be working with Representative Kail in terms of Achortown Road as well.

Commissioner Jack Manning also praised the fact that Wildwood Road, which was previously closed since April 5th, 2025, has reopened.

County Solicitor Garen Fedeles mentioned that the mail-in ballots for the upcoming November 3rd general election should be mailed out next week.

Fedeles also went over some highlights of local resolutions for tomorrow, and these included most of them for Beaver County Behavioral Health, medical assistant transportation program for the Beaver County Transit Authority, and an LSA grant for the Neighborhood North Museum of Play.

The final resolution had to deal with St. Cecilia Church in Rochester and the possible transformation to senior care apartments, which are living facilities that is low-income.

Commissioner Chairman Dan Camp stated that this project in Rochester has been in the process for “five years or so.”

Fedeles also let the audience know that the Commissioners were presented with a propsed ordinace last week that regarded non-disclosure agreements.

According to Fedeles, “The request essentially was for the county to pass an ordinance that would require both elected officials and employees to not sign any type of non-disclosure agreement.”

Fedeles does not believe that the County Board of Commissioners can sign an ordinance that otherwise would prohibit what elected officials choose and choose not to say or do in their office or role.

This specifically dealt with data centers for its purpose, and Fedeles noted that the Board of Commissioners have stated “numerous” times, data centers do not have any oversight by Beaver County itself.

For example, Fedeles confirmed that water would be handled through the authority that is local and the use of land would be handled through the municipality that is local, and even the type regulations for electricity/power use would not be handled at the county level.

Therefore, Fedeles affirmed that the county itself is not on the front lines of being involved with or approving the recruitment of data centers.

Beaver Falls woman charged after two-vehicle crash in Shippingport Borough

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Shippingport Borough, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Beaver reported today that sixty-five-year-old Patricia Amati-Scavo of Beaver Falls was charged after a two-vehicle crash occurred in Shippingport Borough on September 9th.

Amati-Scavo and thirty-seven-year-old Farran McBride of Hookstown were driving in opposite directions on State Route 168 at 5:07 p.m.

Amati-Scavo made a turn that was unsafe onto the Shippingport Bridge and crossed in front of McBride’s vehicle, which caused McBride to hit Amati-Scavo’s vehicle with her vehicle.

Both drivers were transported for evaluation of their injuries that they suffered during the crash.

Crescent man charged after two-vehicle crash in Independence Township

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Independence Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Beaver reported today that twenty-two-year-old Daniel Fowkes of Crescent was charged after a two-vehicle crash occurred in Independence Township on September 18th.

According to police, the crash occurred in the area of 288 Longs Run Road at 3:32 p.m.

Fowkes was driving east on Longs Run Road, and he looked down at the gas pedal when he was driving.

Fowkes veered into the oncoming traffic lane and hit the vehicle that was driven by seventy-four-year-old Samuel Cercone of Aliquippa.

There were no reported injuries.

State Police remind Beaver County residents of upcoming decision deadline for skill games

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Sean Simmers, Caption for Photo: Skill games at SkillGame Kingdom June 10, 2025. Sean Simmers of PennLive Patriot News)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) Pennsylvania State Police, Troop D, is reminding Beaver County residents that the deadline for Skill Game Machines and their removals is October 13th, 2026, which is less than a month away.

The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania made a ruling on June 15th, 2026 that skill games, often found in restaurants and other businesses, are “slot machines” as defined in the Gaming Act.

However, a person commits a criminal offense by maintaining, owning or operating slot machines without a license that is issued by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB).

The state police strongly recommends that businesses that are currently hosting such machines discuss their removal with any distributors or vendors that may own the machines and associated equipment, which includes ticket redemption terminals.

AHN Names Surgical Oncologist Dr. Matthew Holtzman as Chief Surgical Officer for its Western Region

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of Allegheny Health Network)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Allegheny Health Network (AHN) announced today that Matthew P. Holtzman, MD, FACS, who is an accomplished surgical oncologist and physician leader, will join the organization as Chief Surgical Officer for its western region.

That region includes AHN Beaver Hospital and AHN Sewickley Hospital, which both joined AHN this summer as part of the AHN’s affiliation with Heritage Valley Health System.

Dr. Holtzman comes to AHN after a distinguished career at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC, which was where he served in numerous leadership positions, and these included president of the UPMC Shadyside medical staff, vice chair of the Department of Surgery at Shadyside, and chief of general surgery at Shadyside, among other roles.

Dr. Holtzman will help advance the strategic vision of AHN and business development for surgical services and surgical oncology, which supports growth, integration, quality and physician alignment initiatives within the Heritage Valley footprint in his new role.

Dr. Holtzman will also serve as Surgical Oncology Business Development & Community Relations Leader for the region to further establish the network as a destination for advanced surgical oncology services in addition to his role as Chief Surgical Officer.

This appointment takes effect in March of 2027.

Steelers Hall of Honor Museum Hosts International Group Focused on Sports Heritage

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Pittsburgh Steelers)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The Pittsburgh Steelers will welcome sports museum, hall of fame and heritage professionals that are from across the United States, Canada and beyond as the Steelers Hall of Honor Museum hosts the 2026 International Sports Heritage Association (ISHA) Annual Conference, which is from September 22nd-24th. 

ISHA was established in 1971 and it brings together organizations and individuals that are dedicated to educating the public about the legacy that sports has, promoting the heritage of sports worldwide and supporting those who preserve the history of sports.

Much of that conference this year will take place at Acrisure Stadium and it will feature educational sessions, networking events, behind-the-scenes tours and speakers,  that showcase the rich sports heritage of western Pennsylvania.

Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Famer Mel Blount will participate in a fireside chat with broadcaster Andrew Stockey. 

Conference attendees will also experience several of the signature sports and cultural destinations in Pittsburgh, which includes tours of Acrisure Stadium, the Heinz History Center, Kamin Science Center, PPG Paints Arena and the Steelers Hall of Honor Museum. 

ISHA will honor the Steelers Hall of Honor Museum and the Rooney family with its Legacy Award as part of the conference.

This award recognizes their contributions to preserving and celebrating the sports heritage of Pittsburgh.

The Legacy Award was established in 2018 to recognize an individual or organization in the host community of the conference that has made a contribution that is significant to sports heritage. 

Braden Joseph Pontoli (1990-2026)

Braden Joseph Pontoli, 36, passed away in Malibu, California on September 9th, 2026.

He was the beloved son of Joseph and Heather Pontoli. He was born on June 28th, 1990 in Beaver, which was where he grew up and attended Beaver Area High School, class of 2009. There you could find him leading the band as drum major, singing in choir, performing in musicals, and playing on the worship team at his church. He was proud to have won 2 Mancini awards for his roles in musicals and also to be chosen for All State Choirs. His music teachers all had an impact on him to pursue his own music education path. He went on to follow his love of music and attended Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music, in Berea, Ohio. People cherished all his performances at BW in the Motet Choir, BW Men’s Chorus, Bach Festivals, and the always entertaining Mr. Sun’s Echo. Upon graduating from Baldwin Wallace in 2013 with his Bachelor of Music Education he became the middle school choir director at Learwood Middle School, Avon Lake, Ohio. He loved teaching and was a mentor to many of his students. During his time in Cleveland he collaborated with The Morrison Dance Company, composing music for their dance performances. He was also the Music Director at Rocky River United Methodist Church in Rocky River, Ohio. After teaching for 6 years, he moved to California to attend California Institute of the Arts. He graduated with his Master of Fine Arts in music performance and composition in 2020 and then became an admissions counselor at Los Angeles College of Music. Braden co-established a Nordic choir, Keija Kollektiv with friend Marja, and also was the Music Director at the Claremont United Methodist Church in Claremont, California. He was the worship leader for the California Pacific United Methodist Church Annual Conference 2026 gathering. Braden sang professionally with Los Angeles Master Chorale, The Long Beach Camerata Singers, Catalyst Chamber Choir, Beati Quorum, and the San Diego Symphony Festival Chorus. He also would use his music and singing bowls to host sound baths for relaxation and sound healing. Altadena Heals was an example of him using his music to create a positive, restorative, and hopeful walking sound and art installation. He, along with other musicians and artists, performed in a friend’s beautiful garden for the community after the Eaton fires. A highlight of his was performing with Christina Aguilera, the LA Master Chorale, and LA Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl for the We Love LA concert to honor first responders and the impacted community after the devastating January 2025 fires.

He was the oldest of five children and is survived by one sister, brother-in-law, and niece, McKenna, Sam, and Felicity Potter, three brothers; Landon, Harrison, and Casen Pontoli, all of Beaver, his grandparents,Margie Patterson of Beaver, Sandy and Gary LeRoy of Madison, Joe and Carol Pontoli of Greensburg, and Jack and Sandy Stacy of Beaver, his Partner, Tommy Lei of Pasadena, his goddaughter, Aria Byahatti, and a feline companion, Chloe.

He was preceded in death by his great grandparents: Madge and Ford Patterson, Grayce and Verner Jack Stacy, Genevieve and Gino Aloisi, and Josephine and John Pontoli.

Friends and family will be received on Wednesday, September 23rd from 5-8 P.M., and on Thursday, September 24th, 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. at the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements.

A Celebration of Life Service honoring Braden will be held on Friday, September 25th, at 7 P.M. at Grace Community Church, 9160 Marshall Rd, Cranberry.

Interment will take place at a private ceremony at Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to KeijuKollektiv.org, Claremont United Methodist Church 211 W Foothill Boulevard, Claremont, CA 91711, Rocky River United Methodist Church, 19414 Detroit Rd, Rocky River, OH 44116, Grace Community Church, 9160 Marshall Rd, Cranberry Township, PA 16066 and Pathway Church, 239 Braun Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

Braden’s love of music started at a very young age when we realized he could play music by ear. Blessed with perfect pitch, he was a talented musician, composer, performer, teacher, sound healer, and friend. Braden was a people person, and made friends, young or old, wherever he was. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and make you feel loved. We will miss every laugh, every beautiful note you sang and played, every performance you directed, every delicious meal you made, every adventure you went on, and most of all your kind, friendly, and generous personality that made everyone feel loved and welcome. “Braden never met a stranger because the minute he met you, he became your friend.”

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Craig A. “Cat” Taormina (Passed on September 21st, 2026)

Craig A. “Cat” Taormina, 66, passed away unexpectedly on September 21st, 2026, at his home in Monaca.

Craig was the beloved husband of Terri Howells Taormina, his wife of 45 years and the love of his life. Their marriage was a lasting example of commitment, companionship, and deep affection. Together, they built a family that was the center of Craig’s world and the source of his greatest pride. He was a devoted father to Dominic Taormina and his wife, Anastasia, Sarah Bierer and her husband, Stephen and Anthony Taormina and his wife, LaDonna. He was a proud grandfather to Dominic, Zackary, Sophia, Angelo, Margot, and Liam. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Gabe.

Craig was the son of Barbara Sue Graham Taormina and the late John A. Taormina. He is also survived by his siblings, David Taormina and his wife, Allison, Dean Taormina and his wife, Niki, and Dona Davis (Patrick). He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews. Music was one of Craig’s deepest passions. He had a great love of music and played the guitar daily, finding comfort, expression, and joy in every note. His gift for music was shared generously with others, especially through his years of service as a member and deacon of the Church of the Living Christ in Beaver. There, he faithfully served as part of the Praise and Worship Team for many years, offering his talents in worship and helping create an atmosphere of praise that touched many lives. He had also played guitar with several different bands over the years.

Craig also loved to travel and especially treasured time spent at the beach. Year after year, he vacationed at Myrtle Beach, where he found relaxation and happiness in the sights and sounds of the ocean. He also enjoyed traveling to Jamaica on many occasions. In addition to his love of music and travel, Craig was a devoted football fan.

His family will receive friends on Thursday, September 24th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of his arrangements. Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 25th at 10 a.m. at the Church of the Living Christ, 699 Riverview Drive, Beaver. His pastor and brother in law, Pastor David Howells will officiate. Private interment will take place at St. John the Baptist Cemetery, 1270 Chapel Road, Monaca.

To view his video tribute, leave an online condolence or get directions, please visit www.simpsonfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Craig, please visit the floral store of Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services by clicking here.

Sheetz to Celebrate National Coffee Day with Free Coffee

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of Sheetz)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Altoona, PA) Sheetz announced on Monday that it is celebrating National Coffee Day with a special offer that is for its customers. 

That offer is a free self-serve coffee with any qualified purchase, any size, hot or iced, which includes extra large.

This limited-time offer is available starting on National Coffee Day, which is Tuesday, September 29th, and it will go from that day through Thursday, October 1st at all of Sheetz’s more than 850 locations.

Customers need to be enrolled in the My Sheetz Rewardz loyalty program (click here to learn more) to redeem that offer.

According to a release from Sheetz, that offer is limited to one redemption per loyalty member and is not valid with purchases of fuel, alcohol, cigarettes, tobacco, lottery items, half-gallon or gallon milk, financial or prepaid cards, or Sheetz gift cards. 

Customers can become a member of MySheetzRewardz and participate in Sheetz’s promotion for National Coffee Day by downloading the Sheetz app (click here to learn more). 

Beaver County District Attorney says he can’t prosecute targets of vigilante group’s child sex stings

(File Photo of Beaver County District Attorney Nate Bible)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) Beaver County District Attorney Nate Bible is now pushing back after a group that is aiming to expose alleged child predators accused him of not filing charges against Ronald Antolik, Jr. 

Bible is defending himself after the vigilante justice group 814 Pred Hunters went online and said that he did not file charges against Antolik, even after the group had evidence of a sting that they did in July.  

The group claims that Antolik would never have been able to try to lure a teenage girl that was walking home from school two months later if those charges had been filed. 

The group contacted Rochester police on July 17th and eventually learned that Antolik sent explicit videos and pictures to someone who was posing as a child.  

Antolik then drove up to a fourteen-year-old girl from Rochester Area School District on September 10th and told her that he can take her back to his cabin. 

Police eventually tracked Antolik down, and they then went to his home. Antolik resisted arrest before being taken into custody after a brief standoff occurred. 

Bible did not file charges, and he said that it is because his hands are tied.