Author: Beaver County Radio

Coraopolis woman cited after single-vehicle crash in Raccoon Township

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Beaver reported today that forty-seven-year-old Carmen Hernandez of Coraopolis was cited after a single-vehicle crash occurred in Beaver County on August 12th.

This happened in the area of Fishpot Road in Raccoon Township at 11:44 a.m.

Hernandez’s vehicle left the road before hitting an embankment and overturning on its side. 

There were no reported injuries. 

Firearm found in Beaver County by state police

(File Photo of a Police Siren Light)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Beaver reported today that a firearm was found or surrendered in Beaver County.

This occurred on Thursday at 3:02 p.m. in Greene Township.

The gun was a Smith & Wesson 9 mm and it was discovered along 3036 US Route 30.  

Man wanted in Maryland arrested in Brighton Township; arrest prior to requisition

(File Photo of Handcuffs)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Brighton Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Beaver reported today that an arrest prior to requisition occurred in Brighton Township on Saturday.

Sixty-five-year-old Russell Patrick Ashford was arrested along the 3000 block of Tuscarawas Road at 10:20 a.m.

According to state police, they encountered Ashford during a traffic stop and determined that he was wanted by authorities in the state of Maryland.

Ashford was subsequently charged with arrest prior to requisition and he was put in the Beaver County Jail pending extradition proceedings. 

License plate stolen in South Heights Borough; investigation ongoing

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Beaver reported today that are investigating the theft of a license plate in Beaver County.

This occurred on Thursday at approximately 6:22 a.m. along 4051 Jordan Street in South Heights Borough.

Police confirmed that a 2018 Chevrolet was involved and a Honda vehicle had the license plate taken from it.

The license plate was worth $16.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing.   

Freedom Area School District receives fourth bomb threat in just over two weeks

(File Photo of the Freedom Area School District Administration Office)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Freedom, PA) The Freedom Area School District is evacuating students because of a fourth bomb threat since August 31st. 

The fourth one occurred this morning.  

A notice to families of the district stated at this time that there was another “emailed bomb threat for all schools.” The high school principal was emailed a threat specifically to that building in the previous three instances.

The first threat occurred on August 31st and the next two were on two straight days, September 8th and September 9th.

According to the Freedom Area School District, all schools are evacuating to satellite locations.

Students will walk to the satellite locations with the staff and the teachers.

Parents are told not to come to the satellite locations or the campus, as students are not being dismissed currently and police are blocking the roads so students can evacuate safely. 

The district also confirmed that there has “been no event outside of the emailed threat.”

There were no reported injuries. 

PUC Study Warns Rapid Data Center Growth Could Pose Serious Risks to Electric Reliability

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) released an independent analysis warning today that rapidly growing electricity demand which is driven largely by data center development could create serious reliability risks across Pennsylvania and the broader region unless electricity supply keeps pace with that growth.

This analysis was conducted by Synapse Energy Economics and it examined whether sufficient electric resources will be available to reliably serve customers as demand grows and existing generation retires.

Synapse Energy Economics is an energy consulting firm that is nationally recognized.

This study found that based on the current load forecast from regional power grid operator PJM and assuming no additional policy actions, the regional grid fails to meet PJM’s reliability planning standard from the years of 2027 through 2030.

By 2030, the modeled reliability risk is almost six times worse than PJM’s planning standard.

Thomas Buksa (1946-2026)

Thomas Buksa, 80, of Darlington, passed away on September 4th, 2026.

He was born in Pittsburgh on August 5th, 1946, the son of the late George and Sarah Buksa.

In accordance with Thomas’ family’s wishes, all services were private.

Professional services and arrangements were entrusted to the CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL SERVICES, LLC 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls.

You can leave your memories and upload photos of Thomas on his memorial page by clicking here.

Rick J. Hinzman (1960-2026)

Rick J. Hinzman, 66, of Chippewa Township, passed away at his home on September 8th, 2026.

He was born in New Brighton on March 16th, 1960, a son of the late Matthew Hinzman and Elizabeth Hinzman Yova.

Rick was a hardworking man who truly enjoyed working and took great pride in what he did. He was employed by Ellwood City Forge for 13 years, where he formed many lasting friendships with his coworkers. He was also an avid sports fan, and he especially loved his Pittsburgh sports teams.

He is survived by his siblings, Joyce (Don) McCutcheon of Beaver Falls and their children, Bruce Campbell Jr. and Nicole (Anthony) Pieri and their children, Kayli and Tony and Chuck (Joy) Hinzman of Florida and their children, Haley and Mia and his grandchildren, Luke, Jaxson and Zane, as well as his lifelong friends, Paul and Michelle Avery.

In accordance with Rick’s wishes, all services will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Rick’s name to the Beaver County Humane Society. Donations may be made online, https://beavercountyhumanesociety.org/online-donation/or by mailing a check to Beaver County Humane Society ATTN Development Office, 3394 Brodhead Road Center Township, PA 15001.

Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, was honored to care for Rick and his family during this difficult time and was the funeral home that was in charge of his arrangements.

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

Betty J. Jenkins (1929-2026)

Betty J. Jenkins, 97, of Brighton Township, passed away on September 10th, 2026, at Providence Health and Rehabilatation in Beaver Falls.

She was born in Coraopolis on August 18th, 1929, a daughter of the late Norman and Jessica Gamble Connell.

She is survived by her husband of 74 years, L. James Jenkins Sr., as well as numerous immediate and extended family members.

There are no services at this time for Betty.

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

Inurnment will take place at the Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be shared in Betty’s name to Hope Lutheran Church, 45 Maple Drive, Beaver, PA 15009.

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.

Mark W. Graham (1953-2026)

Mark W. Graham, 72, of Daugherty Township, passed away on September 12th, 2026 at UPMC Shadyside.

He was born in Sewickley on October 16th, 1953, a son of the late James W. and Phyllis (Teets) Graham.

Mark was a devoted railroad employee who proudly dedicated 37 years of his life to the Bridge and Building Department, working for both Conrail and Norfolk Southern. Throughout his long career, he was known for his strong work ethic, dedication, and pride in the work he did. Outside of work, he enjoyed the simple things that brought him happiness. He loved attending car cruises, admiring the cars and enjoying the fellowship of others who shared his passion. He also had a deep love for the outdoors. Camping gave him the opportunity to relax, enjoy nature, and make lasting memories with family and friends.

Mark is survived by his loving wife, Elaine Proakis, a daughter, Lindsay, his brother, Phillip (Sue) Graham, two sisters, Phyllis (Lisa) Graham, Karen Lecerf and his nieces and nephews.

In accordance with Mark’s wishes, there will be no services.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc., 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.