Volunteer drivers needed in Beaver County and seven other Pennsylvania counties to deliver lifesaving blood

(File Photo of the American Red Cross Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania in Pittsburgh is now looking for volunteers to deliver lifesaving blood donations to hospitals that are local and to help patients in need. The American Red Cross will also host a free information session that is virtual on Zoom to discuss a day in the life of a volunteer driver on Wednesday, March 18th. The link to register can be found by clicking here. According to a release today from the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania, ideal volunteers for this role reside in Allegheny, Beaver, Blair, Cambria, Indiana, Luzerne, Somerset and Westmoreland counties due to the geographical needs of this position, and other requirements include:

  • A valid state driver’s license and proof of insurance
  • Three years of driving experience and a clean driving record
  • Being comfortable using a mobile app and smart phone
  • Being able to lift up to 45 lbs.

Sparky the Fire Dog® is turning 75!

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the National Fire Protection Association)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Quincy, MA) Sparky the Fire Dog® is turning 75 on March 18th. He is the official mascot of the National Fire Protection Association®(NFPA®), and his milestone birthday reflects a legacy that spans the generations. According to a release today in the United States from the National Fire Protection Association®, since his official launch on March 18th, 1951, Sparky has helped fire professionals, teachers, safety advocates, civic organizations, businesses, and the media, among others, share educational fire and life safety information with the public, delivering invaluable impact.

$400,000 winning Pennsylvania Lottery ticket sold last year in Cranberry; time running out to cash it

(Photo Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Lottery)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Cranberry, PA) Time is running out to claim a jackpot-winning lottery ticket that was sold in Southwestern Pennsylvania last year. According to the Pennsylvania Lottery, the $400,000 winning Cash 5 with Quick Cash ticket was sold on April 5th at the Valero Neil Enterprise (Super Mini Mart) on Freedom Road in Cranberry. Lottery officials say a claim must be filed at a Lottery Area Office by April 3rd to receive the prize money. If this prize goes unclaimed, the funds will remain in the Lottery Fund and be used to support programs benefitting older Pennsylvanians.

Defensive tackle Cameron Heyward and Steelers agree to contract extension

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of the Associated Press: Caption for Photo: Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) warm-ups before an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The Pittsburgh Steelers and defensive tackle Cameron Heyward have recently agreed to a contract extension that will reduce his salary cap hit in 2025. According to a report from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Heyward will now play under a two-year contract worth a total of $32.25 million for 2026 and 2027. This new deal will reportedly reduce Heyward’s salary cap hit for the 2026 season by $5.5 million. $16.24 million is also guaranteed for the veteran defensive tackle.

Reena Schmidt (1949-2026)

Reena Schmidt, 76, of Economy Borough, passed away on March 9th, 2026 her home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Sewickley on July 27, 1949, a daughter of the late James and Regina Morrow Riley. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Carol Wilfong, her second husband, Arthur Schmidt and a brother, Marshall Riley. She is survived by her four children: Regina Lavan, Brad (Jessica) Wilfong, Robert Trakofler, Robert Schmidt; as well as six grandchildren: Ashley, Dominic, Morgan, Jason, Terra, & Kaylee; along with ten great grandchildren and her siblings: Keith (Kathy) Riley,  Roxeen Slappo, Sharmane McCoy, and Patrick Riley.

Reena was a home health aide for Homemakers and enjoyed taking care of people.

Friends will be received on Saturday, March 14th from 1-5 P.M. in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge ,who was in charge of her arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Reena Schmidt, please visit the floral store of the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Joseph Paul Zilk (1953-2026)

Joseph Paul Zilk, 72, of Pulaski Township, passed away peacefully on March 10th, 2026.

He was born in New Brighton on March 16th, 1953, a son of the late George and Mary (Belcufine) Zilk. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Andrea (Raines) Zilk and a daughter, Amanda Zilk. He is survived by his brothers, John Zilk, George (Kathy) Zilk, and David (Peggy) Zilk, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Joseph worked for Crucible Steel and Phoenix Glass for his professional career.

In accordance with Joseph’s wishes, he will be cremated and no services are being planned.

The GABAUER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 1133 Penn Avenue, New Brighton, was honored to provide care and guidance to Joseph’s family during this time and was the funeral home that was in charge of his arrangements.

Monaca geared up for St. Patrick’s Day parade and party Saturday

MONACA — Beaver County’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebration is set for Monaca this Saturday.

Monaca Borough Manager Dave Kramer appeared Wednesday on the Beaver County Radio Morning Show and offered full details. Here is his interview:

The parade begins at noon, proceeding down Pennsylvania Avenue.

A St. Patrick’s Day party will commence, with vendors, children’s activities, food trucks and Bullseye Brewing of New Brighton.

Spinning tunes will be deejay Ian Sallese, from Monaca’s InnerGroove Records vinyl albums store.

Live music starts around 1 p.m. with Z Town Street, a band that includes flute, fiddle, mandolin and Dobro.

Bob Walk gives Spring Training insights from Bradenton

Is Paul Skenes the new clubhouse leader for the Pittsburgh Pirates? Does the Buccos’ bullpen have an ace closer?

Hear what Pirates broadcaster Bob Walk believes, in this audio from his latest Spring Training report delivered on Beaver County Radio’s Morning Show from Bradenton, Fla. Here’s the interview:

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Bob Walk, Pittsburgh Pirates broadcaster. Photo: Pittsburgh Pirates.

 

Honor Women Who Served: Purchase a Women Veterans License Plate and Support the Veterans’ Trust Fund

(File Photo of an American Flag)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Annville, PA) March is Women’s History Month and the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is reminding drivers that purchasing a women veterans license plate recognizes the importance of women who served and supports programs assisting the over 62,000 women veterans living in Pennsylvania. According to a release today in Annville from PennDOT and the DMVA, here is some more information about the license plates you can purchase as well as information about doing so:

The following four license plates honoring women veterans are available for purchase and are issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT):

  • Honoring Our Women Veterans Registration Plate – This special fund license plate is available for passenger cars or trucks with a registered gross weight of not more than 14,000 pounds. Each plate costs $42, with $15 going directly to the Pennsylvania Veterans’ Trust Fund (VTF). The cost of the plate is paid in addition to the vehicle’s registration fee. Applicants interested in purchasing this plate must submit the MV-914 form, “Application for Honoring our Veterans Special Fund Registration Plates.”
  • Honoring Our Women Veterans Motorcycle Registration Plate – This special fund license plate was first made available by the Shapiro Administration in December 2024. Each plate costs $43, with $15 going directly to the VTF. The cost of the plate is paid in addition to the vehicle’s registration fee. Applicants interested in purchasing this plate must submit the MV-914 form, “Application for Honoring our Veterans Special Fund Registration Plates.”
  • Women Veteran Registration Plate – This standard issue plate is available for a fee of $28. Applicants must submit a completed MV-150V form, “Application for U.S. Military Service Registration Plate,” along with a legible photocopy of their Form DD-214, “Separation or Discharge Papers,” or a legible photocopy of the front and back of their DD2(RET), “United States Uniformed Services Identification Card (Retired).”
  • Women Veteran Motorcycle Registration Plate – This standard issue motorcycle plate is available for a fee of $28. Applicants must submit a completed MV-150V form, “Application for U.S. Military Service Registration Plate,” along with a legible photocopy of their Form DD-214, “Separation or Discharge Papers,” or a legible photocopy of the front and back of their DD2(RET), “United States Uniformed Services Identification Card (Retired).”

PennDOT also currently offers a variety of U.S. military plates recognizing the dedication, service and sacrifice of both military members and veterans. This includes the Honoring Our Veterans and Honoring Our Veterans Motorcycle special funds plates, which includes both also giving $15 to the Veterans’ Trust Fund.

The complete listing of available military plates can be found on PennDOT’s Fact Sheet: U.S. Military Registration Plates by clicking here.

Allegheny County Council passes ordinance that limits cooperation with ICE

(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

(Pittsburgh, PA) The Allegheny County Council has passed an ordinance that limits cooperation with ICE. The council voted on the ordinance on Tuesday night. According to a report from WPXI, the ordinance will:

  • Prohibit county employees from inquiring into an individual’s citizenship or immigration status unless required by court order.
  • Prohibit county employees from disclosing the citizenship or immigration status of others unless required by court order.
  • Prohibit county employees from entering into a contract with a federal agency to provide access to any database with the purpose of assisting in immigration enforcement.

It will also ban ICE or border patrol from housing detainees at the Allegheny County Jail. Seven members of the Allegheny County Council co-sponsored the legislation.