(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of the City of Beaver Falls Fire Department, Posted on Facebook on June 3rd, 2026)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(North Sewickley, PA) A banquet and recognition were held yesterday at the North Sewickley Fire Hall to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the City of Beaver Falls Fire Department. Guests included County Commissioners Tony Amadio and Jack Manning.
(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of the City of Beaver Falls Fire Department, Posted on Facebook on June 9th, 2026)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Beaver Falls, PA) Several Beaver County fire departments have been taking part in a Pump Operations I & II series in the city of Beaver Falls over the last few weeks. This is in preparation for firefighters that are taking the Driver/Operator Pumper certification exam at BC3 Public Safety Center in Butler at the end of the month.
(File Photo of the Beaver County Courthouse)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Beaver, PA) Several topics were discussed at today’s Beaver County Commissioners’ work session at the County Courthouse. County Commissioner Jack Manning highlighted what the Commissioners did during their trip to Harrisburg last week during the Commissioners’ report of the session. Manning got to talk with department heads that represent Governor Josh Shapiro and PennDOT, as well as other representatives. Manning brought up that the Commissioners spoke with them about how the success of jobs in Beaver County are increasing, and he praised that just in the past year or so, the county has gained or secured almost 900 new jobs. Manning specifically mentioned five different companies that have either expanded, retained or help make new jobs in the county. Manning also expressed that he and Commissioner Tony Amadio also went to a banquet and recognition yesterday that celebrated 150 years of service from the City of Beaver Falls Fire Department at the North Sewickley Fire Hall and congratulated that department. They are Kenson Plastics, McCarl’s, Mitsubishi, Stoelzle Glass and VERSATEX. Beaver County Solicitor Garen Fedeles went over a few of the twenty-one resolutions that are on an agenda for tomorrow during the solicitors’ report of the session. These included $128,000 going towards various libraries across the county and an agrgeement with an appraiser so the Commissioners can sell some properties that the county owns throughout this county, consult work for borough communities and main streets throughout the county, and various placement services. Fedeles also let the audience of the session know that the parking garage at the County Courthouse is still closed. The date that it will reopen is unknown at this time, but Fedeles noted that once the official date to open is given by the contractor, the Commissioners will let people know when it will be available to be used again. Beaver County Recreation and Tourism Director Tony Caltury also stated during the Department Head Report of the session that the Jenny Lee Tri Cup triathlon will take place at Brady’s Run Park this weekend and this is the fifth year that the park has hosted this event. The preview will be held on Friday and the races will be held on Saturday and Sunday. Caltury noted that about 3,000 racers from across the country will be participating and the road at Brady’s Run Park will be closed from about 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Commissioner Amadio also asked near the end of the session where the America250 bell that was made for Beaver County is currently, and Catury said it is in the Merrick Art Gallery until it will be returned on Friday.
(File Photo of the UPMC Logo)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Pittsburgh, PA) The largest health system in the Pittsburgh region is making job cuts. A UPMC spokesperson confirmed yesterday that the company is cutting about 200 jobs. UPMC did not say in what departments the layoffs are happening in; only that cuts are “primarily among those who are not in clinical or member-facing roles.” UPMC also confirmed that it is giving severance pay and benefits to affected employees. A statement from Michelle Hart, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner on behalf of Magee Nurses and Advanced Practitioners United, SEIU Healthcare PA, notes that UPMC is also eliminating 300 open positions.
(File Photo of State Representative Rob Matzie)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Harrisburg, PA) The Pennsylvania House Health Committee heard testimony in Harrisburg today on legislation introduced by State Representative Rob Matzie called House Bill 2270. This bill would create a single Pharmacy Benefit Administrator model for all of the state-funded healthcare programs in Pennsylvania. Matzie also helped to lay the groundwork for the passage of Act 77 of 2024, which brought greater oversight and transparency to the practices of PBMs: third-party administrators that decide which drugs that consumers can receive, at what price, and how much dispensing pharmacies are reimbursed. According to Matzie, more action is needed as Pennsylvania’s small mom-and-pop pharmacies continue to fail as a result of PBM practices that favor large chains.
SCOTT TADY
PITTSBURGH — TV personality Josh Gates bring an evening of legends, mysteries and tales of adventure to Byham Theater on Friday.
The host of Discovery Channel’s smash-hit “Expedition Unknown,” Gates appeared Wednesday on “The Beaver County Radio Morning Show.”
To hear his interview, press “play”:
Tickets are on sale now for the all-ages show at TrustArts.org, in person at Theater Square Box Office, 655 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, or calling 412-456-6666.
Gates also is executive producer of “Expedition Unknown,” which follows his global journey to explore archaeological discoveries, historic mysteries and scientific breakthroughs. Gates immerses himself in each story, conducting his own investigations, showcasing the work of dedicated explorers while also highlighting vibrant cultures and fascinating destinations. Armed with a degree in archaeology, a quick wit and a hunger for adventure, Gates travels to some of the most remote corners of the planet in immersive, hilarious, and thrilling journeys.
An avid scuba diver and photographer, Gates has participated in sub-sea archaeological excavations in the Mediterranean, and his wanderlust has taken him from sweltering African deserts to the icy shores of Antarctica. To date, he has set foot in more than 100 countries, has scaled “the roof of Africa” on Mt. Kilimanjaro, and climbed Aconcagua, the tallest mountain in the Americas.
For five years, Gates also helmed and co-executive produced the hit Syfy Channel series, “Destination Truth.” Each week, Gates and his intrepid team set out to investigate age-old legends. The show features remote and often never-before-filmed locations, from the distant mountains of Bhutan to the uncharted jungles of Papua New Guinea.
He holds degrees from Tufts University in Archaeology and Drama, serves as a trustee on the governing board of the Archaeological Institute of America, and is a fellow of The Explorers Club — a prestigious organization dedicated to the advancement of exploration and field research.
(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of Fine Wine and Good Spirits)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Harrisburg, PA) The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) recently announced that a professional calligrapher will be at select Fine Wine & Good Spirits (FW&GS) locations to personalize bottles of Maker’s Mark bourbon with custom messages in celebration of Father’s Day. This special program is combined with a curated tasting by a Maker’s Mark Diplomat, who will guide guests through the full Maker’s Mark portfolio and will share insights into what makes the bourbons that will be offered so exceptional. If you want to participate, you must be at least 21 years old.
According to a release from Fine Wine and Good Spirits, here are the products available for these events and the schedule for them:
FW&GS Premium Collection locations will host the events on the following dates:
Susan Jean (Davis) Emerick, 77, of New Sewickley, passed away on Monday, June 8th, after a 7-month battle with cancer. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family. She was born on August 31st, 1948, a daughter of the late Howard Blair and Emma Jean Davis. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law, Howard Blair Davis Jr (Juliann) and her sister and brother-in-law, Karen Irene Shultz (Nelson). She is survived by her husband, Carl M. Emerick, her stepmother, Dorothy Davis, her sisters, Catherine Louise Davis, Rebecca Lee Miller (Ron) and Margaret Alice Grafton (Barry), her children, Diana Lynn Nye (Donnie) and Georgia Ann Vargo (Louis), her grandchildren: Andy, Rosalyn, Heath, Niki, Courtney; as well as her great grandchildren: Kane, Frank, Koa, Stella, Keston, Goldie, and Lewis. She also had a special love for her dogs, Joe and Corky.
Susan graduated from Freedom Area High School with its class of 1966. She married Carl “Mac” Emerick, on July 15th, 1966, at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rochester. Together they had two girls. She worked with Carl at Emerick’s Greenhouse for forty-three years. Over the years, they traveled to all but two of the fifty states. Susan loved to read, build puzzles, play Solitaire and Sudoku, as well as loved to bake. She was a Sunday School teacher for a number of years and was a great listener to other people’s troubles.
In accordance with her wishes, she will be cremated with no viewing. Arrangements have been entrusted to William Murphy Funeral Home Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester. A memorial service will take place on Saturday, June 13th, at 5 p.m. in Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rochester. All memorial contributions can be made to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 393 Adams Street Rochester, PA 1504, or the American Cancer Society in her name. Her family would like to give a special thank you to the Good Samaritan Hospice for their extraordinary care and comfort for Susan and the family.
Morcos Habib, 50, of Gibsonia, passed away on June 9th, 2026. He was born on February 16th, 1976, a son of Wahballah Fathallah Habib and Nabila R. Kaldas. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his beloved wife, Sally Henein-Habib, his cherished children, Tiffany Habib and Matthew Habib, his brother, Moheb (Janet) Habib, his sister, Mary (Michael) Ghabour, his nephews, Fady, Marc, and Matthew, his niece, Sherry, his brothers-in-law, Maged (Brandy) Henein and Ramy Henein, as well as many extended family members and dear friends.
Morcos dedicated his life to serving others through his faith, his family, and his medical profession. He attended medical school in Cairo, Egypt, and immigrated to the United States in 2005. He completed his residency in Family Medicine at UPMC McKeesport and went on to build a distinguished career in healthcare. He served as Head of Medical Services at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital before continuing his work with UPMC Partners in Health. Throughout his career, he was deeply respected by colleagues and beloved by the countless patients whose lives he touched with his compassion, dedication, and expertise. He was also a devoted member of St. Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church in Ambridge. He also faithfully served as a Deacon and was an active servant within the church community. He was especially loved by the children he taught in Sunday School and was admired by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His unwavering faith, kindness, and generous spirit left a lasting impact on his family, church, patients, and friends.
A Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Friday, June 12th, at 9 a.m., followed by a Funeral Service at 12 noon at St. Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church, 995 Melrose Avenue, Ambridge. Interment will follow at Mount Royal Cemetery, 2700 Mt Royal Boulevard, Glenshaw.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.
Elaine H. Urda, 89, of Ambridge, passed away on June 8th, 2026, at Allegheny General Hospital. She was born in Ambridge on December 14th, 1936, a daughter of the late Steven and Ann (Micochin) Herko. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Leigh W. Urda. She is survived by two daughters, Laurie A. Urda and Deborah A. (William) Kopchick, two granddaughters, Emily A. and Mary Elizabeth Kopchick, a brother, David S. Herko and a sister, Nancy H. Pravlochak.
Elaine was a member of St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Ambridge. At church, she was a trustee and then a curator, and active with food preparation and sales, as well as various fundraisers and festivals. She was also a lifelong member of the Ambridge District Sportsman’s Association. She was passionate about music; especially the organ and piano. She enjoyed traveling with her husband and family, and absolutely loved spending time with them, her church family, friends and neighbors.
Family and friends are welcome to gather for a visitation on Saturday, June 13th, from 9 A.M. until the time of a service at 11 A.M., in St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, 450 Glenwood Drive, Ambridge. Interment will follow, privately, in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, 450 Glenwood Dr, Ambridge, PA 15003.