Author: Beaver County Radio

David Joseph Cronin (Passed on September 17th, 2026)

David Joseph Cronin, 66, of Beaver, passed away peacefully on September 17th, 2026. He lived a life marked by steadfast devotion to his family and friends and a lifelong passion for his craft.

He was a skilled and dedicated mechanic who built a career culminating over 30 years of proud service with United Airlines at Dulles International Airport in Virginia before his retirement. Beyond his work on ground equipment, he would often take pride in entertaining his co-workers and friends with extravagant shrimp and crab boils as well as deep-fried turkeys at Thanksgiving. In his free time, he enjoyed hobbies such as stamp collecting and jewelry making.

He was preceded in death with his beloved wife, Patricia (O’Brien) Cronin, his cherished daughter, Ashley Cronin, his parents, Dennis and Mary Ann (Stack) Cronin, his father and mother-in-law, Donald and Ellen O’Brien, his sister, Denise Thomas, his sister-in-law, Michelle (Primo) Cronin and his sister-in-law, MaryKay (O’Brien) Bartosh.

He is survived by his precious granddaughter, Laila Cronin, of Center Township, who was his absolute pride and joy, his loving family, including his brother-in-law, Walter Thomas, his brother, Dennis (Debra) Cronin, his sister, Kathy (Tim) Smith, his sister, Becky (Jim) Devey, his brother, Daniel Cronin, his sister-in-law, Maureen O’Brien, his brother-in-law, Don (Debbie) O’Brien, his sister-in-law, Mary Ellen (Mike) Watts, his sister-in-law, Colleen (Ed) Keller, as well as many extended family members and life-long friend David (Jessica) Burns.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 23rd from 9 A.M. until a time of a service at 11 a.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of his arrangements. The family of David requests that you honor his memory simply by extending an act of kindness to someone.

Stephen A. “Steve” Spagina, Sr. (1961-2026)

Stephen A. “Steve” Spagina, Sr., 65, of South Beaver Township, passed away on September 17th, 2026.

He was born in Beaver Falls on February 19th, 1961, a son of Mary Ann Irwin and the late Andras Spagina.

Stephen was retired from Carpenter’s Union Local #922, where he spent his career working with his hands and taking pride in his craft. He was a hardworking man who believed in doing things the right way; “good enough” was not in his vocabulary. He had a deep love for Pittsburgh Steelers, professional motocross, and could always find something to cheer for. He also had a lifelong passion for motorcycles, enjoying the freedom, adventure, and open road that came with riding. He and Alex designed and fabricated a sidecar so they could enjoy the outdoors together. His Hungarian heritage was an important part of who he was. He was incredibly proud of his Hungarian roots and carried that pride with him throughout his life. He was a stubborn Hungarian in the best sense—strong-willed, determined, unwilling to back down from what he believed and always genuine and true to himself. One of the greatest losses he carried with him was the passing of his father, Andras. He missed his father deeply, and his love for him remained a meaningful part of his life. The bond between them was something he carried in his heart. He will be remembered for his strong personality, his love of family and dedication to both sons, especially his dedication to Alex, his special needs son. His passion for motorcycles and the unmistakable way he lived life on his own terms.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by two sons, Stephen A. Spagina, Jr. and Alex E. Spagina, two brothers, Frank (Linda) Spagina and Andrew (Lena) Spagina, his sister, Margie Spagina Rowan, his granddaughter, Ellie, his nephew, Frank Spagina and his nieces, Heather and Olivia.

Friends and family will be received on Tuesday, September 22nd from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. in the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc., 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of his arrangements. An additional viewing will be held Wednesday, September 23rd from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. in the funeral home. Pastor Gary Hilton will officiate the service.

FOLLOWING THE 11 A.M. SERVICE, ANYONE THAT HAS A MOTORCYCLE IS ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE IN ONE LAST RIDE FROM THE FUNERAL HOME TO BEAVER FALLS TURNERS, WHERE GUESTS WILL BREAK BREAD AND CELEBRATE HIS LIFE.

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.

David Mehera (1948-2026)

David Mehera, 78, of Economy, passed away peacefully on September 17th, 2026.

He was born on August 23rd, 1948, a son of the late Flora and Peter Mehera. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Sam Mehera, his grandson, Dustin Mehera and his step-grandson, Darian Phillips.

David is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Jackie (Hettish) Mehera, his children, Denise (Dennis) Flood and Darin Mehera, his stepchildren, Ed (Kendra) Phillips, Tara Phillips and Dawn (Mike) Phillips, his granddaughters, Mackenzie (Brad) Johannsen and Marissa Flood, his step-grandchildren, Emma Phillips and Olivia Phillips and numerous extended family members and friends.

David worked as a caseworker for the Beaver County Assistance Office. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War as a member of the United States Air Force. He was also dedicated to his community and was involved with many organizations throughout the years. He ran the Beaver County Conservation League and served as an officer with the Aliquippa Elks. He was a member of the VFW in Hopewell, the Baden American Legion, the South Side Sportsman Club, the Ambridge Sportsman Club and was a hunter safety instructor.

David was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing and loved spending time in the great outdoors. He was also an excellent cook and took great pleasure in preparing meals for his family and friends. In his free time, he enjoyed watching the Pittsburgh Steelers and NASCAR, with Dale Earnhardt being his favorite driver. When he was younger, he also enjoyed racing cars himself.

He and Jackie shared a love of traveling, and one of their special traditions was traveling together to Germany to experience Oktoberfest. He cherished the memories they made together and the time spent with his family.

He will be remembered for his love of family, his service to his country and community, and the many interests and passions that brought him joy throughout his life. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A Memorial Visitation for David will be announced at a later date.

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

Christie Lee Holland (1982-2026)

Christie Lee Holland, 44, of Brighton Township, passed away unexpectedly on September 7th, 2026.

She was born in Brighton Township on July 8th, 1982, the daughter of Karin D. Karger and Charles W. Bender.

Christie was a self-employed animal caregiver who loved horses and all animals. She was also an avid motorcyclist.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her grandmother, Marcia L. Bender, her son, Cody James (Emily) McRae, her grandchild, Octavia McRae and her boyfriend, Don Cheetle.

She was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Dale E. Karger and Harry “Pooch” Bender and her grandmother, Catherine M. Karger.

There are no services at this time for Christie.

Professional arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, PA 15009. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ridge Point Family Church, 500 Dutch Ridge Rd., Beaver, PA 15009

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc.

Pirates All-Star pitcher Braxton Ashcraft will not pitch again this season because of arm fatigue

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Braxton Ashcraft delivers against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Tom E. Puskar)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Pirates All-Star right-hander Braxton Ashcraft will not pitch again this season because of right arm discomfort.

Ashcraft was placed on the 15-day injured list on September 10th with the hope he might be able to return during the season’s final week. He was examined last week by Texas Rangers physician Dr. Keith Meister and advised to begin preparing for 2027.

Ashcraft finished his first full big league season 14-6 with a 3.65 ERA in 28 starts.

“I was never concerned,” Ashcraft said Saturday. “Nobody ever had a concern about anything being structural or anything that was more than just general discomfort because of fatigue.”

CASE UPDATE: All Charges Held for Court Against Bucknell U. Strength Coach Charged in Connection to Death of Freshman Football Recruit

(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that all charges were held for court on Friday against a strength coach from Bucknell University regarding the death of a freshman football recruit that happened on July 12th, 2024.

Calvin “CJ” Dickey, Jr. of Florida, was on campus on July 10th, 2024, which was the first day of his freshman football practice.

He was directed to do extensive calisthenics, which put him in risk of death because of his Sickle Cell trait.

Prosecutors presented testimony on Friday that Mark Kulbis, who was Bucknell University’s strength and conditioning coach at the time, subjected Dickey to hazing, even after he was made aware of Dickey’s medical condition and received training from the university on the NCAA standards regarding hazing and Sickle Cell trait and state law.

After the hearing was over, a magisterial district judge ordered that charges of felony aggravated hazing and misdemeanor counts of involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment, and hazing would be bound over for county court.

The investigation into this incident showed that, before Dickey’s first-day practice on July 10th, 2024, Kulbis subjected Dickey, as well as other players, to 100 “up-downs” and several full-body plank drills, which are both considered extraneous calisthenic exercises. 

This was done in spite of training and direction from other coaches that such exercises were not appropriate or safe for use as part of training.

Dickey was treated at an area hospital.

However, Dickey died on July 12th, 2024.

An autopsy determined that Dickey’s death was caused by Kulbis subjecting him to the exercises in combination with Dickey’s body weight, exertional rhabdomyolysis and Sickle Cell trait.

Zbigniew “Zbig” Adam Lachowicz (1947-2026)

Zbigniew “Zbig” Adam Lachowicz, 79, of Hopewell Township, passed away unexpectedly on September 14th, 2026 in Heritage Valley Sewickley. He was born in Dinnington, England on August 6th, 1947, the son of the late Adam and Janina Lachowicz. A graduate from Colgate University. He was a retired Database Administer from Bessemer Lake Erie Railroad. Zbigniew was a longtime and active member of Ohio United Presbyterian Church in Aliquippa, where he was the property manager for many years. He was a wonderfully generous person, helping out anyone he could. He loved his family, he adored his wife, daughters and especially his granddaughters.  He enjoyed spending his free time reading and learning about history, which was a subject that he was deeply interested in. He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Cherryl Lachowicz, three daughters, Holly (William) DiCicco, Lisa (Kevin) Brown and Michele Burston, four granddaughters: Ava DiCicco, Emma DiCicco, Kendele Burston, and Ke’ana Burston; as well as his sister, Teresa (John) Bernaciak and numerous nieces and nephews.

In accordance with his wishes, all services are private.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Eleven people arrested in connection with two disturbance incidents at Aliquippa’s “Good to Go” restaurant

(File Photo of a City of Aliquippa Police Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Aliquippa, PA) The Aliquippa Police Department responded to two separate disturbances at the “Good To Go” restaurant over the weekend.

The incidents occurred at 2211 Sheffield Road.  

The first one happened at approximately 11:05 p.m. on Saturday, and then a second incident happened at approximately 2:05 a.m. yesterday.

Officers encountered groups of individuals during both incidents who were repeatedly instructed to leave the property and disperse because of them causing a disturbance, fighting and yelling.  

Some refused even after multiple warnings from officers.

A total of 11 people have been arrested in connection with these incidents.

Eight people, four from each incident, were taken into custody and were put in the Beaver County Jail.

Charges were filed as appropriate based on every individual’s conduct and involvement.

The charges included Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer, Disorderly Conduct, Failure of Disorderly Persons to Disperse Upon Official Order, Intimidation of a Police K-9, Public Drunkenness, Obstructing the Administration of Law and Resisting Arrest.

Not every individual was charged with each of the offenses that were listed above.

Community College of Beaver County receives $125,000 in state funds to support renovations at Monaca campus

(File Photo of the Community College of Beaver County Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Monaca, PA) State Representative Rob Matzie announced on Friday that the Community College of Beaver County will receive state funding of $125,000. 

This grant will support capital renovations at the CCBC Monaca campus and it will cover lease expenses for its extension operations over in Washington County. 

This funding originates from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, and it is part of a broader grant package of $25 million which is distributed among 14 community colleges across the state of Pennsylvania for capital projects and facility improvements. 

A portion of the funding that totals $50,000 is designated for capital improvements and building renovations to the radiology room at the Monaca campus of CCBC. 

The $75,000 that is left will provide lease support for the CCBC Washington County College Center that is located in Canonsburg to support the expanded regional operations of the college.

Owner of Fifth Avenue Taphouse in New Brighton arrested; charged with dealing drugs out of the restaurant

(File Photo of Handcuffs)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(New Brighton, PA) Police have charged the owner of the Fifth Avenue Taphouse in New Brighton with drug crimes after a drug raid occurred at the restaurant on September 4th. 

Police arrested Raed “Ron” Jaber on Friday morning and they charged him with dealing drugs out of his restaurant. 

This arrest comes after Beaver County Drug Task Force, New Brighton Police, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, State Police and the DEA raided the restaurant. 

Photos provided to WPXI show a traffic stop which was near the YMCA on Route 65 where Jaber was taken into custody. 

According to police, they found 12 individual bags of cocaine, suspected vials of illegal steroids, a scale, and $10,000 in cash in Jaber’s office at the restaurant. 

The restaurant is still open.  

However, Beaver County District Attorney Nate Bible stated that paperwork was started last week to have Fifth Avenue Taphouse shut down. 

Work on analyzing phone data will determine if anybody else will face charges in relation to this incident. 

Jaber is scheduled to undergo a hearing in October.