Author: Beaver County Radio

New scam in Beaver County involving scam callers posing as county deputy sheriffs

(File Photo of a Scam Alert Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) A new scam is going around in Beaver County, as the Beaver County Sheriff’s Office received numerous calls regarding this scam that is being
perpetrated by individuals who is claiming to be County Deputy Sheriff’s.

The scam caller advises the victims that there is a warrant out for them for failing to appear for federal jury duty and a that the warrant can be resolved by making an immediate payment, via western union, to account numbers they provide.

The caller identification has been “spoofed” to indicate that it is the County Sheriff’s Office.

Don not give any personal information away to the scammers and if the caller claims that the County SHeriff’s Office has a warrant for you, please call either 724-770-4602 or Beaver County Emergency Services at 724-775-0880.

According to a release courtesy of the Beaver County Sheriff’s Office, here is a summary of how to safeguard you from becoming the victim of any scam:

1. Under no circumstances should a resident ever provide any personal information over the phone when receiving calls. If you have any question as to the legitimacy of the call, get the individuals name and position, hang up and then obtain legitimate contact information for the company/agency, through independent means, and re-contact them. As in this case, if they say there is a warrant for your arrest in Beaver County, contact the Beaver County Sheriff’s Office.
2. NEVER provide credit card information, social security numbers, your date of birth, bank information, gift card numbers, etc. to anyone with whom you have not initiated the call.
3. Note any telephone number of the caller displayed on your caller ID. Beware, however, that many scammers “spoof” the numbers of a legitimate entity to make you think the call is from who they claim to be.
4. Document the conversation with the suspect.
5. Disconnect without providing any financial and/or personal information.
6. Criminals are able to access much of our personal information simply with the use of personal
computers and Web sites.

James “Jim” Augustus Guzzo (1943-2026)

James “Jim” Augustus Guzzo, 83, formerly of Moon Township, passed away on June 25th, 2026.

He was born in Pittsburgh on June 14th, 1943, a cherished son of the late Joseph W. and Ida Guzzo.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Roberta S Guzzo of Sewickley, three sons: James T. (Melanie) Guzzo of Pittsburgh, Joseph W. (Hailey) Guzzo of San Diego, California and John A. (Lisa) Guzzo of St. John, Indiana, six grandchildren: James C., Grant J. (Sophie), Joselyn A., Jackson A., Jensen A., and Julianna A. Guzzo; as well as his four siblings: Joseph (Lois) Guzzo, Susan Guzzo, John R. Guzzo, and Janet Wescott.

James valued education deeply, graduating from Penn State University before going on to earn two master’s degrees from both the University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne University. He dedicated his professional life to a distinguished career at Westinghouse, where he retired as a business analyst in the Productivity and Quality Center.  He was never one to slow down, because he then founded his own consulting business, which he successfully ran before retiring to devote his time to one of his greatest passions: investing.

He was remembered as a brilliant mind and a deeply dedicated family man who brought wisdom, analytical skill, and a quiet strength to everything he did. His love for his family was the ultimate cornerstone of his life, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, learning, and devotion that will inspire his loved ones for generations to come.

A funeral mass in his honor will be held on Saturday, September 5th at 10 A.M. at St Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 1304 4th Avenue, Coraopolis.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in James’ name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Richard A. Childs, Jr. (1957-2026)

Richard A. Childs, Jr., 68, passed away peacefully at his residence on June 25th, 2026, with his loving wife by his side, after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born on August 11th, 1957, and is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Wendy Childs, his father, Richard Childs, Sr., two sisters, Barb Fetch and Chris Kephart, two stepsisters, Margie Ware and Emma Jean, a stepbrother, Joe (Bobbie) Fleet, three brothers in law, Micheal (Lynn) Moore, Edward (Deb) Moore, and John (June) Moore, twenty-one nieces and nephews, twenty-four great nieces and nephews and one great-great nephew.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Eleanor Fleet.

He worked at J & L Steel through the years and he also worked at Hospital Baby Services, installing equipment and maintaining the cameras. He also ran his own construction company, and for the last several years, he and his wife ran a small childcare center. He had 37 wonderful years with his loving and devoted wife. They had the opportunity to travel to several states and enjoy the sites that each state offered.

A Celebration of Life for Richard will occur on Saturday, August 8th at 1 P.M., in the Centerpoint Community Fellowship Hall, 118 Community College Drive, Monaca.

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

Carole Elaine (Schwartz) Dietrich (1938-2026)

Carole Elaine (Schwartz) Dietrich, 88, of Beaver Falls, passed away on June 21st, 2026, at Providence Health and Rehabilitation Center.

She was born in Beaver Falls on February 14th, 1938, the daughter of the late Fred and Edythe Schwartz. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Dietrich, her son, John William Dietrich, a brother and sister-in-law, Alfred and Leahjoy Eisenbraun and her nephew, Richard Eisenbraun. She is survived by her son, Ronald Fredric Dietrich, her daughter-in-law, Roxane Dietrich, two grandchildren, Mark Allen Dietrich and Megan Wotton, one great grandson, Jayce Dietrich, two great granddaughters, Lillie Madison Dietrich and Camden Wotton, one niece, Linda (Jeff) Howell and a number of cousins.

Carole was a 1956 graduate of Beaver Falls High School. She attended Christian Assembly in Beaver Falls. She had also been a member of First Assembly of God Church in Patterson Township, where she was on the Hospitality Committee and helped plan many dinners in the church for over 15 years with two good friends, Edie Boxen and Ruth Ann Beckman. She was involved in many different things during her life. She was most of all a devoted wife and mother. She worked at Betty Gay dress shop in Beaver Falls. She also worked as an assistant for Thrift Loan Consumer Discount Company for 15 years and retired from First National Bank, formerly Reeves Bank. After retirement, she was a caregiver for approximately 10 senior citizens where this profession came naturally for her, as she genuinely enjoyed nurturing people and helped many Beaver County families take care of their loved ones. Each of them having left a special place in her heart. She also was an excellent caregiver to her husband, Bill, for many years. She enjoyed many years in the Beaver Falls Plaza being an officer and planned many events with the Beaver Falls Plaza Organization. She and her husband Bill also started a Gospel Music Hour in 2001 at the Plaza with many singers and musicians that faithfully came every month. It also had been directed by a special friend, Dottie Jopchak, for a number of years when her husband Bill could no longer direct. She also worked for the Elections in the First Ward of Beaver Falls and also held the position of Judge of Elections for many years.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 23rd, from 2-6 p.m. at Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements. A service will be held on Friday, July 24th, at 11 a.m. at Christian Assembly Church, 814 Lincoln Place, Beaver Falls, with Pastor Dale Russo officiating. A private burial will take place at Grandview Cemetery, 139 Norwood Drive, Beaver Falls. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Providence Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Pirates sign outfielder and former player Joshua Palacios to a minor-league contract

(Credit for Photo: Pittsburgh Pirates’ Josh Palacios celebrates as he crosses home plate on a solo home run off Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Yonny Chirinos during the fifth inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The Pittsburgh Pirates signed outfielder Joshua Palacios to a minor-league contract and optioned him to Triple-A Indianapolis yesterday, according to the MLB transactions log.  

Palacios is closer to returning to the Pirates after he played for them in 2023 and 2024.  

He slashed .236/.291/.398 for an OPS of .689, along with earning 74 hits, 11 doubles, 2 triples, twelve home runs and 49 RBIs in 114 games with the Pirates. 

Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center Announces 2026-2027 Clearview Federal Credit Union Subscription Series Season: FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FOREVER!

(File Photo of the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Midland, PA) Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center has announced its 2026-2027 Clearview Federal Credit Union Subscription Series Season called For The First Time In Forever! to celebrate its 20th anniversary season.

They will bring back some of their most memorable and popular productions of the last two decades.

Tickets go on sale on Monday, July 13th at 9 a.m. and you can either go to lincolnparkarts.org or call 724-576-4644 to purchase them.

According to a release courtesy of Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center, here is more information about these shows and their descriptions, as well as show dates, times and locations:

DISNEY’S FROZEN | October 2-4 & 9-11 | MainStage Theater

Filled with breathtaking magic, unforgettable music, heartwarming humor, and beloved characters,
like Kristoff, Sven, and everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf, Frozen is a powerful celebration of sisterhood, acceptance, and discovering the true meaning of love.

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER JR. | November 13-15 & 19-22 | MainStage Theater

This joyful Broadway Junior adaptation brings the classic television special to life in a festive 60-minute musical adventure.

A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE PLAY | December 4-6, 11-13 & 18-20 | BlackBox Theater

Overflowing with humor, nostalgia, and heart, this play adaptation of A Christmas Story beautifully captures the wonder of childhood and the importance of family during the most magical time of the year!

THE NUTCRACKER | December 11-13 & 18-20 | MainStage Theater

Lincoln Park’s longest-running tradition returns for its 19th production for two unforgettable weekends. Experience the beauty, elegance, and enchantment of this treasured holiday classic with the entire family.

 

OUR TOWN | February 12-14 &19-21, 2027 | BlackBox Theater

Widely regarded as one of the greatest American plays ever written, Thornton Wilder’s deeply moving story reminds us to treasure life’s fleeting moments and the extraordinary beauty found in everyday experiences.

 

MY WAY: A TRIBUTE TO FRANK SINATRA | March 18-21, 2027 | MainStage Theater

Fully reimagined with a larger singing and dancing ensemble and an expanded live jazz orchestra on stage, this celebration of the music and mystique of Ol’ Blue Eyes and his remarkable five-decade career will transport audiences to the glamorous era of supper clubs, vintage Las Vegas, and timeless sophistication.

THE WIZARD OF OZ | April 30 – May 2 & May 7-9, 2027 | MainStage Theater

Follow the yellow brick road once more in The Wizard of Oz, the beloved stage adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s timeless classic, featuring the iconic score from the legendary MGM film. The Wizard of Oz will delight audiences of all ages!

GREASE THE MUSICAL| June 18-20 & 25-27, 2027 | MainStage Theater

Bursting with rock ’n’ roll energy and iconic songs like “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin’,” and “We Go Together,” Grease remains one of the world’s most beloved musicals — an electrifying celebration of youth, rebellion, and the spirit of the 1950s.

Structure fire occurs at the Giant Eagle in Rochester

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Gavin Thunberg)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Rochester, PA) The Rochester Fire Department was dispatched to the Giant Eagle in Rochester just after 1 p.m. yesterday afternoon because of a commercial structure fire.

A caller reported that a display was on fire in the deli section. 

An electrician was called to the scene and firefighters worked to resolve the incident before returning to service.

Two teenagers taken into custody and charged after shots fired in Aliquippa

(File Photo of a Police Siren Light)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Aliquippa, PA) The Aliquippa Police Department responded to a report of shots fired in the 1900 block of McLean Street in the Hollywood section of Aliquippa yesterday at approximately 9:17 a.m. 

Witnesses reported observing two black men wearing all black clothing and ski masks immediately after the gunfire. More information was received that the same individuals had tried to force entry into a residence on Irwin Street before escaping on foot. 

A coordinated search of the area was conducted and a perimeter was established by Aliquippa Police officers and officers from the Hopewell Township Police Department.

During the search of the area, a tan 9mm handgun equipped with a 30-round extended magazine that had no serial number was recovered by those officers and an Aliquippa Police K9.

Both suspects were located and were taken into custody after they attempted to flee from officers on foot.  

One of them was identified as eighteen-year-old Jaymir Williams of Aliquippa, formerly of Woodland Hills.

Williams was charged with criminal Attempt (criminal trespass) and evading arrest or detention on foot.

The other suspect was identified was a 17-year-old male juvenile. Charges have been filed against him through Juvenile Services.  

Search warrants were also executed and the evidence was collected for submission to the Pennsylvania State Police Crime Laboratory as the investigation into this incident continues. 

More charges that involve the recovered firearm are pending Crime Lab results.  

If anyone has more information about this incident, please call the Aliquippa Police Department at 724-378-8000 and tips can be anonymous.

Some residents upset by differing amounts of money from East Palestine settlement checks

(File Photo: Source for Photo: A view of the scene Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, as the cleanup continues at the site of of a Norfolk Southern freight train derailment that happened on Feb. 3 in East Palestine, Ohio. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(East Palestine, OH) A $600 million class action settlement is finally paying out more than three years after the Norfolk Southern train derailment occurred in East Palestine, Ohio on February 3rd, 2023.

However, some residents say that the payout feels like a slap in the face. A Norfolk Southern train derailed in East Palestine during that incident, dumping toxic chemicals like vinyl chloride into the community.

Those that were impacted could submit claims to get a piece of the awarded settlement, but not everyone is happy with the check amounts that were delivered this week. 

Direct payment checks were paid on a “per-household” basis and they were mailed on June 30th. The “per household” basis means that they all got reviewed and combined for just one check if multiple claims were submitted from the same house.  

According to the settlement website, people who disagree with their payment amount should review how their payment award got determined to better understand the process.

People can appeal this and you can call Epiq’s hotline by clicking here.

No charges filed after two-vehicle crash in Robinson Township

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Robinson Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Pittsburgh reported yesterday that no charges were filed after a two-vehicle crash occurred in Robinson Township on June 28th. According to police, a driver was traveling in his vehicle on I-79 North in the on-ramp area from Coraopolis at 2:14 p.m. and merged onto the interstate improperly, hitting another vehicle. There were no reported injuries.