Author: Beaver County Radio

PUC Study Warns Rapid Data Center Growth Could Pose Serious Risks to Electric Reliability

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) released an independent analysis warning today that rapidly growing electricity demand which is driven largely by data center development could create serious reliability risks across Pennsylvania and the broader region unless electricity supply keeps pace with that growth.

This analysis was conducted by Synapse Energy Economics and it examined whether sufficient electric resources will be available to reliably serve customers as demand grows and existing generation retires.

Synapse Energy Economics is an energy consulting firm that is nationally recognized.

This study found that based on the current load forecast from regional power grid operator PJM and assuming no additional policy actions, the regional grid fails to meet PJM’s reliability planning standard from the years of 2027 through 2030.

By 2030, the modeled reliability risk is almost six times worse than PJM’s planning standard.

Thomas Buksa (1946-2026)

Thomas Buksa, 80, of Darlington, passed away on September 4th, 2026.

He was born in Pittsburgh on August 5th, 1946, the son of the late George and Sarah Buksa.

In accordance with Thomas’ family’s wishes, all services were private.

Professional services and arrangements were entrusted to the CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL SERVICES, LLC 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls.

You can leave your memories and upload photos of Thomas on his memorial page by clicking here.

Rick J. Hinzman (1960-2026)

Rick J. Hinzman, 66, of Chippewa Township, passed away at his home on September 8th, 2026.

He was born in New Brighton on March 16th, 1960, a son of the late Matthew Hinzman and Elizabeth Hinzman Yova.

Rick was a hardworking man who truly enjoyed working and took great pride in what he did. He was employed by Ellwood City Forge for 13 years, where he formed many lasting friendships with his coworkers. He was also an avid sports fan, and he especially loved his Pittsburgh sports teams.

He is survived by his siblings, Joyce (Don) McCutcheon of Beaver Falls and their children, Bruce Campbell Jr. and Nicole (Anthony) Pieri and their children, Kayli and Tony and Chuck (Joy) Hinzman of Florida and their children, Haley and Mia and his grandchildren, Luke, Jaxson and Zane, as well as his lifelong friends, Paul and Michelle Avery.

In accordance with Rick’s wishes, all services will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Rick’s name to the Beaver County Humane Society. Donations may be made online, https://beavercountyhumanesociety.org/online-donation/or by mailing a check to Beaver County Humane Society ATTN Development Office, 3394 Brodhead Road Center Township, PA 15001.

Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, was honored to care for Rick and his family during this difficult time and was the funeral home that was in charge of his arrangements.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit the flower store of the Gabauer Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services by clicking here.

Betty J. Jenkins (1929-2026)

Betty J. Jenkins, 97, of Brighton Township, passed away on September 10th, 2026, at Providence Health and Rehabilatation in Beaver Falls.

She was born in Coraopolis on August 18th, 1929, a daughter of the late Norman and Jessica Gamble Connell.

She is survived by her husband of 74 years, L. James Jenkins Sr., as well as numerous immediate and extended family members.

There are no services at this time for Betty.

Professional Services and arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

Inurnment will take place at the Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be shared in Betty’s name to Hope Lutheran Church, 45 Maple Drive, Beaver, PA 15009.

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

Mark W. Graham (1953-2026)

Mark W. Graham, 72, of Daugherty Township, passed away on September 12th, 2026 at UPMC Shadyside.

He was born in Sewickley on October 16th, 1953, a son of the late James W. and Phyllis (Teets) Graham.

Mark was a devoted railroad employee who proudly dedicated 37 years of his life to the Bridge and Building Department, working for both Conrail and Norfolk Southern. Throughout his long career, he was known for his strong work ethic, dedication, and pride in the work he did. Outside of work, he enjoyed the simple things that brought him happiness. He loved attending car cruises, admiring the cars and enjoying the fellowship of others who shared his passion. He also had a deep love for the outdoors. Camping gave him the opportunity to relax, enjoy nature, and make lasting memories with family and friends.

Mark is survived by his loving wife, Elaine Proakis, a daughter, Lindsay, his brother, Phillip (Sue) Graham, two sisters, Phyllis (Lisa) Graham, Karen Lecerf and his nieces and nephews.

In accordance with Mark’s wishes, there will be no services.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc., 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

Dolores E. McDanel (1929-2026)

Dolores E. McDanel, 97, of North Sewickley Township, passed away on September 11th, 2026 at Good Samaritan Hospice, Wexford. She was born in North Sewickley Township on May 7th, 1929, a daughter of the late Charles L. Sr. and Nancy Edith (Shaffer) Miller. Dolores did custodial work and was very active in her church, the North Sewickley Presbyterian Church in Ellwood City. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Nelson McDanel, her son, Bradley A. McDanel, her brothers, William F., Walter L. and Charles L. Miller and her sisters: Edna Oliver, Velma Bork, Vesta Vogler, Helen Miller and Ethel M. Shriner. She is survived by a devoted daughter, Jeanne (Michael) Safreed of Beaver Falls, her daughter-in-law, Carla (Kevin) Wyberg of South Beaver Township, her grandchildren: Brian (Amy) Safreed, Jason (Renee) Safreed, Carlinda (Nick) Kleck, Cole (Emily) McDanel, Ty (Kayla) Torrence, and Nathyn (Tiera) Wyberg; as well as her great-grandchildren: Morgan Safreed, Madalyn (Tyler) Cuadrado, Cody Safreed, Landyn Safreed, Lyllian Safreed, Elle McDanel, Cullen Kleck, Ada Kleck, Alexandra Kleck, and Nolan Torrence. Friends will be received on Wednesday, September 16th from 4-8 P.M. at CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL SERVICES, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements. Friends will also be received on Thursday, September 17th from 10 A.M. until the time of a service at 11 A.M. at North Sewickley Presbyterian Church, 106 Chapel Drive, Ellwood City. Officiating the services are Rev. Dr. Maurice Smith and Rev. Dr. Rebecca A. Collins. Online condolences may be shared at www.corlessfuneralhomes.com. Private interment will take place at Concord Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Kitchen Fund or Building Fund of the North Sewickley Presbyterian Church, 106 Chapel Drive, Ellwood City, PA 16117.

Jayne Ann Atkinson (1948-2026)

Jayne Ann Atkinson, 78, of Portersville, passed away in her residence on September 10th, 2026.

She was born in Sewickley on April 14th, 1948, the daughter of the late Arnold and Marie Fleming Rothhaar.

Jayne was a member of the Fairmount Presbyterian Church in Sewickley, where she was involved in many church activities and served as a Deacon and Treasurer. She was a member of the Eastern Star, loved to winter in Florida, ride motorcycles, and enjoyed spending time with her loving grandchildren.

She is survived by her loving husband, Anthony Atkinson, her daughter, Dana Songer, her son, Wayne Drish, her step-daughter, Jennifer (Robert) Erdlen, 12 loving grandchildren and 4 loving great grandchildren.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, September 15th from 2-4 P.M. & 6-8 P.M. in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge. Family and friends will meet in the Fairmount Presbyterian Church, 2535 Fairmount Church Road, Sewickley, on Wednesday, September 16th at 11 A.M. for a funeral service with Rev. Nathan Beard Officiating.

Interment will follow in Fairmount Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 2535 Fairmount Church Road, Sewickley.

In Lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be made to the American Cancer Society or to the Fairmount Presbyterian Church, 2535 Fairmount Church Road, Sewickley, PA 15143 in Jayne’s memory.

Noah J. Fessides (2006-2026)

Noah J. Fessides, 19, of New Sewickley Township, passed away unexpectedly on September 9th, 2026.

He was born in Pittsburgh on November 30th, 2006.

Noah was an amazing young man that charmed every person he met. He was kind, witty, respectful, and loved to make people laugh. He was a Lifetime Member of the Beaver County Badgers where he played for 12 years, winning the season and championship banner in his final year. He also played for six years with Central Valley Hockey.  He was a 2025 graduate of Freedom Area High School. After high school, he worked at Precise Automotive with his grandfather until he became a conductor for Norfolk Southern. He loved to build Legos, loved his cats (especially his BIG girl Sprinkles), and for some reason, he loved motorcycles. He also had an unhealthy obsession with fancy cologne!

He is survived by his parents, Ted and Katie Fessides and Alicia and Mela Jennings, his siblings, Riley Fessides, Madison Fessides, Max Warrick, and Nicholas Jennings, his long-term girlfriend, Ryleigh Bianculli and his grandparents, along with numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his great grandma, Gloria Lucas, his grandmother, Kim D’Orazio, and his Uncle Joe Dell.

Friends will be received on Monday, September 14th from 1-3 P.M. & 5-8 P.M. in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where a funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 15th at 10 A.M. with Pastor Justin Driscoll Officiating. Interment will follow in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester.

There will be a scholarship in Noah’s memory, with information to come.

The family respectfully asks that anyone attending the visitation and or the funeral to please refrain from bringing motorcycles.

Beaver County Chamber Monday Memo: 09/14/26
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Two dogs safe after found running loose in Baden Borough

(Credit for Headline Photo and Photo Below: Photo Courtesy of the Beaver Valley Regional Police Department, Posted on Facebook on September 12th, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) The Beaver Valley Regional Police Department issued a Facebook post on Saturday that stated that two dogs were found running loose in the area of Straube Avenue in Baden Borough.

The picture of these two dogs can be found below, and they were found safe before they were transported to the Beaver County Humane Society.

If you know who owns these dogs or you recognize them, you can call the Beaver County Humane Society at 724-775-5801.