Author: Beaver County Radio

AAA: National Average Remains at Record High for Autumn

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

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Gas prices are six cents lower in Western Pennsylvania this week at about $4.58 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report. 

Gas prices are six cents lower in Western Pennsylvania this week at about $4.58 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report. 

Prices for gas are still the highest that they have ever been for this time of year. 

Even though the national average for a gallon of gas dropped by a penny this past week to $4.35, pump prices are still at record highs for the season of autumn. 

This is the first year that the national average for gas has been above the amount of $4 per gallon in the month of October. 

Crude oil is back above $90 per barrel after it dipped into the range of $80 per barrel for several days. 

The national average for a gallon of gas is four cents more than a month ago and $1.27 more than a year ago.

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

$4.552      Altoona
$4.700      Beaver
$4.557      Bradford
$4.408      Brookville
$4.588      Butler
$4.451      Clarion
$4.512      DuBois
$4.625      Erie
$4.615      Greensburg
$4.516      Indiana
$4.581      Jeannette
$4.660      Kittanning
$4.680      Latrobe
$4.684      Meadville
$4.635      Mercer
$4.465      New Castle
$4.545      New Kensington
$4.635      Oil City
$4.701      Pittsburgh
$4.451      Sharon
$4.568      Uniontown
$4.678      Warren
$4.464      Washington

Gene R. Thomas (1960-2026)

Gene R. Thomas, 66, of Ambridge, passed away on October 10th, 2026.

He was born on March 11th, 1960, a son of the late Charles and Valetta Thomas.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Keith Thomas.

He is survived by his son, Charles Thomas, his siblings: Charles Frederick Jr., Lorraine Barth, Joyce Schmidt, and Dale Thomas; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Gene worked as a truck driver and later retired from BeMac Trucking. He enjoyed NASCAR and watching Western television shows.

In accordance with Gene’s wishes, services will be private.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral and Cremation Services, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Fombell woman arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol in Lawrence County

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Lawrence County, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in New Castle reported today that forty-six-year-old Michelle Book of Fombell was arrested and was charged with multiple traffic infractions after driving under the influence of alcohol in Lawrence County on Friday.

Book was driving at 4:11 p.m. on US Highway 422 at its intersection with Church Road in Slippery Rock Township.

That was where the school bus driven by sixty-three-year-old Brenda Shiderly of New Castle was stopped and its school bus stop equipment became activated.

Book hit the vehicle driven by forty-eight-year-old Nathaniel Hamilla of Slippery Rock, which was behind the bus.

After Book hit the vehicle of Hamilla, that vehicle hit the bus.

Both Book and Shiderly were transported to the hospital for treatment of their injuries.

Hamilla was not injured and Book was not wearing her seatbelt when the crash occurred. 

2026 trick or treat times and dates in Beaver County

(File Photo of One Year of the New Brighton Halloween Parade)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) Halloween is approaching at the end of this month, and that means that local communities will be getting ready for trick or treating in 2026. Halloween is on a Saturday this year, and some places in Beaver County and other locations will go trick or treating on the day of the holiday, while others will go on different dates. According to a report from the Beaver County Times, here is a list of the trick or treat times and dates locally, as well as some more information about events in relation to them:

Aliquippa: 6-8 p.m. October 29th

Ambridge: 6 p.m. October 29th

Baden: 6-8 p.m. October 29th

Beaver: 6-8 p.m. October 29th

Beaver Falls: 6-8 p.m. October 29th

Bridgewater: 6-8 p.m. October 29th

Brighton Township: 6-8 p.m. October 29th

Center Township: 6-8 p.m. October 29th

Chippewa Township: 6-8 p.m. October 29th

Conway: 6-8 p.m. October 29th

Crescent Township: 6-8 p.m. October 31st

Darlington: 6-7:30 p.m. October 31st

Daugherty Township: 6-8 p.m. October 29th

East Rochester: 6-8 p.m. October 29th

Eastvale: 6-8 p.m. October 29th

Economy: 6-8 p.m. October 29th

Ellport: 5:30-7:30 p.m. October 31st

Ellwood City: 5:30-7:30 p.m. October 31st, with the Halloween parade starting at 3:30 p.m.

Fallston: 6-8 p.m. October 29th

Franklin Township: 6-8 p.m. October 31st

Georgetown: 6-8 p.m. October 31st

Greene Township: 6-8 p.m. October 31st

Hanover Township: 6-8 p.m. October 29th

Harmony Township: 6-8 p.m. October 29th

Hookstown: 6-8 p.m. October 31st

Hopewell Township: House to house trick or treat is scheduled from 6-8 p.m. October 29th. The township also offers a allergy-friendly Halloween party from 6-8 p.m. October 29th at the municipal building. Meet Frankie the Scarecrow and Chrissy Rubino from community outreach, who will hand out peanut and tree-nut-free snacks as well as stickers, toys, glow sticks and other small gifts. Kids are encouraged to wear their costumes.

Independence Township: 6-8 p.m. October 29th

Industry: 6-8 p.m. October 29th

Koppel: 6-8 p.m. October 31st. Halloween parade is from 5:30-6 p.m., meet at the borough building on Sixth Avenue.

Midland: 6-8 p.m. October 29th

Monaca: 6-8 p.m. October 29th

Moon Township: 6-8 p.m. October 31st

New Brighton: 6-8 p.m. October 29th. The Halloween parade will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. on October 21st along 3rd Avenue.

New Sewickley Township: 5-7 p.m. October 31st

North Sewickley Township: 5-7 p.m. October 31st

Patterson Heights: 6-8 p.m. October 31st

Patterson Township: 6-8 p.m. October 31st

Potter Township: 5:30-7:30 October 31st

Pulaski Township: 6-8 p.m. October 29th

Raccoon Township: 6-8 p.m. October 31st

Rochester: 6-8 p.m. October 29th

Rochester Township: 6-8 p.m. October 29th

Shippingport: 6-8 p.m. October 29th

South Beaver Township: 6-8 p.m. October 29th

Vanport Township: 6-8 p.m. October 29th

Wampum: 6-8 p.m. October 31st

West Mayfield: 6-7:30 p.m. October 29th

White Township: 6-8 p.m. October 31st

Source: Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson expected to miss multiple weeks with finger injury

(Credit and Caption for Photo: Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) leaves the field after an NFL preseason football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Steelers defeated the Jaguars 31-25. (Courtesy of the Associated Press)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) A source recently told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson will miss multiple weeks because of a finger injury. 

Wilson suffered this injury in the second quarter of the Steelers’ game yesterday against the Indianapolis Colts at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. 

Wilson was seen grabbing his left hand after an incomplete pass attempt from Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and was eventually ruled out for the rest of the game. 

Wilson is now in his third year in the NFL after being drafted by the Steelers in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Former Penguins defenseman Mathew Dumba retiring after 13 NHL seasons with 5 different teams

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – Pittsburgh Penguins’ Mathew Dumba looks on during an NHL hockey game, Oct. 28, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Mathew Dumba is retiring after 13 NHL seasons with five different teams.

Dumba last played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, with stints in Minnesota, Dallas, Arizona and Tampa Bay. The 32-year-old defenseman won the 2020 King Clancy Memorial Trophy, awarded to the player who best exemplified leadership qualities on and off the ice and made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.

“Matt Dumba is officially hanging up his skates after 748 NHL career games,” the NHL Players Association posted on social media Friday. “Wishing the former blue liner and 2019-20 King Clancy Memorial Trophy winner the best of luck in his retirement!”

Dumba spent his first 10 NHL seasons in Minnesota after the Wild drafted him with the No. 7 overall pick of the 2012 NHL draft. He signed with the Arizona Coyotes in 2023, but was sent to Tampa Bay just before the deadline.

Dumba played one season with the Lightning, another with the Dallas Stars and had a goal and two assists with the Penguins in 2025-26. He spent most of the season at Wilkes-Barr/Scranton, the Penguins’ AHL affiliate.

Dumba had 85 goals and 176 in 748 NHL games. He also had give goals and 10 assists in 54 playoff games.

Doris Marie Notman (1940-2026)

Doris Marie Notman, 86, of Beaver passed away on October 8th, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

He was born in Utica, New York on August 18th, 1940, a daughter of the late Edward and Helen Sas.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Brian B. Notman, Sr.

She is survived by her son, Brian (Susan) Notman, her daughter, Pamela (Douglas) Buck, her grandchildren: Stephanie Notman, Brittany Notman, Megan (Chris) Dillard, Brandon (Hannah) Buck, Taylor (Christian) Youn; as well as her great-grandchildren: Andrew, Audrina, Damien and Violet: her sister, Elaine Baki and several nieces and nephews.

There are no services at this time for Doris.

Professional arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver.

Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

To send flowers with our preferred florist or plant a memorial tree, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Judith Marian Smith Mansell (1939-2026)

Judith Marian Smith Mansell, 86, passed away peacefully on October 8th, 2026. She was born on November 19th, 1939, and was a beloved and devoted daughter, sister, aunt, great-aunt, and friend. Judith was a true classic and enduring fashion icon who was well-known for her impeccable style, always knowing precisely how she wanted her hair, makeup, and attire presented. She took immense pride in looking her absolute best, maintaining lifelong subscriptions to publications such as Vogue and Town & Country, which fueled her keen eye for trends and appreciation for all things that sparkle. She was a skilled professional cosmetologist who found immense joy in giving total makeovers to her sisters and nieces, helping them feel as confident and beautiful as she was. She was an avid and lifelong reader who inherited a passion for books from her mother and shared it closely with her Smith siblings. Her curiosity was boundless, driven by an insatiable love of reading and learning. In addition to her literary interests, she was a talented artist who loved to draw and doodle, which was a creative gift that was recognized early on when she earned a scholarship to attend art classes in Pittsburgh. For a brief period of her life, she fulfilled a dream by living in Paris, immersing herself in its vibrant and timeless fashion and art scene. She was deeply passionate about natural foods and holistic wellness and she always advocated for the best health for her family and friends. She was an active figure in the health food community throughout the late 1970s and 1980s and regularly attended state conventions alongside her sister and husband. She did have a small indulgence for both Pepsi in glass bottles and Reese’s cups. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Opha Bryant Smith, her siblings: James and Gwendolyn Smith, Margaret and Howard Petrie, Kenneth and Doris Smith, Helena and Gilio Lazzaretti, Ann and Ray Roby; as well as her nephews: Mark Roby, Garrett Smith, James Smith, Stanley Phillips; along with her niece, Susan Sinclair and her husband, Thomas Mansell. Although she had no children of her own, she doted upon her nieces and nephews, including: Glenda and Rodney Yount, Jeanne Smith, Melanie Petrie, Bill and Linda Petrie, Cynthia and William Feits, Scott and Holly Smith, Keith Smith, Rebecca Cottrell, Lisa Phillips, Judith and Roger Spurlock, and Bruce(Ann) Roby. She is also survived by a host of great-nieces and great-nephews, as well as her special friends, Jan Brash and Patty and Steven Myers. In lieu of flowers, and true to her spirited nature, Judith’s memory can be honored in a way she would have truly loved: young gentlemen are encouraged to step out impeccably groomed in their most dapper attire, and young ladies to wear their favorite pink turtleneck paired with the perfect shade of lipstick. For added comfort, Birkenstocks are highly recommended, though entirely optional. There are no services at this time for Judith. Professional Services were entrusted to CORLESS-MATTER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, LLC. 1133 Church Street, Ambridge.

Richard Markuten (1927-2026)

Richard Markuten, 99, of Darlington, passed away peacefully on October 7th, 2026.

He was born in Beaver Falls on April 28th, 1927, a son of the late Joe and Ann (Leptach) Markuten.

Richard was a graduate of Beaver Falls High School, class of 1944, and attended Geneva College prior to enlisting in the United States Navy. He served on a destroyer in the Pacific during WWII. Following his military service, he returned to Geneva College studying mechanical engineering and later completed an auto-electric trade school in Los Angeles. He then joined his brother, Edward, to help his parents operate their popular restaurant, Joe’s Café in Beaver Falls. They continued to successfully grow the family business, later becoming the sole owner of Joe’s Cafe. Later, he also became the proprietor of the Penmark Hotel (formerly Penn Hotel), also in Beaver Falls.

He was a member of the VFW and American Legion as was an inventor with several patents, an avid fisherman and life-long Steelers fan. He cherished his dogs, annual fishing trips to Canada for over 70 years with family and friends and celebrated every Steeler victory.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Betty and an infant son; and a brother, Edward.

He is survived by his children, Rod, Jeff, Cheryl (Brad) Bosley, and Karen (Greg) Meisel; five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be a private family ceremony at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Gabauer Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services.

Memorial contributions in Richard’s honor may be directed to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

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

Lois I. Nadzam (Passed on October 7th, 2026)

Lois I. Nadzam, 77, of Center Township, passed away on October 7th, 2026, at Friendship Rehab & Health in Beaver.

She was raised in Center Township, graduated from Center Area High School in 1960 and continued her education at Community College of Beaver County.

Much of Lois” working life was spent in the grocery industry, where she served as a produce manager and took pride in doing her work well.

Lois was a woman who valued family. She was the daughter of the late John and Eleanor Nadzam. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings: Raymond Nadzam, Allan Nadzam, Lilyan Stevens, Leslie May, and Lenore Walaschek.

She is survived by her four brothers: John Nadzam, Norman Nadzam, Joel Nadzam, and Clinton Nadzam.

Those who knew Lois will remember her as a woman of quiet dignity and steadfast character.

All services for Lois will be private.

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