Retired Brighton Township police captain sentenced for possessing child pornography

(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Brighton Township, PA) A retired Brighton Township police captain and a former school resource officer has been sentenced after he pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography.

Sixty-nine-year-old Peter James Benedict of Beaver was charged with 11 counts of possessing child sexual abuse material and one count of criminal use of a communication facility in 2025.

According to investigators they found explicit images of children that all appeared to be under the age of ten on Benedict’s computer.

Online court records show that Benedict pleaded guilty to seven counts of possessing child sexual abuse material back in April of 2026.

Four possession charges as well the criminal use of a communication facility charge was dropped.

Benedict was sentenced to fifteen to thirty months in the Beaver County Jail on Wednesday for all seven charges against him.

Plans for recreation center in Cranberry Township headed to supervisors

(File Photo of the Cranberry Township Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Cranberry Township, PA) Initial steps to consider making a recreation engagement center for Cranberry Township will be talked about this Thursday, August 6th, which is when supervisors will decide whether to move forward with a plan for it.

The plans for the center have been in stages of early planning stages since a feasibility study was approved in June of 2025, and it can incorporate a survey’s results from residents to guide officials in evaluating some options.

The renderings unveiled last year imagine the proposed recreation engagement center as a facility that offers amenities, including an artificial turf field, gymnasiums, fitness rooms, rentable multipurpose rooms and tracks.

A bid award could happen in late 2027, with construction expected to begin in the spring of 2028.

According to Cranberry Assistant Township manager Kyle Beidler, Cranberry Township locked down a 10-acre property at Rochester Road and Thompson Park Drive for its location.

That property was approved to be acquired from St. Ferdinand Church at Cranberry Township’s agenda preparation meeting that took place on May 28th.

Three people displaced after fire occurs at a home in New Castle

(File Photo of a Fire Background)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(New Castle, PA) Three people were displaced after a fire occurred in New Castle today.

Flames broke out in a home located on East Lutton Street at around 5 a.m.

According to a report from WFMJ, the inside of the home was heavily damaged.

Investigators believe that the fire was caused by an electrical problem.

The Red Cross assisted the residents of the home in finding shelter and other needs.

Aliquippa Police looking for wanted suspect accused of stealing from a Dollar General store

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of the City of Aliquippa Police Department, Posted on Facebook on August 3rd, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Aliquippa, PA) The Aliquippa Police Department is seeking the assistance of the public in locating thirty-three-year-old Hasan Turner of Aliquippa, because a warrant has been issued for his arrest.

He is accused of committing a retail theft at a Dollar General store before escaping from police custody.

Turner’s photo can be seen below, and he is currently wanted on charges of escape, evading police on foot, possession of drug paraphernalia, and retail theft.

Turner is now on probation for second degree murder and people should not approach him.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Turner is asked to either call 911 or the Aliquippa Police Department at 724-378-8000.

Marian E. “Babe” Konopka (1946-2026)

Marian E. “Babe” Konopka, 79, of Hopewell, passed away peacefully on July 30th, 2026. She was born on December 6th, 1946, a daughter of the late Paul and Ann Slepsky.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Andrew “Dewey” Konopka and her brothers, Paul “Bug” Slepsky and Ray Slepsky.

She is survived by her children, Andrew P. “Dewey” (Lori) Konopka and Kimberly (Bruce) Heisler, her siblings: John (Judy) Slepsky, Jeanie (Wayne) Hill, Gloria “Muff” (Jim) Hart, Rosie (Dan) Dopirak, and Jimmy (Shari) Slepsky; as well as her grandchildren: Shelby Heisler, Annie Giangiuli, Cooper Heisler, V Konopka, Dewey Konopka, and Emma Konopka; along with numerous loving nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Marian enjoyed spending time at the casino, especially playing cards. She had a deep love for Christ and cherished her family dearly. She was especially proud of her grandchildren and treasured the time she spent with them.

In accordance with her wishes, services are private.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Service and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Riverfront Throwdown country music festival set for Pittsburgh Brewing property

Beaver County Radio

CREIGHTON — Live music, mechanical bull-riding and other fun awaits this Saturday as Pittsburgh Brewing Co. debuts its Iron City Riverfront Throwdown country music festival.

Located along the Allegheny River in Creighton, the iconic local brewery will feature a concert headlined by recording artist Chris Higbee, bringing his signature high-
energy style. Joining Higbee are special guest performances by Josie Sal plus Joe Patrick & Four on the Floor.

“The Iron City Riverfront Throwdown will deliver a full day of live country music, cold Pittsburgh Brewing Co. favorites, riverfront views, food vendors, daring games and prizes, and an unforgettable festival atmosphere designed to celebrate country music,” a press release for the event said.

Higbee appeared Monday on the Beaver County Radio Morning Show to highlight all the festival has to offer, including a mechanical bull and contests for keg lassoing, boot strutting and fanciest cowboy hats.

Here is the Higbee interview in full:

Tickets
● General Admission – $30 + fees
● Parking Pass – $10 per vehicle
Event is rain or shine. Chairs are permitted (no tents and/or umbrellas are allowed).
Tickets can be purchased at: etix.com

 

 

Ronald J. Mazzetti (1953-2026)

Ronald J. Mazzetti, 73, passed peacefully on July 31st, 2026, at Beaver Medical Center.

He was born on April 28th, 1953, the beloved son of the late Ronald Mazzetti and Vera (Ferry) Mazzetti.

He is survived by his loving wife, Lisa, his sister, Lea (Frank) Corbett, his stepmother, Naomi Mazzetti, his son, Tyler and many extended family members, friends, and loved ones who will forever treasure his memory.

Ronald graduated from Moon High School with its class of 1971. He was a Communications Workers of America member and was a retired Verizon lineman. He was also a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Lisa. He cherished his family and will be remembered for his kindness, loyalty, and the many lives he touched. His warmth, generosity, and unwavering love for his family will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

In accordance with his wishes, services are private.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral and Cremation Services, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Thomas E. Olshanski (Passed on July 22nd, 2026)

Thomas E. Olshanski, 66, of Greensboro, North Carolina, formerly of Monaca, passed away on July 22nd, 2026.

Thomas graduated from Monaca High School with the Class of 1977 and later completed Technician Training School in 1979, building a foundation for the years ahead. He was employed at Metals USA, where he was known for his reliability, dedication, and quiet commitment to doing his work well. He was a faith-filled man whose Christian faith guided the way he lived each day. He was a member of Awake Church in Winston Salem, North Carolina, and he especially loved going to church and listening to worship music. His faith was something he practiced and helping others was his passion. Those who knew him will remember the kindness, encouragement, and generosity he shared so freely. He loved landscaping, especially tending to roses. He enjoyed making sawdust through furniture and woodworking projects, often while listening to oldies. These interests reflected the patient, thoughtful, and creative nature that so many admired in him. Whether he was working outdoors, building something with care, or enjoying music,  approached life with appreciation and purpose.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Josephine Olshanski. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Mary Kay (Yuran) Olshanski, who shared with him a lifetime of love, companionship, and devotion. He is also survived by his children, Dominick Olshanski and Stephanie Olshanski and her husband, Michael McConnell, who were a source of great pride and joy in his life, his siblings: Stanley (Mary Ann) Olshanski, Karen Phillips, Mary (Bobby) Springer, Jim Olshanski (Regina Lavalle), two sister in laws, Rebecca (Mark) Stretton, and Karen (Joe) Tsai, as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family members, including his special family, Wes, Evie and Liam Atkinson.

He will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, caring brother, and faithful friend. His creativity and huge smile will live on in his daughter and his integrity and love for the ocean will live on in his son.

Family and friends will be received on Saturday, August 15th from 12 noon until a celebration of life at 2 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of his arrangements.

Jeremy Caskey will officiate the service.

The family as suggested memorial contributions be made, if desired, in Tom’s memory to CurePSP-www.psp.org.

To share online condolences, view Tom’s video tribute, or get directions, please visit www.simpsonfuneralhome.com.

Karen Susan Charlton (1962-2026)

Karen Susan Charlton, 64, of Ambridge, passed away peacefully at home on July 31st, 2026.

She was born on February 3rd, 1962, a daughter of the late Arthur and Margaret Gaertner.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Donna Gaertner.

She was the devoted wife of Lawrence Charlton and a loving mom to Parker Charlton (Natasha Charlton), Abbie Charlton (Buddy Cowles), and Preston Charlton (Jordan Charlton). She adored her grandchildren: Malayna, Maddox, Reagan, Dawson, and Vada; she treasured the time she retired early to spend with them. She also loved her step-children: Larry Charlton and his son, Blake, Aaron Charlton (Jennifer) and their son, Lochlan, Natasha Jungling (Eric), Savannah Bledsoe (Demar) and their children, Pietro, Talon, and Tymber; the late Nicholas Gavulich; and Clayton Gavulich (Brittany) and their children, Baeleigh and Cameron. She also had a special place in her heart for numerous nieces and nephews and for many of her children’s friends who became her beloved “bonus children.” Her home was always open, and she made everyone feel welcome, loved, and part of the family. She is also survived by her sisters, Peggy Watson (Rich) and Linda McAfee (Bob) and her in-laws, Scott Charlton (Susan), Kevin Charlton, and Heather Charlton, along with many nieces and nephews.

Karen was a member of One in Christ Church in Ambridge and lived her life rooted in faith and family. She worked for more than 30 years at Comcast before retiring to spend more time with those she loved. She loved cruises, playing cards, visiting the casino, and cheering on the Pittsburgh Penguins. Her laughter, warmth, and open-door hospitality will be lovingly remembered by family and friends.

A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, August 6th from 2-4 P.M. & 6 P.M. until the time of a prayer service at 7:30 P.M. in the John Syka Funeral Home, 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements. A Celebration of Life will also be held on Sunday, August 9th at 4 P.M. at One in Christ Church, 798 Park Road, Ambridge.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Peregrine Cancer Shrine at cancershrine.org (click here).

Anthony “Tony” C. Frangione (1927-2026)

Anthony “Tony” C. Frangione, 99, of Baden, passed away on July 30th, 2026, in Concordia at Villa St. Joseph in Baden.

He was born in Sewickley on July 25th, 1927, a son of the late Carmine and Mary Palmer Frangione.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Dolores Frangione and three brothers, Victor, Rocco and Raymond.

He is survived by two sons, Lawrence (Kathy) Frangione and Anthony Frangione Jr., and his partner, Beth Hammond, his three grandchildren, Alysia (Bobby) Bires, Nicole (Pietro) Pucci and Jocelyn (Jason) LeFebvre, his great grandchildren: Elisabetta (Silas) Armitage, Pietro Pucci, Zachary & Nicolas Bucka, Samuel & Salvatore Bires, Dominic & Katarina LeFebvre; as well as his brother, Ronald (Diane) Frangione, his sister, Anne Balog, his sister-in-law, Marie (Raymond) Pawloski, his brother-in-law, Albert (Maggie) Quiroz and numerous nieces, nephews, & cousins.

Anthony was a member of the 82nd Airborne serving during World War II. He was a member of the Good Samaritan Catholic Church in Ambridge and the Baden Legion. He also served on the Anthony Wayne Terrace Board of Directors for many years, which was where he served as president. He never met a person he didn’t like. He was always telling jokes, talking with people and whistling. He thrived when he was communicating with people. It energized him. He especially liked talking to young people.

A special thank you goes out to his cousin Patty and her family who were very special to him.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, August 5th from 3-7 P.M. in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where prayers will be offered on Thursday, August 6th at 10 A.M., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 A.M. in the Good Samaritan Catholic Church, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge.

The Beaver County Special Unit will meet at 11:45 A.M. in the Saints Peter & Paul Cemetery Chapel to provide full military honors.

Interment will take place immediately following in Economy Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers the family asks memorial contributions to be made to the “Good Samaritan Catholic Church, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge, PA 15003