Author: Beaver County Radio

Keeping dogs on leashes among topics discussed during most recent Commissioners’ work session

(File Photo of the Beaver County Courthouse)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver, PA) Several topics were discussed during the Beaver County Commissioners’ work session today at the County Courthouse. The main topic was when Commissioner Manning addressed the problem of people walking their dogs without having them on a leash. Manning stated that he has received close to a dozen complaints over the last month about this issue happening at Brady’s Run Park because people are either jogging or walking through there and are being approached by dogs that are not on a leash. He made it very clear that “dogs are supposed to be on leash.” Treasurer Sandie Egley suggested asking the dog warden about this issue. The other complaint that Manning received was about speeders going through Brady’s Run. Solicitor Garen Fedeles told him that the Brighton Township Police “take a more aggressive approach as the weather gets warmer.” Commissioner Chairman Dan Camp also asked Dan Cole, Director of Public Works, about the possible placing of lights at the paved walking path at Brady’s Run along Route 51. An audience member from Brighton Township named Ed Gray mentioned this at the Commissioners’ work session last Wednesday about considering doing so because of their condition. Cole expressed that there are lights present, he has not serviced them yet, and “it sounds like something burned out.” Manning also mentioned that he participated in an Autism Walk yesterday at Brady’s Run and congratulated the Beaver County Bar Association in celebrating their 150th anniversary. In other business, Recreation and Tourism Director Tony Caltury mentioned a ribbon cutting for a story walk at the Brady’s Run loop this Saturday. The story was written by sixth graders from the county. Manning mentioned that the ribbon cutting is also the launch of Beaver County History weekend.

Penn State Master Gardeners hosting annual spring plant sale in Beaver

(File Photo of Wildflowers)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver, PA) The Penn State Master Gardeners will hold their annual spring plant sale in Beaver ahead of Mother’s Day and the start of the gardening season.

The sale is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., or until sold out, on May 9 at the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce office.

Organizers said a variety of plants will be available, including native perennials such as milkweed, monarda, purple coneflowers, black-eyed Susans and asters. Vegetable offerings include sweet and hot peppers, cauliflower, broccoli, squash and patio eggplant, along with herbs like dill, sage, basil and cilantro.

Master Gardeners will be on hand to help with plant selection and answer questions. Proceeds from the sale support gardening and community projects throughout the county.

Cash, checks and credit cards will be accepted.

Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 Train coming to Beaver County

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Beaver County Events on Facebook, Posted on Facebook on April 28th, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) The Union Pacific Big Boy 4014, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, is scheduled to visit Beaver County on July 11.

The train is expected in the Leetsdale, Pennsylvania area around 5:45 p.m. and in Beaver County by about 6 p.m.

Union Pacific Railroad said the locomotive is making a rare trip to the eastern United States, its first such tour since 1940.

The journey begins May 25 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, with a planned stop in Philadelphia for Independence Day. The train is then scheduled to reach Altoona on July 8 before arriving in the Pittsburgh region.

The locomotive is expected to depart Conway Yard at 9 a.m. July 12, before heading to Struthers, Ohio.

Two Ambridge companies file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

(File Photo of Water)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Ambridge, PA) Creekside Springs LLC, a bottled water supplier based in Ambridge, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection April 22 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. 

An affiliated Ambridge company, Creekside Real Estate LLC, also filed for Chapter 11 protection last week. 

According to court filings, both companies reported assets and liabilities ranging between $1,000,001 and $10 million. 

Court documents indicate a reorganization plan must be submitted by August 20. 

Aliquippa Cocaine Trafficker Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison

(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Troy Rivetti, U.S. attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania, announced that an Aliquippa man has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for drug trafficking.

Officials said 47-year-old Romaro Lanarie Foster Sr. was also sentenced to 10 years of supervised release after being convicted of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.

According to prosecutors, Foster was part of an interstate drug trafficking organization investigated between March and September 2022.

Authorities said a supplier in California mailed parcels containing kilogram quantities of cocaine to an Aliquippa residence. After law enforcement intercepted a shipment containing two kilograms of cocaine, the operation shifted.

Prosecutors said the supplier began sending packages to a co-defendant in West Virginia, who then transported the drugs to Foster in Aliquippa.

Investigators later learned Foster planned to travel to Georgia to obtain cocaine for distribution. In September 2022, law enforcement stopped Foster in South Carolina during his return trip to Pennsylvania and seized about four kilograms of cocaine from his vehicle.

Aliquippa Mock Crash Event Aims to Raise Awareness of Distracted and Impaired Driving Among Students

(File Photo of the Aliquippa School Board Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Aliquippa, PA) Aliquippa Senior High School will host a mock crash simulation on Friday, May 1, at approximately 9 a.m. on campus as part of an effort to raise awareness about distracted and impaired driving.

The demonstration will feature a staged crash scene involving local police, fire and EMS personnel. Students will observe how first responders assess the scene, provide medical care and manage the aftermath of a serious accident.

Patricia Ann (Fraser) Winkle (Passed on April 27th, 2026)

Patricia Ann (Fraser) Winkle, 82, of Industry, passed away on April 26th, 2026 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Rochester and was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She was a daughter of the late William and Mary Fraser and was also preceded in death by her son, William Winkle, her daughter, Mary Kay Winkle, her sister, Kay Yeager, and her brother, George Fraser. She is survived by her four children, Richard A. Winkle and his wife Cheryl, Tim Winkle and his wife, Valerie, Tom Winkle and his wife, Debbie, and Nikki Johnson and her husband, Phillip. She also leaves behind four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren who will carry forward her memory with love and gratitude.

Patricia was raised in Baden and attended Freedom Area Schools. She built her life with a strong sense of loyalty, resilience, and pride in her heritage. She was proud of her Scottish background, a part of her identity that she held close throughout her life. She worked in various places over the years, and in her later working years, she was employed as a cashier at the Monaca Walmart. Above all, she treasured her role as a grandmother and great-grandmother. She found joy in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she embraced every opportunity to be part of their world. Her family brought her great happiness, and her love for them was evident in the care, encouragement, and affection she shared so freely.  She loved watching afternoon soap operas and NCIS, and she found enjoyment in the steady company of the characters and stories she followed.

Friends will be received on Saturday, May 2nd from 2- 4 p.m. and 6 -8 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 Sunday, May 3rd at 2 p.m. with Pastor Randy Owens, officiating. Interment will take place on Monday, May 4th at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester.

In lieu of flower, the family has suggested memorial contributions be made, if desired in her memory to the Beaver County Cancer and Heart Association, 3582 Brodhead Road, Suite #201, Monaca, PA. 15061 or Children’s Hospital, Pittsburgh or St Jude Children’s Hospital.

Debra Jean Speerhas (1957-2026)

Debra Jean Speerhas, 69, of Midland, passed away surrounded by the love of her family after a courageous battle with cancer on April 27th, 2026. She was born in Rochester on January 10th, 1957, a daughter of the late Nathan and Jo Emma Elkins. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Ricky Elkins, Dale Elkins, and Darius Elkins and her sister, Brenda Elkins. She is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 40 years, Terry Speerhas, her loving children: Debbie Banfield, Ted Tesimillies Jr. (Whitney), Nathan Ours (Jeannie), Misty Cujas (Adam) and Heather Genung (Sean), her stepchildren, Terry Lee Speerhas; Sharon Speerhas and Annette Gooch (Ron), numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were the light of her life, and her sisters, Jannette Dishler, Judy Coe and Ranell Bambery (mark)

Debra was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a proud grandmother, and a true friend to many. She was a dedicated member of the Midland American Legion Auxiliary, where she found joy in serving her community and those around her. She had a deep love for music-one of the earliest memories her children carry is of her singing to them, filling their home with warmth and comfort. She especially loved karaoke and had a voice that could light up any room. Music wasn’t just something she enjoyed: it was something she shared, something that brought people together. Family meant everything to her. She shared an unbreakable bond with those she loved and cherished every moment spent making memories together. She was always there when someone needed her-offering strength, compassion, and unwavering support. She was also an animal lover, often rescuing those in need and giving them the same care and kindness she gave so freely to others. She was a woman of deep faith who believed in the power of prayer and in a love strong enough to move mountains. She fought her illness with incredible strength and courage, holding on for as long as she could. She was the best mom in the world to her children and her love will continue to live on in each of them, in every song, every memory, and every quiet moment where she is still felt.

Friends will be received on Friday, May 1st, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. in the Schwerha-Noll Funeral Home, 629 Midland Avenue, Midland, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where a funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 2nd at 11 a.m. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be shared in Debra’s name to the Midland American Legion, 800 Midland Avenue, Midland PA 15059.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Debra Jean Speerhas, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Shapiro Administration Invests More Than $267 Million to Reduce Air Pollution, Cut Energy Costs, Create Jobs, and Combat Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Communities Across Pennsylvania

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Commonwealth Media Services, Caption for Photo: Shapiro Administration Invests More Than $267 Million to Reduce Air Pollution, Cut Energy Costs, Create Jobs, and Combat Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Communities Across Pennsylvania)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Johnstown, PA) Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Jessica Shirley announced more than $267 million in funding for 31 manufacturing projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions across Pennsylvania. 

The announcement was made during a visit to Gautier Steel Holdings, where state officials were joined by local leaders, labor representatives and environmental advocates. 

Officials said the projects are expected to lower energy costs and cut emissions by more than 1.3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in their first year. The savings are projected to exceed $3.1 million annually for participating businesses. 

State officials said the emissions reduction is roughly equivalent to removing more than 320,000 cars from the road for a year. 

PennDOT Reports Decline in Fatal Crashes and Traffic Deaths in 2025, Reaching Lowest Level on Record

(File Photo of the PennDOT Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) PennDOT said traffic deaths in the state fell to a record low in 2025.  

Officials reported 1,047 fatalities, the lowest number since record-keeping began in 1928 and 80 fewer than in 2024. There were 979 fatal crashes, also a record low, compared to 1,060 the previous year. 

PennDOT said there were 109,515 total reportable crashes in 2025, the second-lowest total on record behind 2020, when traffic volumes declined during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The agency said it invested more than $70 million in federal grant funding for behavioral safety programs aimed at reducing fatalities and serious injuries.