Author: Beaver County Radio

Fetterman: U.S. Department of Homeland Security abandons plans to use two Pennsylvania warehouses as detention centers

(File Photo of Senator John Fetterman)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Berks County, PA) According to U.S. Senator John Fetterman, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has canceled plans to use two Pennsylvania warehouses as immigrant detention centers. Yesterday, Fetterman confirmed a recent report by the New York Times that Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin had abandoned plans to use at least seven of the eleven warehouses it bought in several states including facilities in Berks and Schuylkill counties. On February 2nd, the federal government bought a warehouse on the 64-acre property at 3501 Mountain Road, Upper Bern Township, Berks County, for $87.4 million. It bought the former Big Lots distribution center at 50 Rausch Creek Road, Tremont Township, Schuylkill County, on the same day for $119.5 million. The communities face a loss of revenue from the acquisition of the properties by the federal government.

Boulder Canyon’s Wavy Grillo’s Classic Dill Pickle Flavored Chips Selected as a Good Housekeeping 2026 Snack Awards Winner

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Business Wire and the Associated Press)

HANOVER, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jun 22, 2026– Boulder Canyon®, a pioneer in better-for-you snacking, announced today that its Wavy Grillo’s Classic Dill Pickle Flavored Chips have been named a winner in Good Housekeeping’ s 2026 Snack Awards. The complete list of award winners can be found on the Good Housekeepingwebsite.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260622889819/en/

Boulder Canyon’s Wavy Grillo’s Classic Dill Pickle Flavored Chips Selected as a Good Housekeeping 2026 Snack Awards Winner

This product stands out for its partnership with beloved brand Grillo’s Pickles® and ingredient-driven flavor. Inspired by Grillo’s iconic pickles, the potato chips pair bold dill pickle flavor with notes of garlic and vinegar. These chips strike the perfect balance of tangy, salty and savory, an elevated twist on a classic snack that is delicious and cooked in non-seed oil.

Founded in 1994 and joining the Utz Brands, Inc. portfolio in 2017, Boulder Canyon has become the No. 1 salty snack brand in the natural channel, 1 by staying true to its founders’ vision: using only select ingredients to make great-tasting snacks.

This is the second award for the brand this quarter. Boulder Canyon’s Agave Sriracha Potato Chips were just named the “Best Potato Chips” in People magazine’s People Food Awards.

To learn more about Boulder Canyon and its lineup of snacks, visit the Boulder Canyon website or follow @BoulderCanyon on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Officials: Man permanently banned from Kennywood after trespassing in restricted area

(File Photo of the Kennywood Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(West Mifflin, PA) A man is now permanently banned from Kennywood Park after officials said he trespassed in a restricted area. Officials confirm that the incident happened on Sunday. Photos and videos shared to social media show that the man was in the grass near the intersection of the Thunderbolt and the Phantom’s Revenge. The Allegheny County Police Department was contacted for further investigation into this incident. 

ICE operation occurs at a Sheetz in Cranberry Township; at least one wanted person in custody

(File Photo: Caption for Photo: police car lights at night in city with selective focus and bokeh background blur, Credit for Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images/iStockphoto/z1b)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Cranberry Township, PA) Police confirmed that ICE was involved in an operation in Cranberry Township this morning. 

A WTAE viewer shared photos and videos from Sheetz on Freedom Road in Cranberry Township. 

Cranberry police stated that they were not involved in this incident, and that Butler County sheriff’s deputies were working alongside ICE. 

Police also noted that at least one wanted person was taken into custody by ICE. 

Tenaris Announces a More Than $90 Million USD Investment to Drive Manufacturing Efficiency in Pennsylvania

(Credit for Headline Photo and Photos Below: Photos Provided with Release Courtesy of Tenaris)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Koppel, PA) Tenaris recently announced a series of new investments planned for its steel shop in Koppel and seamless pipe manufacturing facility in Ambridge totaling more than $90 million. The upgrades advance a strategy that is focused on automation and production efficiency and will support the company’s ongoing efforts to modernize both facilities. This complements an additional $150 million that has already invested since Tenaris acquired these locations in 2020. The comprehensive investment plan will introduce automation and equipment upgrades that are aimed at improving productivity and reliability in both production processes, as well as increasing safety for employees on the shop floor. Investments will span multiple areas of the facilities and they include upgrades to the electric arc furnace
at the steel shop and higher capacity ladles, which allows for increased production capacity and enhanced safety. The addition of a steel bar yard at the facility in Koppel paired with a new bar cutting area in Ambridge will streamline activities between both of the locations and reduce risks. After the recent acquisition of a Tenaris subsidiary, SA Recycling by Steel Recycling Services, Tenaris also plans to upgrade the shredder at the scrap processing center located next to the steel shop to optimize the vertically integrated production process. Work on the new upgrades is expected to begin in the coming months, with most of the projects extending into the second half of 2027.

Julie Ann Vietz (1968-2026)

Julie Ann Veitz, 57, of New Brighton, passed away on June 20th, 2026, after a sudden illness. She was born on December 28th, 1968, a daughter of the late Joan Chaney and Jesse Chaney. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Amy Menges and her grandson, Donovan. She is survived by her husband, Ross Veitz, her daughters, Lauren Martsolf and Lyndsey Veitz, her grandsons: Damian, Darian, Colton, and Garrett; as well as her sister, Jennifer (Chris) McCullough, her brother, John (Ellie) McAllister and many extended family members and friends who will miss her. She was married to her high school sweetheart, Ross Veitz, and together they built a life and family over many years. She was the mother of two daughters, Lauren (Shawn) Martsolf and Lyndsey Veitz, and grandmother to Damian, Darian, Colton, and Garrett. She was also the grandmother of Donovan, who preceded her in death as an infant.

Julie loved animals, especially her beloved chihuahuas, most of all her little love bug, Winston, and had a special fondness for Mickey Mouse. She found joy in music, singing, shopping, and spending time with family. Whether gathered at camp, around a card table, or simply enjoying time together, Julie had a way of making people laugh, and her unforgettable laugh was one of the things those who knew her will remember most. She was strong-willed, spirited, and giving in the ways she knew how, and she devoted much of her life to caring for her family.

Family and friends will be received on Friday, June 26th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc., 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where additional viewing will be held at 2 p.m. until the time of a funeral service at 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 27th. Reverend Angela Smith will officiate the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made in Julie’s memory to a local animal rescue or shelter, in honor of the love she had for her dogs and all animals or the charity of your choice.

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.

Nello Mazzoni, Jr. (1949-2026)

Nello Mazzoni, Jr., 76, of Moon Township, passed away peacefully on Saturday June 20, 2026 in his home surrounded by his family.

He was born on November 23rd, 1949 in Braddock, the son of the late Nello Mazzoni and Louise DeRiggi Mazzoni. He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Marlene Kraly Mazzoni, his sons, Michael (Tiffany Beckwith) and Philip (Marta Napoleone Mazzoni) and two granddaughters, Lillian Beckwith (Ben Morris) and Ruby Beckwith.

Nello graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1971 and 1974 with a BS and MS in Mathematics and retired from Lucas Systems, Inc. in Wexford.

Family and friends will be received on Saturday June 27th from 10 A.M. until the time of a Memorial Blessing at 12 noon in the Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Moon Township, 1522 Coraopolis Heights Road, Coraopolis. Private interment will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in Nello’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Joshua M. Tisak (1993-2026)

Joshua M. Tisak, 32, of Economy, passed away on June 21st, 2026. He was born on September 6th, 1993, a son of Nicholas and Joanne Tisak. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Nick and Margaret Tisak, his maternal grandparents, Joseph “Digger Joe” and Mary Ann Sasinovich and his cousin, Jessica Tisak.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his sister, Nicole (John) Gehan, his twin brother, James (Julianna) Tisak, his other brother, Joseph Tisak, his cherished nieces and nephews: Ava, Ella, Ethan, Kristianna, Zane, Clara, and Lorraine; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends.

Joshua was a proud graduate of Ambridge Area High School with its Class of 2012. He had a passion for cars and trucks and loved driving. He loved spending time with his family and enjoyed working outdoors. He was a devoted member of Good Samaritan Catholic Church, part of St. Luke the Evangelist Parish, where he faithfully served as an altar server and was actively involved in many parish activities. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, often volunteering to do odd jobs for others without ever being asked. His kindness, generosity, and selfless spirit touched the lives of everyone who knew him. He will always be remembered for his heart of gold.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, June 25th from 2-4 P.M. and 5-7 P.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where departing prayers will be offered on Friday, June 26th, at 9:30 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 A.M. at Good Samaritan Catholic Church, St. Luke the Evangelist Parish, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge. Interment will follow at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery.

Francis M. “Fran” Oakley (1939-2026)

Francis M. “Fran” Oakley, 86, formerly of Chippewa, passed away on June 21st, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Monaca on September 16th, 1939, a son of the late Walter L. and Catherine (Manning) Oakley, Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Janet Oakley, and his brothers, Walter Oakley Jr., Michael Oakley, and William Oakley. He is survived by his children, Heather (Eric) Brutout and Hope Miller, his grandchildren: Nathan (Brittany) Johnston, Natalie (Jordan) Johnston Eaton, Haley Miller and Andrew Miller; as well as his great-grandchildren: Brady and Nora Eaton, Zayne and Salem Johnston.

Francis was a graduate of Monaca High School and Robert Morris College. He was a veteran of the United States Army. He was a member of Chippewa United Methodist Church. He retired after many years as the CFO of ColFin Specialty Steel Corp. He was a former President of the Accounting Association of Washington County, and was on the board of directors for the Washington YMCA. He was an avid golfer and was a member of both Lone Pine Golf Club and Seven Oaks Country Club.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, June 24th, from 5 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 7 p.m., at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc., 1612 3rd Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of his arrangements.

Pastor Gary Hilton will officiate the service.

Members of the Beaver County Special Unit will conduct Military Honors for their fallen comrade at 4:30pm at the funeral Home.

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.

Reports: Second ransom note in Nancy Guthrie disappearance case indicated that she died

(File Photo: Source for Photo: In this image provided by NBCUniversal, Savannah Guthrie, right, her mom Nancy speak, Wednesday, April 17, 2019, in New York. (Nathan Congleton/NBCUniversal via AP)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Tucson, AZ) Reports state that a second ransom note regarding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie indicated that she died. The Guthrie family received two notes in the days after the 84-year-old mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie was abducted from her Tucson-area home in the early morning hours of February 1st. Both notes were sent to Tucson media outlets and were determined as potentially credible by investigators. The first note demanded cryptocurrency for the return of Nancy Guthrie. News reports confirm that the second note said that she had died shortly after her abduction, but did not include an apology or request for payment in exchange for her body.