America250 PA among topics discussed at most recent Commissioners’ work session

(File Photo of the Beaver County Courthouse)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver, PA) Several topics were discussed at the Beaver County Commissioners’ work session this morning at 10 a.m. at the Beaver County Courthouse in Beaver. The Department Head Report of the session started with Beaver County Recreation and Tourism Director Tony Caltury letting the audience of the session know about some upcoming events in Beaver County. The biggest one was for America250PA, which celebrates the 250th birthday of the founding of the United States of America in Pennsylvania. Caltury stated that the rally kickoff for America250PA is from 4:15 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the public meeting room of the Beaver County Courthouse on Sunday, January 25th with light refreshments. Caltury also noted that the painted Liberty Bell for Beaver County  for this event is in the possession of its artist will be delivered and completed by the end of this month. That program is something that the state of Pennsylvania is doing to visit all its counties starting on Friday, January 16th. Another event that Caltury mentioned that is coming up that is being held in Beaver County was The January Ice Jam, which is a free event that will be at the Ramada by Wyndham Hotel in Beaver Falls to support the Bluegrass Relief Fund. The performances from 29 different bluegrass bands start on Friday, January 16th at 7 p.m., with the music continuing that night until 10 p.m. and on Saturday, January 17th the music begins again at noon and continues until 10 p.m. Caltury also stated that options are being looked at for the pool in Old Economy Park and he expressed that “at the end of last year, we received a contract for 2026 with the YMCA, but before we move on,” he considered options like a bid for a new liner for the pool because the liner of that pool is “no longer viable,” Caltury will present the Commissioners with other options for the pool as well. In other business, during the Solicitors’ report of the session, Beaver County Solicitor Garen Fedeles also stated that the Commissioners and the heads of their departments are currently working to try to get some boxes over to St. Barnabas. Beaver County Commissioner Jack Manning also noted that Beaver County was a fairly major contributor of some projects like the Frontier Group’s $3.2 billion gas fire plant, which was “the restart of Bruce Mansfield,” as well as the advance switch gear plant of Mitsubishi that is going up, which is an investment of $86 million. Manning also praised the deal that Vistra recently made with Meta so they can purchasing 433 megawatts of incremental nuclear energy and capacity from equipment upgrades to increase uprates (also known as generation output) at the Beaver Valley Power Station in Shippingport and described it as “huge” for Beaver County.

Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute: Allegheny Valley to Host Saturday Cancer Screening Clinic on February 7th, 2026

(File Photo of the Allegheny Health Network Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Natrona Heights, PA) The Allegheny Helath Network (AHN) Cancer Institute will host its cancer screening clinic that is held monthly on February 7th, 2026 at AHN Cancer Institute, Allegheny Valley in Natrona Heights, Pennsylvania. This vital clinic will provide accessible cancer screenings for both AHN and non-AHN patients. Patients with or without insurance are strongly encouraged to attend and those that are interested in attending must make an appointment by calling 412-359-6665. According to a release in Natrona Heights today from Allegheny Health Network, the available screenings include:

  • Breast cancer (ages 40-74)
  • Cervical cancer (ages 21-65)
  • Colorectal cancer (ages 45-75)
  • Head and neck cancers (ages 18+)
  • Lung cancer (ages 50-80 with a history of cigarette smoking)
  • Prostate cancer (ages 45-75)
  • Skin cancer (ages 18+)

Artist Noele Dattilo Reynolds having a solo photography show at the Cranberry Township Municipal Center this month

(Photo Courtesy of Cranberry Artists Network, Posted on Facebook on January 13th, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Cranberry Township, PA) Artist Noele Dattilo Reynolds is having a solo photography show, which will be at the Cranberry Township Municipal Center in the Cranberry Artists Network Art Gallery and it will run through until the end of January during Cranberry Township building hours. Reynolds is the president of Cranberry Artists Network and is a founding member of that group and her show is focused on her photos that are black and white and her fascination with it after her recent trip to Italy.

Court orders advance lawsuit from animal rights group against the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium over elephant confinement

(Photo Courtesy of WPXI/WPXI)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) A lawsuit from an animal rights group against the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium is now moving forward. The Nonhuman Rights Project (NhRP) submitted a habeas corpus petition in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas for the release of five female African elephants in October of 2025. NhRP alleges harm to the elephant by zoo practices, including restraint, early separation of mothers and calves and disruption of bonded groups. Common Pleas Judge Mary C. McGinley issued a habeas corpus order on the elephants’ behalf yesterday. The Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium has claimed that with accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, its elephants are thriving under the highest standards of care.  McGinley also set a hearing for January 28th, 2026 on the motion of the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium to dismiss the petition from the NhRP, and if the motion is denied, the zoo would need to justify the confinement of the elephants at a full hearing on March 2nd, 2026. According to the NhRP, this is the first habeas corpus order for “nonhuman animals” in Pennsylvania history, and the third in U.S. history.

Interstate 79 Cable Barrier Repair Work Saturday Morning in Allegheny County

(File Photo of Road Work Ahead Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) PennDOT District 11 announced that on the morning of Saturday, January 17th, weather permitting, cable barrier repair work requiring a single-lane restriction on northbound Interstate 79 in Robinson and Kennedy townships, Allegheny County will occur. From 6 A.M. to 11 A.M. on Saturday morning, a single-lane restriction will occur on northbound I-79 approximately one-half mile north of the Route 60 Crafton/Moon Run (Exit 60) interchange to allow crews to repair cable barrier there.

Jean Madeline (DiMarco) DeChellis (1927-2026)

Jean Madeline (DiMarco) DeChellis, 98, formerly of West Aliquippa and Monaca, passed away peacefully on January 10th, 2026, with her beloved family by her side. She was born on August 12th, 1927, a daughter of the late John and Mary (Mancini) DiMarco. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 62 years, Guido DeChellis, her dear sisters, Pearl DiMarco and Theresa Marchionda and her son-in-law, William Fox. She is survived by her loving children: Laureen Fox, Joe (Anna) DeChellis, Mark (Sonia) DeChellis, and Kevin DeChellis, her cherished grandchildren: Jason, Ryan (Nicole), Tyler, Kara (Steve), Lauren, Dante, Allison (Aaron), Joey, Lindsey, and Evan (Kelly); as well as her great-grandchildren: Cameron, Carter, Cole, Luca, Leah, Payton, Joseph, and Phoenix; as well as her uncle, Carmen (Sara) Mancini, and many loving nieces and nephews who will miss her warmth and wisdom.
Jean built a life rich in love, laughter, and cherished memories. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She had a fondness for puzzles, delighting in the challenges that kept her mind sharp and engaged. She enjoyed technology and the use of her computer where she spent hours playing games, always eager to try something new and connect with friends and family online. Music filled her home and heart. She was drawn to the timeless melodies of classical compositions and the nostalgia of old Hollywood movies, often reminiscing about her favorite scenes and stars. Bingo nights were a highlight for Jean, whether at community gatherings or with loved ones, her excitement contagious as she waited for her lucky numbers to be called.
Jean’s family invites all who knew her to remember her for her kindness, her spirited love of games and music, and the joy she brought into every room. Her lively spirit and tender heart will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Jefferson Hills Rehabilitation for the compassionate care and support they provided to Jean. They also wish to honor and thank her kind and caring roommate, Nancy, for being there and offering unwavering friendship and comfort throughout Jean’s stay.In accordance with Jean’s request, there will not be any public visitation. Family and friends are welcome to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, January 16th, at 12 noon in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 1409 Pennsylvania Avenue, Monaca. Entombment will follow at Sylvania Hills Cemetery, 273 PA 68, Rochester.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the ANTHONY MASTROFRANCESCO FUNERAL HOME INC, 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.

Pittsburgh City Council looking to address concerns about short-term rentals

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – This April 2, 2021, file photo shows bridges spanning the Allegheny River in downtown Pittsburgh. Republicans in Congress are making the politically brazen bet that it’s more advantageous to oppose President Joe Biden’s ambitious rebuild America agenda than to lend support for the costly $2.3 trillion undertaking for roads, bridges and other infrastructure investments. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Pittsburgh City Council is now looking to address concerns about short-term rentals. The idea is to prevent neighborhoods in the city from being overrun by short-term rentals and to make sure they are operating safely and not being a nuisance to city residents. The proposed bills were introduced by Councilperson Deb Gross yesterday, which she also introduced last year. The proposed bills would require a license to run a short-term rental, put limits on what they can be used for, and limit how many people can be in a building

Sean Patrick Walsh (1954-2026)

Sean Patrick Walsh, 71, of Moon Township, passed aeway unexpectedly on January 11th, 2026 in his home. He was born in McKees Rocks on March 21st, 1954, a son of the late John & Mary Joan (Yaggi) Walsh. She is survived by his wife of 44 years, Carol Annette (Zyroll) Walsh, three daughters, Lauren Walsh of Moon Township, Tara Zimmerman (Gary) of Moon Township and Lyndsey Ruckert (Douglas) of Moon Towsnhip, seven grandchildren: Gianna, Gabriella, Owen, Kendall, Sophia, Kylee & Rylee, a brother, Tim Walsh (Peggy) and late brother, Mark Walsh (Kathy), a brother-in-law, Sam Zyroll (Pattie) and Rich Zyroll (Rose).

Sean grew up in McKees Rocks and was proud of it. He received a full scholarship for caddying to Robert Morris University and graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance and Accounting. He excelled in his career at Bayer Material Science and Covestro where he managed planning and supply chain for production plants around the world. He was diagnosed with lymphoma in 1981; he beat it and remained cancer-free ever since. He loved his family and friends very much and was an enthusiastic member of his bowling and golfing leagues. He always had to stay busy and was a very hard worker, you could always find him tackling a home improvement project at his house or his daughters. He was a great husband, dad, and pap and was so loved and adored by his daughters and grandkids.

Friends will be received on Thursday, January 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, who was in charge of his arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 16th at 10 A.M. in St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 1 Parish Place, Coraopolis. Everyone please meet at the church. Committal will follow at Holy Souls Catholic Cemetery, 4772 Campbells Run Road, Pittsburgh.

In lieu of flowers please send donations in his memory to: Lymphoma Research Foundation and March of Dimes – UPMC Magee NICU

Kevin Lamont Allen (1964-2026)

Kevin Lamont Allen, 61, of Beaver Falls, passed away on January 13th, 2026 at UPMC Shadyside Hospital in Pittsburgh. He was born in Beaver Falls on December 9th, 1964, a son of Wilma Allen and the late Capers Allen, Jr.His resilient spirit and funny nature will be remembered by his beloved mother, Wilma Allen; his wife, Felicia Allen; seven children, Frances Allen, Emily Murray, Stephanie Murray, Dashaun Wesley, Kevin Holford, Taylor Allen, and Ashley Allen; his siblings, Darryl Allen, Todd Allen and his wife, Loni, Christopher Allen and his wife, Jenn, Caprice Allen, and Crystal Allen; sister-in-law, Ayshah Price-Wilson and her husband, Robert; two uncles, William Martin and Robert Martin; ex-wife, Pam Murray; and a host of nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.

Kevin was a man of humor, strength, and profound love for his family. His resilience, often expressed through his infectious laughter, was an inspiration to those who knew him. Kevin’s life was made richer by the simple pleasures he found in his hobbies, whether he was marveling at the wonders of his fish tank, coaching a basketball game, or adding to his prized collection of sports memorabilia. Kevin’s dedication extended beyond his personal passions to his professional life as a truck driver. He was not just a man behind the wheel, but a vital link in the chain that connects us all, a role he took on with pride and responsibility. His love for his work was surpassed only by his love for his family. Kevin deeply cherished his role as a grandfather, and his love for his grandchildren was evident in his every action. Kevin had an unmatched ability to find joy in the smallest things, and his laughter will echo in our hearts forever. His life was a testament to the fact that even in moments of separation and hardship, love and humor can thrive. He was a beacon of resilience, a source of laughter, and a pillar of his family. Kevin’s life was a celebration of the things that truly matter – love, laughter, and family. Friends will be received on Friday, January 23rd from 4 P.M. until the time of service at 6 P.M. at CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL SERVICES, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements and where full military honors will be held. The family would like to thank Providence Health and Rehab, Heritage Valley Beaver, UPMC Passavant, and UPMC Shadyside, as well as Kevin’s many other doctors and caregivers for their exceptional care. In honor of Kevin, we encourage friends and family to share their memories, stories, and photos on his memorial page by clicking here. His life was a tapestry of vibrant moments and cherished relationships, and your shared experiences will help keep his spirit alive.

Marjorie L. Anderson (1924-2026)

Marjorie L. Anderson, 101, a life-long resident of Bridgewater, passed away peacefully on January 7th, 2026, at Rochester Manor & Villa. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 69 years, William C. “Bill” Anderson, her brother, Wesley (Carol) Winkle and her brother-in-law, Pete (Ruth) Anderson.

She is survived by two sons, William C. (Louise) Anderson Jr. of Kent, Ohio and Dave M. (Toni) Anderson of Beaver, six grandchildren: Julie Anderson (Michael) Belling of Keego Harbor, Michigan, Wendy Anderson Johnson of Shalersville, Ohio, Michael (Chrissy) Anderson of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Corey (Monica) Anderson of Pittsburgh, Alex Anderson of Beaver and Lacey (Andrew) Mincher of Canfield, Ohio; as well as five great-grandchildren: Ryan (Alyssa) Anderson, Jenna Belling, Cassie Anderson and Lonna and Eden Anderson.

Marjorie loved her family dearly and enjoyed spending time with them on holidays, birthdays, vacations and many other special occasions. She especially enjoyed spending time at their cabin in Tionesta, PA and watching the Steelers. Margie led a full life enjoying many vacation trips to Myrtle Beach and other East coast locations. She retired from William P. Pollock company in Beaver, following 30 faithful years and was a life-long member of the Bridgewater United Methodist Church. She also volunteered her time as a member of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Bridgewater Volunteer Fire Department.

Friends will be received on Saturday, January 24th, from 10 A.M. until the time of memorial service at 1 P.M. in the GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 340 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of her arrangements. Her former pastor Harriet Hutton will officiate the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her name can be made to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.