Author: Beaver County Radio

Recall alert: Certain Giant Eagle pita chips sold in Pennsylvania and four other states recalled over potential Salmonella contamination

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of WPXI-TV Pittsburgh, Posted on Facebook on May 8th, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) Certain batches of Giant Eagle Baked Pita Chips with Parmesan, Garlic and Herb are being recalled because of possible Salmonella contamination.

Legacy Snack Solutions said it voluntarily recalled the chips after California Dairies Inc. recalled milk powder used in the seasoning due to potential Salmonella contamination.

The pita chips were sold in the snack aisle at Giant Eagle and Market District stores in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, West Virginia and Indiana.

The product comes in a 7.33-ounce black bag with the Giant Eagle logo at the top.

The recalled products have a Universal Product Code of “0 3003496507 5” and a best-by date of July 16, 2026.

Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, especially in young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms can include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare cases, the infection can spread to the bloodstream and cause more severe illnesses.

No illnesses linked to the pita chips have been reported. Although routine testing showed negative results for Salmonella, customers are still urged not to eat the product.

According to the FDA, California Dairies’ milk powder was supplied to a third-party seasoning manufacturer, and the pita chips may contain the affected seasoning blend on their surface.

Although the seasoning batches tested negative for Salmonella before use, the recall was issued out of an abundance of caution.

Customers seeking a refund or replacement should take a photo of the product’s barcode panel and best-by date before throwing the product away. Consumers can then return to the store where the chips were purchased with a receipt or call Legacy Snack Solutions at 1-800-532-6120 to request a credit.

Giant Eagle recalls turkey products sold in Pennsylvania and four other states due to possible metal fragment contamination

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of WPXI)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Freedom, PA) Giant Eagle is recalling certain turkey products because they may be contaminated with metal fragments.

On Thursday, Giant Eagle said roasted turkey items produced at Fresh Food Manufacturing in Freedom could contain the fragments. The company said it discovered the issue during a routine inspection.

The products were sold beginning April 28 at Giant Eagle and Market District supermarkets in Western Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, West Virginia and Indiana.

Customers are urged not to eat the products and should throw them away if they still have them.

Giant Eagle said refunds will be provided to customers who bring their receipts to Giant Eagle or Market District stores.

The company is also using its customer database to contact people who may have purchased the products.

Anyone with questions can call Giant Eagle customer service at 1-800-553-2324.

No illnesses or injuries have been reported.

Giant Eagle said the following items are at risk:

  • Oven Roasted Turkey Breast
    • UPC: 28684900000
    • Best By Date: Through May 12, 2026
  • Roasted Turkey Breast Entree
    • UPC: 25689600000
    • Best By Date: Through May 12, 2026
  • Roasted Turkey Breast with Gravy Entree
    • UPC: 25689700000
    • Through May 12, 2026
  • Roasted Turkey Meal (B)
    • UPC: 25688200000
    • Best By Date: Through May 11, 2026
  • Turkey Pot Pie
    • UPC: 20696900000
    • Best By Date: Through May 11, 2026
  • Roasted Turkey Breast
    • UPC: 25691700000
    • Best By Date: Through May 10, 2026
    • Customers

Woman who died in five-vehicle crash near the Fort Duquesne Bridge remembered as cook at a McKeesport restaurant

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Smitty’s Place (McKeesport)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(McKeesport, PA) A Pittsburgh-area restaurant is remembering one of its employees who was killed in a five-vehicle crash near the Fort Duquesne Bridge on Wednesday.

According to authorities, Danielle Jackman, 58, of Churchill, was removed from a vehicle by first responders and taken to a hospital in critical condition, where she later died.

On Thursday morning, Smitty’s Place shared a social media tribute to Jackman, who worked as a cook at the restaurant on Tuesdays and Sundays.

“Danielle was an amazing person, a valued friend, and a dedicated co-worker of David’s at Pittsburgh Mercy,” the post stated.

The restaurant said Jackman also worked as a DUI and AOD counselor and “touched the lives of many with her compassion, kindness and caring spirit.”

A balloon release in her memory is scheduled for May 15 at 7 p.m. at Smitty’s Place on Walnut Street in McKeesport.

The crash occurred around 3 p.m. Wednesday near the split of Route 28 and Route 65 by the Fort Duquesne Bridge.

Authorities identified the second victim as Michael Smith, 52, of Sheraden, who was inside an SUV that went over the side of the bridge and landed on Reedsdale Street on Pittsburgh’s North Side near Acrisure Stadium.

Officials said the other four vehicles involved in the crash remained on the ramp above Reedsdale Street.

Refurbished Acrisure Stadium Seats Available for Sale to Fans as Collectables

(File Photo: Source for Photo: People stand on the field in Acrisure Stadium before an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Seattle Seahawks in Pittsburgh, Sept. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The Pittsburgh Steelers announced Friday a multi-year agreement with MeiGray to sell authenticated stadium seats removed during renovations at Acrisure Stadium.

The offering follows the start of a multi-year seat replacement project at the stadium. The first phase includes replacing approximately 22,000 seats in the Upper Level East, Upper Level West, and North Club sections before the start of the 2026 NFL season.

According to the Steelers, MeiGray will refurbish and repurpose the removed seats as collectibles for fans.

Fans will be able to purchase individual seats, seat pairs, seat backs, and seat bottoms from the stadium, including the venue’s signature gold and gray seats.

Prices begin at $399 for single seats and $599 for seat pairs. Autographed seat backs signed by select Steelers legends will also be available at $299. Unautographed seat backs are $199 and unautographed seat bottoms are $149.

The Steelers said fans may also pre-order seats scheduled to be removed during future renovation phases following the 2026 season.

Founded in 1997, MeiGray specializes in authenticated game-worn and game-used sports memorabilia and works with teams across the NBA, NHL, and WNBA.

For purchasing information, fans can visit MeiGray’s website by clicking here.

Beaver County Teacher Charged with Attempted Rape of a Child; Call Line Available for Tips

(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) Dave Sunday announced that a Butler County man is facing multiple felony charges involving alleged unlawful contact with a child, including attempted rape.

According to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Justin L. Pavetto, 37, of Cranberry Township, was employed as a teacher at New Horizon School at the time of his arrest over the weekend. Officials said the allegations are unrelated to his employment.

Authorities said Pavetto was arraigned on nine felony charges, including unlawful contact with a minor, attempted rape, criminal solicitation to commit rape, and related offenses. Bail was set at $500,000.

According to investigators with the Attorney General’s Child Predator Section and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pavetto allegedly communicated online with someone he believed was the father of an 11-year-old boy. Investigators said the “father” was actually an undercover agent.

Officials alleged that during multiple conversations, Pavetto discussed sexually assaulting the child and later arranged a meeting with the purported father and child at a McDonald’s along Route 19 in Cranberry Township.

Authorities said Pavetto drove to the meeting location, where he was taken into custody.

Anyone with information related to the investigation is asked to contact Special Agent Steven Adametz at 800-385-1044.

“This is very disturbing criminal conduct by someone trusted to help young people — not abuse them,” Sunday said in a statement. He also commended investigators and the FBI for their work on the case.

The case will be prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Child Predator Section.

Criminal charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Carol Smith (Passed on April 28th, 2026)

Carol Lee Smith, 72, passed away on April 28th, 2026 at Heritage Valley Beaver Hospital in Brighton Township surrounded by her family after an extended illness. She was the loving daughter of the late Georgine Cook Watts. In addition to her mother, Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Jay Smith, as well as her mother-in-law and father-in-law Ruth and Berch Smith. She is survived by her brothers and sisters–in-laws, David and Belinda Watts and Michael and Mary Ellen Watts, her sister-in-law, Melody Smith, her nieces: Lindsey (Dan), Alexandra, Maura, and Laila; as well as many loving cousins, and a host of great friends.

Carol was a 1971 graduate of New Brighton High School and received her degree in physical educationfrom Penn State University in 1975. Carol was an annual staff member at YMCA Camp (Y-Camp “Kon-O-Kwee”) and greatly looked forward to the event each year. She was gifted musically, playing her clarinet & bass clarinet in numerous area concerts. She was a remarkable athlete, participating in tennis, softball, and swimming (serving as a lifeguard). Family trips together to Peace Valley orchards will always be priceless along with so many other wonderful memorable events spent together. She met the love of her life, Jay Smith, at a dance and that led to a beautiful marriage and the start of tranquil life on a farm in Ohio. They spent many happy years together along with Justin, her stepson. Some of her favorite activities would include hosting raucous Steeler vs Browns parties, having family fun-filled nerf battles, visiting fairs, and watching Jay race motorcycles. She spent her career at Duquesne Light Company/First Energy working in various departments until her retirement. During her years of working, she was fortunate to make lifelong friends, and greatly looked forward to catching up on scheduled lunch dates. She will always be remembered for her infectious smile, her quirky sense of humor, her love of a good time, and for her compassion for others. Her family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to the countless caregivers, physicians, nurses, staff, and therapists who have lovingly cared for Carol with their humor, encouragement, compassion, and dedication.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

A Celebration of Life will be held in late June to honor Carol and to share the impact she made.

Carol’s final gift was a gift of life made to CORE, Center for Organ Recovery & Education, in hopes of giving life to others.

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

Elsie Joanne Colwell (1938-2026)

Elsie Joanne Colwell, 88, of New Brighton, passed away on May 6th, 2026, at Heritage Valley Beaver. She was born in Ellwood City on April 9th, 1938, the daughter of the late Emma (Hall) and Roy Colwell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her two brothers, Robert and Darrell. She is survived by her brother, James (Janice) Collwell and her great niece, Kayla, whom Elsie looked upon as a child of her own and several other adored nieces and nephews.

Elsie lived a life marked by loyalty, kindness, and a deep love for others. She devoted 38 years of her career as an electrician with the IUOE within Westinghouse, where her strong work ethic earned the respect of colleagues and friends alike. She was a faithful member of the Marion Hill Christian Missionary Alliance Church of New Brighton who found strength and community in her faith. She had an unending passion for travel and embraced every opportunity to explore the world. She was known for her warm and inviting heart with a natural ability to make even strangers feel welcomed as family. Her love extended especially to her own family and to animals, both of which brought her immense joy throughout her life. She will be remembered for her generous love, her unwavering kindness, and the lasting impression she left on everyone fortunate enough to know her. An End of Life Celebration will be held on Saturday, May 16th at 11 a.m. within the Marion Hill Christian Missionary Alliance Church, 4607 Rochester Road, New Brighton. Arrangements have been entrusted to the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc., 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Elsie Joanne Colwell, please visit the flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Driver and passenger injured after single-vehicle crash in Raccoon Township

(File Photo of Police Siren Lights)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Raccoon Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Beaver reported that a 21-year-old Beaver Falls man was injured in a rollover crash Friday in Raccoon Township. 

According to police, the driver was traveling on Moffett Mill Road around 5 a.m. when he attempted to move over to allow a southbound vehicle to pass. Investigators said the vehicle entered the soft shoulder, which collapsed under its weight, causing it to overturn down a hillside. 

Police said both the driver and a passenger suffered minor injuries and were taken to Allegheny General Hospital for treatment.

Pittsburgh music critic Scott Mervis talks concerts and future

Scott Mervis, an award-winning music journalist in Pittsburgh, appeared Thursday on the Beaver County Radio Morning Show.

Scott Mervis spent decades reporting on concerts for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Mervis shared his thoughts on Western Pennsylvania’s concert scene with WBVP-WMBA morning man Scott Tady.

The two Scotts — longtime colleagues and competitors who have sat next to each other at countless concerts — got into topics like the stadium shows, recent tour cancellations, wild concerts, the upcoming Star Lake season and the new Citizens Live at The Wylie venue.

Mervis also mentioned his career plans post-Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Here is the interview (just press play):

Shaler Area High School wins WPIAL’s first-ever girls flag football championship

(Credit and Caption for Photo: Shaler teammates celebrate after defeating Plum in the girls WPIAL flag football championship, Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Upper St. Clair High School. (Matt Freed/Post Gazette)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) Shaler Area High School made history Thursday night by winning the WPIAL’s first girls flag football championship.

The Titans defeated Plum High School 34-0 in the championship game at Upper St. Clair High School.

This marked the first season that girls flag football was recognized as a WPIAL-sanctioned varsity sport. A total of 58 WPIAL schools and eight Pittsburgh City League schools competed this season, with 16 teams qualifying for the playoffs.

In Thursday’s semifinal games, Shaler defeated Mt. Lebanon High School while Plum advanced with a win over Moon Area High School.