Author: Beaver County Radio

AAA: Gas Prices Fall in Pennsylvania; National Average Rises

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

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Gas prices are 13 cents lower in Western Pennsylvania this week at about $4.01 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report.

Gas prices are increasing again, as the situation between the U.S. and Iran is still uncertain.

The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is up by eight cents over the past week to $3.87 after it steadily dropped since late May.

Crude oil prices are now over $70 per barrel as volatility is lingering along the Strait of Hormuz.

Prices are still lower than they were in the spring, which was when the national average peaked at $4.56 on May 21st.

The national average for a gallon of regular gas is 21 cents less than a month ago and 72 cents more than a year ago.

The report states that the average price that you can expect for a gallon of regular unleaded gas here in Beaver County is about $4.27.

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

$3.802      Altoona
$4.274      Beaver
$4.083      Bradford
$3.877      Brookville
$4.195      Butler
$3.964      Clarion
$3.870      DuBois
$3.789      Erie
$3.852      Greensburg
$3.990      Indiana
$3.797      Jeannette
$4.182      Kittanning
$3.965      Latrobe
$3.992      Meadville
$3.967      Mercer
$4.151      New Castle
$4.216      New Kensington
$4.186      Oil City
$4.318      Pittsburgh
$3.543      Sharon
$4.347      Uniontown
$3.774      Warren
$4.181      Washington

Center Township Police Department hiring for positions

(Credit for Headline Photo and Photo Below: Photo Courtesy of the Center Township Police Department, Posted on Facebook on July 13th, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Center Township, PA) The Center Township Police Department is now hiring so people can join a staff that has a commitment of protecting both communities of Center and Potter Townships.

Benefits include paid training, growth for the career of the applicant and policing that is community oriented.

You can apply by either scanning the QR code in the picture below, going to the Center Township Police Department, or by calling its non-emergency number at 724-775-0880.

Suspect unknowingly steals money from Harmony woman at the Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh

(File Photo of the Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Pennsylvania State Police at the Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh reported today that an unidentified suspect unknowingly stole money from a woman from Harmony at that casino on July 12th at 1:55 a.m.

Kathleen Pandocchi reported to police that she left her voucher in a slot machine.

A suspect then inadvertently put a voucher into the machine before playing and cashing out Pandocchi’s money.

The suspect did not intend to commit a theft and they did not know that there was credit on the machine.

Pandocchi’s money was returned without incident as a result.

2026 Ambridge Greek Food Festival occurring this week

(File Photo of the Borough of Ambridge Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Ambridge, PA) The annual Ambridge Greek Food Festival will occur from July 14th-18th at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.

According to Connie Barlamas, who is co-chairing this year’s event with Alex Barlamas and Raina Kanakism, the five-day festival includes over 20 Greek main and side dishes and over 30 different types of desserts to enjoy, along with Greek music, beverages, dancing and fun for all ages.

The line for food will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. each day and orders can be placed online by clicking here.

Barlamas also noted that phone orders will be accepted if they are placed between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. by calling 724-266-5336.

Festival entertainment includes live music by a Greek band on July 17th and 18th, as well as a disc jockey playing Greek music on July 14th-16th, along with traditional performances of Greek dances on July 16th-18th.

New Sewickley Township Police Department hiring for the position of full-time police officer

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of the New Sewickley Township Police Department, Posted on Facebook on July 9th, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(New Sewickley Township, PA) The New Sewickley Township Police Department is hiring for the position of full-time police officer and the applications are due by August 31st at 3 p.m.

You can get your applications at that department’s office in Rochester or call 724-744-2473 to apply.

You need to be a U.S. citizen that is 21 years or older with a valid driver’s license with an Act 120 appointment at the time of application and pass all background, physical and psychological testing successfully.

The benefits include vacation that is paid, having every other weekend off and coverage for dental/health/vision.

The top rate for the patrolman position is $84,091.

Barbara Ann Shuler (1943-2026)

Barbara Ann Shuler, 83, of Beaver Falls, passed away on July 11, 2026, at her residence. She was born in Beaver Falls on February 9th, 1943, a daughter of the late Wayne and Mary Hutchison.

Barbara was a beacon of love and warmth, whose life’s work was her cherished role as a mother. Be it in caring for her family or tending to her flowers, she made her home a sanctuary. Her annual trips to Lake Erie were a testament to her love for nature and adventure. Her love for flowers was a reflection of her own spirit – vibrant, resilient and beautiful.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Donald A. Shuler, her son, Shawn Shuler, her three brothers, Dick, Marty, and Lonny Hutchison and her sister, Dolly Magliocca. She is survived by two sons, Mark Shuler, and Scott and Yvonne Shuler, her daughter, Michelle and Greg DiVitto, her brother, Jimmy Hutchison, her brother-in-law, Pete Magliocca, 10 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, July 17th from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. at the CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL SERVICES, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements, andwhere a service will be held on Saturday, July 18th at 3:30 P.M. with Pastor Dale Russo officiating.

Donald Blaine Martin, Sr. (1940-2026)

Donald Blaine Martin Sr., 85, a devoted husband, father and friend, died at home on July 8th, 2026, surrounded by his children. He was born on October 18th, 1940.

Donald built his life in Moon Township and will be remembered for his warmth, quiet strength, and devotion to God and family. He taught his family the value of patience, forgiveness, honesty, and the value of hard work. He served his country in the United States Army from 1958 to 1962 and was a proud American that served in the United States and France in USAEUR as part of the Corp of Engineers as a firefighter. He was a painting and wall-paper contractor in Moon Township and surrounding areas for 50+ years and loved his work. He and his wife, Patricia, were also devoted and proud members of the Church of God, a Worldwide Association since 1978. They loved to travel and spend time surrounded by family and friends.

He was a son of the late Norman L. and Mary M. (Fink) Martin. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his loving wife and best friend of 53 years, Patricia Mae (Erfley) Martin.

He is survived by his brothers: Norman, David, William and Edward; as well as two sisters, Pamela White and Virginia Burnette. He was preceded in death by his twin brother, Ronald and Jonathan and sister Mary. He is also survived by his loving children, Patricia (Donald) Knouse of Moon Township, Jacqueline (Marc) Carfi of Highland Falls, New York, Donald B. Martin Jr. (Heather) of Ambridge, Michael M. Martin (Della) of Hopewell, Mark L. (Taneka) Martin of Toronto, Ohio and Chad W. (Alie) Martin of Shaler. He is also survived by sixteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, and one on the way.

His memory will live on in the lessons he taught and the love he gave so freely.

Friends will be received on Wednesday July 15th from 2-4 P.M. & 6-8 P.M. in The Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Moon Township, 1522 Coraopolis Heights Road, Coraopolis, and where a funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 16th at 9 A.M. Committal and Military Honors will follow at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville.

Stanley Greene “Greenie” Willis, Sr. (1934-2026)

Stanley Greene “Greenie” Willis Sr., 91, of Beaver, formerly of Rochester, passed away on July 10th, 2026, at his home.

He was born in Rochester on August 22nd, 1934, a son of the late Charles Willis and Sally Alberts Willis McManima and the son of his step father, Paul McManima.

Stanley was a retired inspector with Conrail Railroad of Conway and formerly had worked for Eazor Trucking Company in Pittsburgh. He is a member of St. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church in Beaver, part of Our Lady of the Valley Parish, a member of the Fort McIntosh Club in Beaver, a Peacetime Army Veteran, as well as an avid golfer and pool player.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou (Didio) Willis, his sister, June Willis Eazor and one brother, Charles A. “Bucky” Willis. He is survived by one daughter, Tawny M. Willis, of Beaver, and one son and daughter-in-law, Stanley Greene Willis Jr. and Rita, of Seven Fields, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

There will be no viewing for Stanley. A private blessing service will be held Tuesday, July 14th at 2 p.m., in the Beaver Mausoleum Chapel, Buffalo Street, Beaver and interment will follow in Beaver Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to William Murphy Funeral Home Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorial contributions be made to Veterans Place of Washington Boulevard.

Susan J. “Granny” Summers (Passed on July 10th, 2026)

Susan J. “Granny” Summers, 80, a longtime resident of New Brighton and more recently of Chippewa, passed away on July 10th, 2026, at Edison Manor & Rehabilitation Center in New Castle.

She was born in New Brighton and lived a life marked by devotion to her family, her faith, and the many simple joys that brought her happiness.

Susan was a Christian and a faithful member of Marion Hill CMA Church in New Brighton, where her presence and spirit were appreciated by those who knew her. After completing her education, she went on to build a long and steady work life through her years of service and dedication. She worked for eight years as a receptionist at Rochester Manor, spent 17 years with Westinghouse, and later served for 17 years as a receptionist in the domestic relations office at the Beaver County Courthouse.

Family was at the center of her life. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Helen Thompson, her sister. Beverly Dobritz and Beverly’s husband, Pete, and her brother, John Thompson and his wife, Ruth. She is survived by her two daughters, Lisa Browning and Kimberly Hovanec, who will forever cherish her memory and the many lessons she passed on through her love and example.

She is also survived by three grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren: Faith Javens (Michael Javens) and their children, Gracelyn, Madison and Avalyn, Thomas Stillwell (Hannah Stillwell) and their children, Kelsey, and twins, Levi and Abby, and Amy Kesterson (Michael Kesterson) and their children, Brayden, Lincoln and Paitynn. She was blessed with numerous nieces and nephews. Her family brought her great joy, and she treasured every moment spent with them, especially the time she shared with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She loved playing dominoes, pinochle, Yahtzee, 500 Bid, adult coloring, and puzzles. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and truly loved every minute of it. She also loved to dance from the time she was a teenager, and that joy remained a part of her throughout her life. Her lively spirit and her appreciation for fun and fellowship were among the many things that made her so memorable.

Those who knew Susan will remember her as a devoted mother, ”Granny”, sister, aunt, and friend. Though she will be deeply missed, her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who loved her.

Friends will be received on Monday, July 13th from 4-7 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where services will be held on Tuesday, July 14th at 11 a.m. with her pastor, Pastor Tony Kurtz officiating.

Her family expresses gratitude to Gentiva Hospice and Edison Manor for the exceptional and compassionate care given to Susan.

State Representative Rob Matzie votes yes on 2026-2027 Pennsylvania state budget, citing sensible spending, support for schools, programs to make life more affordable for residents

(File Photo of State Representative Rob Matzie)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) State Rep. Rob Matzie cast a “yes” vote yesterday for Pennsylvania’s 2026-27 budget as it was passed in Harrisburg, saying that the plan invests taxpayer dollars sensibly without raising taxes.

Matzie released this statement:

“I voted for this budget because it spends responsibly, in ways that will strengthen our schools, support our workforce and continue funding programs that help working families – all without adding any new taxes or raising taxes. Education is top priority of the new plan, which delivers across-the-board increases to our local school districts.”

Matzie also highlighted the investments to make life more affordable for families, which he noted were key to his support for the new budget.

He continued:

“The new plan continues the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit, which puts money back in people’s pockets.”

Matzie also stated that other key features of the budget include increases for Medical Assistance, mental health programs, prescription drug assistance and other programs for seniors, as well as long-overdue cost-of-living increases to Beaver County’s retired teachers, police officers, firefighters and other public servants.

Matzie concluded:

“The budget we sent to the governor’s desk may not be perfect – no spending plan ever is – but it’s a commonsense plan that prioritizes real-life needs without adding new taxes or tapping into the state’s reserve funds. It keeps us on solid ground financially, keeps essential programs and services going, and invests in our students, our small businesses and our workforce. Those are smart calculations in my book.”