Author: Beaver County Radio

PA Gaming Control Board Launches “What’s Really at Stake” Campaign to Bring Awareness to Underage Gambling Problem

(File Photo of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (“PGCB”) is launching the “What’s Really at Stake” campaign intended to heighten the awareness of the problematic issue of young people engaging in gambling activities. The campaign will utilize a website, access to promotional materials, online advertising and social media posts. This launch coincides with both national Problem Gambling Awareness Month in March and the start of one of the most significant wagering events in the United States, which is the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship. All of those materials are available to counselors, individuals and educational institutions as a free download at the website WhatsReallyatStake.com under the “Resources” section, which you can find by clicking here.

According to various studies:

  • 75% of U.S. college students gambled in the past year (legally or illegally), with 18% gambling weekly or more frequently; at the same time only 22% of U.S. colleges and universities have formal policies on gambling. (CollegeGambling.org)
  • 58% of 18–22-year-olds (including college students) engaged in sports betting with 6% reporting losing over $500 in a single day. Additionally, awareness of campus support for gambling problems is low with only 14% of men and 16% of women report knowing where to seek help.  (NCAA)
  • 6% of college students meet criteria for a serious gambling problem—roughly double the adult U.S. average of 3%.  (AddictionCenter.com)
  • 33.7% of youth under 18 gambled in a year period (Mass.gov)
  • More than 1 in 3 boys aged 11–17 gambled in the past year. (Common Sense Media)

AI data centers among topics discussed at the most recent Commissioners’ work session

(File Photo of the Beaver County Courthouse)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver, PA) During the audience participation segment of the Beaver County Commissioners’ work session this morning at the Beaver County Courthouse in Beaver, audience member Fabiola Gargerich of Harmony Township asked the Commissioners if they would consider the possibility of having an artificial intelligence (AI) data center or a mechanism or ordinance for one in Beaver County so things like the people there can be safeguarded. Commissioner Jack Manning responded to her suggestion by saying: “I am very supportive of a data center going into the Bruce Mansfield site,” while still stating that he understands what the concerns about this endeavour are and that there is still work that can be one with AI. In other business, Beaver County Solicitor Garen Fedeles went over some of the highlights among the thirty-two resolutions that are scheduled for tomorrow in the solicitors’ report of the session. Fedeles mentioned that some of the resolutions include a community development grant for the update of the library elevator in Ambridge, a library con event to be held on October 18th at the Community College of Beaver County in Monaca, one to help hazardous waste management cleanup at Brady’s Run and a contract with Bickerstaff Landscaping to handle bridgewater crossing and prevent knot weeds and weeds from showing up in the local area. Commissioner Manning also talked about some training that was done this morning at Penn State Beaver in Monaca by some local emergency services unit, emergency response and behavioral health professionals. Manning stated that the training was a course that was “intended to prepare emergency response personnel to handle, organize, and reunite individuals who experienced an emergent event, regardless of cause.”

Charges withdrawn from Baden woman after two-vehicle crash occurs in Pittsburgh

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Pittsburgh reported via release today that charges were withdrawn from twenty-six-year-old Vanessa Geedy of Baden after she caused a two-vehicle crash in Pittsburgh on the afternoon of March 4th, 2026. It was determined upon further investigation on the scene that at 12:04 p.m., Geedy merged from the center lane to the right lane in an unsafe manner on I-376 West at its intersection with I-279 North. Geedy hit the vehicle of thirty-six-year-old Rabiaa Ju Mustafa Daoud of White Oak. Both Mustafa Daoud and her passenger, eighteen-year-old Mariam Mohammed Mustafa Daoud, also of White Oak, were transported to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital for suspected minor injuries.

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.