Author: Beaver County Radio

A United States flag ends worldwide tour with Western Pennsylvania visits at 13 sites

(File Photo of a United States Flag)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) A United States flag has been on a year-long adventure around the world visiting U.S. territories as well as military cemeteries overseas and all 50 of the United States of America, in honor of the 250th anniversary of the country. The flag is on the last leg of its tour going through thirteen sites in Western Pennsylvania to represent the original thirteen colonies of the nation. It will be in Washington D.C., the nation’s capital, on the Fourth of July. This trip is part of Sojourn250, which was organized by the National Flag Foundation (NFF) and America250’s America Waves program as a way to bring people together in a “project of national unity” to honor the American flag and its people for the 250th anniversary, especially the veterans who gave their lives in service to the United States. According to a report from the Beaver County Times, here are the dates, times and locations where people can see the U.S. flag as it travels across the area for the Pittsburgh Regional Sojourn250:

July 1st

  • 3-4 p.m. at the United Steel Workers headquarters, 60 Boulevard of the Allies, where Pittsburgh welcomes the flag in honor of the workers who helped to build the nation.

July 2nd

  • 9-10:30 a.m. at Fort Ligonier, 200 South Market Street, where the flag will be raised at the Upper Fort.
  • “To Rise and Fight Again,” a new American250 exhibit, opens at the fort on July 4th and continues through December 2026.
  • 12-1 p.m. at Fort Pitt, Point State Park, 601 Commonwealth Place, Pittsburgh.
  • 1:30-3 p.m. along Pittsburgh’s North Shore. An honor service and walk starting at the Fred Rogers statue and passing the memorials on the North Shore, ending with a flag raising just past PNC Park.
  • 6-7:30 p.m. at Soldiers & Sailors Hall, 4141 Fifth Avenue. A flag raising along Fifth Avenue and a presentation of the colors at the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s Americana Concert, which starts at 7 p.m. The concert is free, but reservations are required (click here to reserve your spot); register for tickets at the orchestra’s website.
  • 8:15-9 p.m., a sunset honor guard presentation on Mount Washington.

July 3rd

  • 8-9 a.m. at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road in Bridgeville, recognizing those who gave their lives for our nation.
  • 10-11 a.m. at Flag Plaza, 1275 Bedford Avenue in Pittsburgh. Flag raising hosted by Scouting America and joined by sheriffs from around the region.
  • 12-1:30 p.m., at Freedom Corner, Crawford Street in the Hill District, in recognition of the unfinished work of equal justice and democracy.
  • 4-5 p.m. at Bakery Square, 6425 Penn Avenue. A Happy Hour celebration of Pittsburgh’s growing leadership in healthcare, life sciences, information technology, artificial intelligence and robotics.
  • 6-8 p.m. at the Carrie Blast Furnaces, 801 Carrie Furnace Road, where a community picnic is planned honoring the workers who helped to power America.

July 4th

  • 5:45-6:30 a.m. along Grant Street, where the Allegheny County sheriff will hand over the U.S. flag to the American Legion Riders for the trip to Washington, D.C.

Dominican Republic Resident Illegally in U.S. Sentenced for Transporting Stolen Money from Skilled Gaming Machines

(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today that a citizen of the Dominican Republic illegally residing in The Bronx, New York, has been sentenced in federal court to time served of approximately 35 months of imprisonment and ordered to pay restitution totaling more than $896,000 to dozens of victims on his
convictions for conspiracy to transport stolen money in interstate commerce and interstate transportation of stolen money. Forty-three-year-old Stalin Acosta Paulino was sentenced and he is expected to be deported to the Dominican Republic.
According to information presented to the Court, Paulino participated in a complex fraud with numerous other individuals then living in New York in which they traveled to various states, including Pennsylvania and Virginia, and stole cash from skilled gaming machines they had broken into. Paulino and his conspirators then transported the money that was stolen to the New York area.

Butler Man Sentenced for Willfully Failing to Pay Employment Taxes for Two Businesses

(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today that a resident of Butler has been sentenced in federal court to three years of probation and ordered to pay restitution of $711,253.10 to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on
his conviction of willful failure to collect or pay over tax. Fifty-one-year-old Michael D. Funovits was sentenced, and according to information presented to the court, between 2016 and 2023, he failed to pay over to the IRS payroll taxes he collected on behalf of his businesses, PennRo Associates LLC and Penn Exteriors LLC.

AAA: National Average for a Gallon of Gas Stays Below $4 for Second Week

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of AAA East Central)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Gas prices are ten cents lower in Western Pennsylvania this week at about $4.23 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report. Drivers are continuing to see relief at the gas pump as the national gas price average declines for the fifth week in a row. The national average for a gallon of gas is six cents less than last week at $3.86 per gallon. Crude oil prices have also continued to fall as the U.S. and Iran work toward a long-term deal to end the war between them. Despite the lower prices, demand could rise as a record number of Americans prepare to travel for the Fourth of July weekend, with 85% of them planning to drive to their destinations. The national average is 53 cents less than a month ago, but 58 cents more than a year ago. The report states that the average price that you can expect for a gallon of unleaded gas here in Beaver County is around $4.59. According to a release from AAA East Central, here are the average prices of unleaded self-serve gasoline this week in various areas:

$3.942      Altoona
$4.592      Beaver
$4.280      Bradford
$4.089      Brookville
$4.366      Butler
$4.061      Clarion
$4.169      DuBois
$3.900      Erie
$4.026      Greensburg
$4.302      Indiana
$3.970      Jeannette
$4.512      Kittanning
$4.232      Latrobe
$4.176      Meadville
$4.342      Mercer
$4.341      New Castle
$4.433      New Kensington
$4.456      Oil City
$4.469      Pittsburgh
$3.758      Sharon
$4.503      Uniontown
$4.004      Warren
$4.393      Washington

The Cornerstone of Beaver County and Partners Serve as Cooling Centers to Prevent Heat-Related Illness among those Experiencing Homelessness or Housing-Related Crisis

(File Photo of the Cornerstone of Beaver County Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver Falls, PA) The Cornerstone of Beaver County has released the dates, times and locations of local cooling centers because of the extremely high temperatures this week. Extreme heat can put people and families at a higher risk for heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and it can exacerbate preexisting conditions like mental illness and lung and heart disease. According to the Cornerstone of Beaver County, here is a complete list of cooling center locations and their hours of operation:

The Cornerstone of Beaver County (TCBC)

Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

600 6th Street, Beaver Falls

724-846-6400

 

New Brighton Municipal Building

Monday – Thursday from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

610 3rd Avenue, New Brighton

724-846-1870

 

Uncommon Grounds 

Tuesday-Thursday from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.

380 Franklin Avenue, Aliquippa

724-375-6141

 

YMCA of Beaver County

Monday – Friday from 5 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Saturday from 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sunday from 12 – 5 p.m.

2236 Third Avenue, New Brighton

724-891-8439

 

Koppel Volunteer Fire Department 

Monday – Friday from 8 a.m.- 6 p.m.

5525 5th Avenue, Koppel

724-846-5973

Supreme Court rules states can count late-arriving mailed ballots

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – Department of Elections workers sort mail-in ballots for the California primary election at City Hall on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Monday ruled that states can count ballots that arrive after Election Day, a persistent target of President Donald Trump.

The 5-4 decision rejected a Republican-led attack on laws in more than half the states and the District of Columbia that permit mailed ballots to arrive and be counted some number of days after the election, provided they are postmarked by Election Day. The outcome spares officials the headache of changing their ballot rules just a few months before the 2026 midterm congressional elections.

In just over half those states, the more forgiving deadlines apply only to ballots cast by military and overseas voters.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett wrote the court’s majority opinion, joined by Chief Justice John Roberts and the three liberal justices.

Federal laws setting a single Election Day “leave open when those votes must be received,” Barrett wrote.

Congress could change the law, she said. “If varied deadlines for ballot receipt similarly call for a national solution, the American people must choose it through their elected representatives,” Barrett wrote.

The legal challenge was part of Trump’s broader attack on most mail balloting, which he has said breeds fraud despite strong evidence to the contrary and years of experience in numerous states. Trump has repeatedly claimed that his loss to Joe Biden in 2020 resulted from fraud even though more than 60 court decisions and his own attorney general said that argument had no merit.

Trump called the court ruling a “tremendous loss” and renewed his call for Congress to pass the SAVE America Act, which has made it through the House of Representatives but not the Senate.

“There is only one reason to oppose — CHEATING!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The court heard arguments in March in a case from Mississippi pitting the state against Trump’s Republican administration and the Republican and Libertarian parties. At issue was whether federal law sets a single Election Day that requires ballots to be both cast by voters and received by state officials.

The federal appeals court in New Orleans struck down a Mississippi law allowing ballots to be counted if they arrive within five business days of the election and are postmarked by Election Day.

The outcome is a “sigh of relief” for a lot of election administrators, said Stephen Richer, a Republican and the former top election administrator in Arizona’s Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix.

A ruling in favor of the Republican National Committee “would have created a whole host of administrative challenges for the affected states,” said Richer, who is now a legal fellow at the Cato Institute.

RNC officials did not immediately respond Monday to email and telephone requests for comment.

Eleanor M. Jones (1934-2026)

Eleanor M. Jones, 92, of South Heights, passed away on June 25th, 2026, at Good Samaritan Hospice. She was born in Manhasset, New York on January 2nd, 1934, a daughter of the late Edmond and Eleanor (Krupowicz) Morse. In addition to her parents, Eleanor was preceded in death by her husband, William (“Bill”) Jones, and her sisters, Annette Mehenko and Patricia Sestile. Eleanor and William shared 59 devoted years of marriage.

She is survived by her children: Dennis (Christie) Jones, Timothy “Lindy” (Linda) Jones, Jennifer Bobanic, and William “Scott” Jones; as well as her grandchildren: Samantha (Ace) Hilliard-Jones, Haley (Nathan) Hamons, Kasey Rose Jones, Peyton M. Jones, Andrew Bobanic, Sarah (Logan McCauley) Welch, and Emily Bobanic; along with her great-grandchildren, Weston, Emmit, Caroline, and Margaret “Maggie” ; along with her sister, Betty Livingood.

At a very young age, Eleanor and her sisters moved to Ambridge as their parents sought new opportunities in Pennsylvania. She often enjoyed sharing her unique birth date, 1/2/34. She was a registered nurse and graduated from the Sewickley Valley School of Nursing. She began her career at Sewickley Hospital, before working in private practice. After taking time away from nursing to focus on her family, she returned to the profession and worked for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in various psychiatric hospitals. On the day she retired, her children arranged for a limousine to bring her home from work; a memory she always cherished. In her spare time, she enjoyed bingo, league bowling, and baking blackberry, cherry, and peach pies. She also kept close friendships with her nursing school classmates, gathering with them regularly for a prayer group and playing cards. She and her husband, William, were famous for their Christmas morning breakfasts. Together, they made the most delicious crepes, home fries, and sausage, and family and friends were always welcome to join them for Christmas brunch. Above all, she was completely devoted to her family; especially her son, William “Scott” Jones.

Her kindness, devotion, unwavering love for her family, and wonderful pies will be deeply missed and forever remembered. She will also forever be remembered as “Meme,” the name her grandchildren called her.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a Memorial Mass on Saturday, July 18th at 11 a.m. in the St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 199 McGovern Boulevard, Crescent.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge.

Interment will follow in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a donation to the Special Olympics in memory of “Eleanor Jones” by clicking here https://share.google/KaH9ZZ2bcIduu7AyN

Cindy Jean Gima (1958-2026)

Cindy Jean Gima, 67, of Beaver Falls, passed away on June 25th, 2026 at Beaver Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

She was born in Beaver Falls on October 20th, 1958, the daughter of the late Robert and Violet (Evans) Watson. She is survived by her son, Clifford (Sara) Mills, her god-daughter, Michelle Butcher and her children: Kiran, Kendall, Kaden, Hadley, and Maryn; her cousin, Joyce Slovak, along with her beloved fur grandbabies. In addition to her parents, she preceded in death by her cherished tuxedo cat, Shiloh.

Cindy will be remembered as a loving mother and proud patriot whose passions brought joy to everyone around her. She was a devoted Marine Corps mom who took great pride in supporting her son and continued sharing her love of music long after his days in the band at Beaver Falls High School. She had a creative spirit and enjoyed arts and crafts, as well as collecting gnomes, amassing a cherished collection over the years. She was an enthusiastic fan of Pittsburgh sports, especially the Steelers, and could spend hours discussing her favorite soap operas. She also admired Joe Namath, Elvis Presley, and the timeless charm of Betty Boop. Her warmth, creativity, and vibrant personality will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, July 1st from 2 P.M. until the time of services at 6 P.M. in the GABAUER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., 113 Penn Ave New Brighton, who was in charge of her arrangements. Following visitation, her wishes for cremation will be honored.

Carol Effie (Merriman) Pisano (1968-2026)

Carol Effie (Merriman) Pisano, 78, of College Hill in Beaver Falls, passed away on June 27th, 2026. She passed away peacefully with her husband Joseph and family by her side. She was born on January 30th, 1948, a daughter of the late Dale Edwin and LauraBelle Vogler Merriman.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her mother and father-in-law Joseph and Angeline Pisano; her sister Georgia Wickline; brother-in-law Joe Oldaker; sister-in-law Cathy Pisano; nephew Scott Taylor; and niece Jessica Pisano.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her daughters, Stephany Pisano Tepsic, Jennifer (Paul) Hawthorne and Kimberly (Kevin) Enderle. “Nana” Carol cherished her surviving grandchildren: Nicholas (Carissa) Tepsic, Zachary Tepsic, Lindsay Tepsic, Peyton Hawthorne, Olivia Hawthorne, and Cadence Enderle; as well as being especially blessed with her great-grandchildren Ayla (2024) and Carmine Tepsic (2026).

She is also survived by her loving sisters, Ruth Cote and Sandy Blake, her brother, Robert Merriman, her sister-in-law, Marie Oldaker, her brothers-in-law, Anthony Pisano, Ronald (Amy) Pisano, and Robert (Kelly) Pisano and many dear nieces and nephews.

Carol was a graduate of New Brighton High School with its Class of 1965. She married Joseph P. Pisano Jr. on August 24th, 1968. Together they raised their three daughters and shared 58 wonderful years as their family grew. She was a faithful child of God who served Marion Hill Alliance Church as a beloved Sunday School teacher for many years. She also learned to play handbells and ministered through music in the church bell choir, “Joyful Noise.” Through card clubs and Bible studies, she formed many cherished friendships over the years.

In the mid-1980s, she pursued further education and joined the medical staff of surgeon Dr. Brandt and his associates, which later became Heritage Valley Surgical Associates. She retired in 2010 and was honored with a celebration hosted by the wonderful physicians and coworkers she deeply valued.

She deeply loved her family and cherished time spent with her sisters and brother, playing parlor games while sharing laughter and memories of their childhood on Marion Hill. The Annual Merriman Family Reunion, which lasted over two decades, created treasured memories for generations.

The family extends sincere appreciation to the staff of Three Oaks Hospice and Good Samaritan Hospice for their compassionate care, and especially grateful for the loving care, friendship, and support of their wonderful neighbor Sandy Taylor.

Her life was a reflection of faith, love, and devotion. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew her.  Well done, good and faithful servant!

Friends will be received on Monday, June 29th from 2-4 p.m. & 6-8 p.m. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where a funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 30th at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.

In accordance with Carol’s wishes, she will be cremated following services.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Good Samaritan Hospice House Wexford, 146 Neely School Road, Wexford, PA 15090.

John Paul Starasinich (1973-2026)

John Paul Starasinich, passed away on June 21st, 2026, at the age of 53 after a courageous two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

He was born in Rochester on March 8th, 1973, a son of Donna (Winters) Starasinich and the late Joseph J. Starasinich Sr. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his beloved wife, Dawn (Iorio) Starasinich, his son, Jonathan, his daughter, Paige and his brother, Joseph Starasinich Jr.

John graduated from Beaver Area High School, where he was a member of the golf team. He later attended Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in History. It was there that he met the love of his life, Dawn (Iorio) Starasinich. Together they built a life centered on family, devotion, and shared adventures, celebrating their 24th wedding anniversary last year. Their greatest blessings are their children, Jonathan and Paige.

Above all else, he cherished his family. He shared a special bond with his mother, Donna, and his brother, Joseph, whose presence in his life meant more to him than words could express. He enjoyed spending time with his family and treasured vacations together. Whether visiting the mountains, enjoying snowfall, or exploring new places, John created memories that will be forever treasured by those who knew him.

While family was at the center of his life, he also built a solid career employed by Walt Disney World, the Transportation Security Administration, and Cencora, where he worked as a Patient Services Specialist. He was respected for his dedication and professionalism and formed lasting friendships throughout his career.

He had a lifelong passion for history and was an avid history enthusiast who enjoyed attending historical reenactments. He found peace tending his outdoor garden and took great pleasure in movies, especially the Star Wars series. A devoted sports fan, he faithfully followed the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Penguins. Music was another constant companion in his life, and he especially enjoyed classic rock, particularly Hair Nation.

One of his favorite recent memories was celebrating his anniversary with Dawn on a cruise that included a visit to the ancient ruins of Chichén Itzá, a destination that perfectly combined his love of travel and history.

He will be remembered for his courage, kindness, devotion to family, and enthusiasm for the people and interests he loved. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to everyone who supported John throughout his illness with prayers, messages, visits, meals, and countless acts of kindness. Your support carried John and his family through the most difficult season of their lives, and your compassion will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN).

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 1st from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. in the Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Moon Township, 1522 Coraopolis Heights Road, Coraopolis.

Interment will be private.