Author: Beaver County Radio

Pennsylvania Capitol Police Department Now Hiring for January 2027 Recruit Program

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) Pennsylvania Capitol Police Department (CPD) Superintendent Joe Jacob announced today that individuals interested in a law enforcement career who have not yet obtained their Act 120 certification, which is Pennsylvania’s required credential for municipal police officers, may now apply for the January 2027 Capitol Police Recruit Program.

Applications will be accepted through August 14th, 2026 for this program, which covers the full cost for candidates that are qualified to attend the six-month Act 120 certification police academy through Harrisburg Area Community College while earning benefits and a full-time salary.

Recruits are full-time employees of the state of Pennsylvania throughout their time at the academy.

After graduation, recruits need to complete a comprehensive field training program before they become sworn Pennsylvania Capitol Police officers.

According to a release from the Pennsylvania Department of General Services, key requirements for applicants include:

  • Being at least 21 years of age on or before completion of the academy
  • Possessing a valid driver’s license
  • Successfully passing a physical fitness/agility test
  • Successfully completing a background investigation
  • Successfully completing a psychological evaluation

You can apply for the January 2027 Capitol Police Recruit Program and get more information by going to the Pennsylvania Capitol Police website by clicking here.

J. Kim December (1953-2026)

J Kim December, 73, a lifelong resident of New Brighton, passed away on July 27th, 2026. He was born in New Brighton on February 13th, 1953.

J. Kim was a Cement Mason with the OPCMIA Local 526 for fifty years, as well as a member of the NRA. He was a former member of the OakHill Vets and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He was an avid boater, exotic car enthusiast, hunter, and sportsman. He would spend all summer on the boat soaking up the rays. He had a love of shooting and shared his passion with others. He would spend hours reading and watching documentaries, shows, educational, and sporting networks on TV.

He is survived by his wife of forty-six years, Mary Ann (Lagdan) December, two brothers and sisters-in-law, Kip and Debbie Andreas of Wexford and Kerry and Debra Stewart of Virginia, as well as two brothers-in-law, James Abrams of West Virginia and John Lagdan of Philadelphia, a dearest family member, Sherry Shaffer, multiple extended family members: Julie Shaffer (Robert), Ed and Amy Smartnick, Kerry and Bobbi Jo Stogsdill and his beloved pets, Teddy and Brody.

The family of J. Kim wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to his doctors, medical team and the passionate and skilled nurses of the CCU of AHN / Heritage Valley Beaver, who cared for him, and they say are indeed special with a talent only few possess.

J. Kim’s wishes were to be cremated with no services. Arrangements have been entrusted to the William Murphy Funeral Home Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester.

The family wishes in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the NRA, Tunnels to Towers, or the Wounded Warriors Foundation.

Interactive solar power system switches on in Beaver Falls

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published July 29, 2026 1:15 P.M.

(Beaver Falls, Pa) A new interactive solar power system was unveiled Wednesday morning in Beaver Falls. The switch was flipped to turn on the system shortly after 11am at Neighborhood Hood Museum of Play.

The total installation features a ground mounted solar array, a battery bank and power inverter, solar exhibits, and a solar powered van to use as a mobile classroom, which will expand access to other communities.

Solar powered mobile classroom

The purpose of the system is to let kids experience solar power at an interactive level, offering learning opportunities in the field of solar energy.

When Neighborhood North eventually moves to their future long term location at the old News-Tribune building, they plan to further expand the system on a larger scale.

The flipping of the switch

The installation is the first Rural Innovation through Solar Empowerment (RISE) project in Beaver County. The RISE partnership was brought together by nonprofits RiverWise and the Pennsylvania Solar Center.

Representatives of Neighborhood North and RiverWise spoke at the event along with Beaver Falls Mayor Kenya Johns highlighting the significance of having such a system available for our local youth.

Beaver Falls Mayor Kenya Johns addresses the crowd

The two-year project was awarded through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energizing Rural Communities Prize and funded by the Environmental Mitigation Community Fund.

Martha A. Valo (1938-2026)

Martha A. Valo, 88, of The Villages, Florida, formerly of Aliquippa and New Jersey, passed away peacefully on July 25th, 2026.
She was born on April 6th, 1938, the daughter of the late George and Susan (Pollak) Valo. In addition to her parents, she was preceded by her beloved husband John “Jack” Dempsey and her sister-in-law, Edith Valo. She is survived by her brother, Albert Valo; nieces, Mary Ann (Jim) Gillooly and Joanne (John) Katekovich; nephew, Albert Valo; great-niece, Rachel Katekovich; and numerous relatives in Switzerland and Slovakia.
Martha was a graduate of Carlow College and continued her education at the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned her master’s degree and became a registered dietitian. She devoted her professional life to caring for others through nutrition and service, serving as the head of the dietary department at Jefferson Memorial Hospital. She and her husband made their home in New Jersey 30 years before relocating to Florida. She especially enjoyed spending time at the beach with her family during vacations, creating cherished memories with those she loved. Martha will be remembered for her dedication to her work, her thoughtful care for those around her, and the many ways she enriched the lives of family, friends, colleagues, and patients.
A private blessing service was held at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Aliquippa, where Martha was laid to rest with her husband.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Martha A. Valo, please visit the Sympathy Store of the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Donna F. Mihalko (Passed on July 26th, 2026)

Donna F. Mihalko, 78, of Beaver Falls passed away on July 26th, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. She was born in the coal mining community of Coalport, Pennsylvania, in Clearfield County.

Donna was the daughter of the late John and Marcella Opina. She grew up in a household where cleanliness and hard work were emphasized, values that remained with her throughout her life. Her family maintained a garden and preserved much of what they grew through canning, a way of life that taught her the importance of self-reliance, care, and making the most of what one had.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Michael Mihalko, who passed away in 2018. Her family was always at the center of her world, and she took great pride in the people she loved and the life she helped build with them.

She is survived by her two sons, Michael Mihalko and Robert Mihalko, three grandchildren, Zane, Forristt, and Taylor, as well as four great-grandchildren, Charlotte, twins Sam and Liam, and Graham, her brother, Thomas Opina, and her niece, Eva.

For more than 30 years, Donna worked as a waitress, first at the Beaver Falls Eat ’n Park Restaurant and later at the Center Township Eat ’n Park. Over the course of her long career, she served countless customers and formed many lasting connections.

She enjoyed simple pleasures that brought her happiness, especially playing cards and going to the casinos. These pastimes gave her opportunities to relax, enjoy good company, and share in the excitement of the moment.

The family had a private family gathering for Donna.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

Those wishing to make a memorial in Donna’s memory are asked to please consider the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa PA 15001.

Aliquippa Police asking for video footage of recent incident at Wawro’s Bar involving some people in large crowd acting disorderly

(File Photo of the City of Aliquippa Police Department)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Aliquippa, PA) The Aliquippa Police Department is asking anybody that has independent phone or other source video footage of an incident that recently occurred at Warwo’s Bar and is willing to share it with them to contact them at 724-378-8000.  

Police were dispatched to Warwo’s Bar at approximately 1:22 a.m. on Sunday for reports of fights occurring outside. 

When officers arrived, they saw a very large crowd gathered in the Warwo’s Bar parking lot, the parking lot of Towne Towers, along Franklin Avenue, which included people in the road, and on some surrounding sidewalks.  

Most of the crowd complied with the commands of officers to disperse and left without further incident.  

However, a small group of the crowd was still being disorderly by creating unnecessary disturbances and refusing the repeated instructions of officers before eventually complying with them.  

The incident was brought safely under control. 

Aliquippa Police received multiple requests to file criminal charges relating to this incident, and they have a commitment to conducting a thorough and impartial investigation on it.  

Police will continue to review the evidence that is available because some of the information that was provided has been inconsistent. 

More video footage will help police to ensure that the facts about this incident are accurately established and that any charges filed are appropriate and directed at the right people. 

Pittsburgh Zoo receives over 1,000 name submissions for newborn lion cub; here is when it will be revealed

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, Posted on Facebook on June 4th, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium received over 1,000 name submissions for its newborn female African lion cub.

She was the first cub who was born on April 5th to parents Scarlett and Hondo.

The official name reveal is scheduled for August 10th, which is ironically World Lion Day.

The cub is expected to make her public debut in late summer.

The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium also received over $5,000 in donations along with the name suggestions, and these donations will go toward supporting the lions at the zoo, along with additional animal care and conservation efforts.

Pirates recall Jhostynxon Garcia, Hunter Barco, and Noah Murdock; option Tyler Callihan, Isaac Matson and Brandon Eisert to minors

(Credit for Photo: Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia talks to the media before workouts, Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, at Pirate City in Bradenton, Fla. (Matt Freed, Post-Gazette)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The Pittsburgh Pirates made several roster moves before today’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at PNC Park.

The Pirates recalled three players from Triple-A Indianapolis, pitchers in right-hander Noah Murdock and left-hander Hunter Barco, as well as outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia. 

The Pirates also made three corresponding moves to make room on the 26-man roster, optioning pitchers in left-hander Brandon Eisert and right-hander Isaac Mattson and utility player Tyler Callihan to Triple-A Indianapolis.

Route 3034 Century Farm Road Culvert Replacement Begins Monday in Hanover Township

(File Photo: Caption for Photo: PennDOT, PSP, PTC, Construction Industry Highlight National Work Zone Awareness Week)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) PennDOT District 11 is announcing culvert replacement work on Century Farm Road (Route 3034) in Hanover Township will begin on Monday, August 3rd, weather permitting.

Century Farm Road will close to traffic at approximately 7 a.m. that day around-the-clock through early November between Graff Drive and Lincoln Highway (Route 30) to accommodate culvert replacement work conducted by crews from Allison Park Contractors.

Traffic will be detoured, and according to a release from PennDOT District 11, here is the detour for this work.

Posted Detour

East of the closure

  • Head north on Lincoln Highway (Route 30)
  • Turn left onto Frankfort Road (Route 18)
  • Continue to Century Farm Road
  • End detour

West of the closure

  • Same detour in the opposite direction

Allegheny Health Network to Host Two Cancer Screening Events in August of 2026

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of Allegheny Health Network)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Cancer Center recently announced two upcoming cancer screening events in Pittsburgh in August of 2026 which are designed to help community members take proactive steps toward the prevention and early detection of cancer.

These events are open to patients and non-patients of Allegheny Health Network.

Allegheny General Hospital will host a comprehensive cancer screening event for the community on Saturday, August 15th.

Patients may receive screenings during a single visit for breast, cervical, colorectal, head and neck, lung, prostate and skin cancers.

Appointments are required for this event and you can make one by calling 412-359-6665.

Allegheny Health Network will also host the S.T.O.P. Cancer Screening and Wellness Event at PNC Park on Saturday, August 29th, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This event will offer screenings for colorectal, head and neck, prostate and skin cancers, and have a variety of wellness activities that are focused on cancer prevention and healthy living and is open to community members, screening participants and their families who are interested in learning more about cancer prevention and overall wellness.

People who attend will have the opportunity to learn exercises that are simple that they can incorporate into their daily routines as well as attend a nutrition presentation which is focused on how food choices that can help reduce cancer risk and support overall health.

Guests can enjoy appearances by the Pirate Parrot and Pierogi mascots and also take behind-the-scenes tours of PNC Park.

Attendees can also enter to win a pair of Club Level tickets to a September 2026 Pittsburgh Pirates home game and an autographed jersey from Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes.

Complimentary childcare will be available for up to one hour for children aged 3 to 12 who are potty-trained.

Free parking is going to be available in the Blue 10 Garage.

You can make an appointment for cancer screenings at the PNC Park event by calling 833-964-0300.