Author: Beaver County Radio

Old Economy Park pool liner progress and state budget passing among topics discussed in most recent Commissioners’ work session

(File Photo of the Beaver County Courthouse)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver, PA) Several topics were discussed at this morning’s Beaver County Commissioners’ work session at the County Courthouse.

County Department of Sustainability and Waste Management Director and Recycling Coordinator Becca Naber also noted that the county will hold its yearly household waster event on October 3rd so people can recycle responsibly.

Naber said that the Commissioners sponsored this event.

Beaver County Recreation and Tourism Director Tony Caltury told the Commissioners that he would meet with someone who is helping with the liner of the pool at Old Economy Park in Baden for a “final walk through and sign off.”

Caltury will also meet with the YMCA tomorrow as well as a staff that is helping out with this project so an announcement can come to move forward with opening the pool “in some capacity in the coming weeks,” to get it up and running.

Caltury also mentioned that this Saturday at 11 a.m. is when the Rainbow Bridge will open at the dog park area at Brady’s Run Park, which was possible through donations from private citizens.

Commissioner Jack Manning talked about the passing about the state budget by Governor Josh Shapiro on Sunday which passed before the end of this year even though it did not pass at the deadline of June 30th.

Manning also let the audience of the session know of the Vietnam Veterans’ Moving Wall from tomorrow to July 20th at Franciscan Manor to pay tribute to local veterans who lost their lives in the line of duty in the Vietnam War.

County Solicitor Garen Fedeles also mentioned the the law library at the county courthouse is free for the public to use and presented a certificate of recognition to Brittney Hamy for winning the American Association of Law Libraries Government Law Library Special Interest Section Law Library Advocate Award.

Court approves Leetsdale developer to buy Pittsburgh Technical College’s campus in Allegheny County

(Caption for Photo: Pittsburgh Technical College., Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Jim Harris/Pittsburgh Business Times)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) Pittsburgh Technical College could have a new owner because a court approved Chapman Properties, which is a developer out of Leetsdale, to buy its campus in North Fayette Township last week.  

The campus located off of McKee Road is 170 acres and includes an administration building, as well as classrooms and student housing. 

Chapman Properties told the Pittsburgh Business Times that North Fayette Township wants the property back on the tax rolls, and everything can be repurposed, but it will require zoning changes and some creativity.

New Jersey Devils sign former Penguins forward Anthony Mantha to a two year contract

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Penguins’ Anthony Mantha (39) celebrates his second goal of the game during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Carolina Hurricanes in Pittsburgh, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025. (Gene J. Puskar/AP)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The New Jersey Devils announced today that have signed forward Anthony Mantha to a two-year contract worth $9.5 million.

The thirty-one-year-old Mantha played last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Mantha finished with a career-high 33 goals and 64 points during last season’s regular season for the Penguins.

Dennis J. Cottage (1946-2026)

Dennis J. Cottage, 80, of Chippewa Township, passed away peacefully on July 12th, 2026, with his devoted wife and dear friends by his side.

He was born on April 23rd, 1946, the beloved son of the late George and Kathryn (Bill) Cottage.

Dennis proudly served his country in the United States Navy Sea Bees. Following his military service in Vietnam, he attended Point Park Junior College and Marietta College in Ohio before beginning a successful career as an engineering cost estimator, working for several companies throughout his professional life. Above all else, he was a man of deep and unwavering faith. he dedicated his life to serve with the Jehovah’s Witnesses 52 years ago. He faithfully served as an elder with its Beaver Falls Congregation. Sharing the Bible’s message and the hope of God’s Kingdom brought him great joy and purpose. He dearly loved his brothers and sisters in the congregation and treasured the lifelong friendships they shared. He found happiness in the simple wonders of God’s creation. He had a passion for astronomy, photography, books, and music. He was also a sports enthusiast who enjoyed cheering on Pittsburgh’s professional teams and in his younger years, was an accomplished baseball pitcher. Most of all, Dennis cherished the time he spent with his family and friends, creating memories that will be forever treasured.

He is survived by his beloved wife of more than 60 years, Loretta (DeVincent) Cottage, his daughter, Carrie (Derrick) Burton, his cherished grandchildren: Kylee Nikole, Indiya, and Marcellus; as well as his adored great-grandchildren, Bryce Alexander, Natalia, and Marcellus and his many spiritual brothers and sisters of the Beaver Falls Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses and around the world.

Family and friends will be received at 6 P.M. Monday July 20th at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Beaver Falls Congregation, 3122 37th Street Extension, Beaver Falls, where a funeral discourse will follow at 7 P.M.

A private inurnment will take place at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville.

The Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, was honored to care for the Cottage family during this difficult time and was the funeral home that was in charge of Dennis’ arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Beaver Falls Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses through the official donation website at www.donate.jw.org (click here).

Jason Tyson (1974-2026)

Jason Tyson, 51, passed away on July 4th, 2026. He was born on November 21st, 1974, and was born with sickle cell anemia. Though his illness often limited his physical abilities and kept him in hospitals for much of his life, it never diminished his spirit.

Jason lived hard, laughed hard, and loved hard. He had a deep appreciation for construction and trucking, always enjoying opportunities to help load and unload trucks whenever he was able. He took pride in working with his hands and never let his circumstances define who he was.

Above all, his cherished his family, his friends, and his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. His greatest joy was his daughter and grandchildren, whom he loved beyond measure. Their love for him was just as deep, and their greatest wish was simply to have him healthy and by their side.

Pain was a constant companion throughout much of his life, as he spent nearly 60 to 70 percent of it in hospitals. Yet he endured with remarkable strength, managing each day the best way he knew how. Those who knew him also knew he spoke his mind. In fact, if you never argued with him, you probably didn’t know him very well. His honesty, passion, and unmistakable personality made him unforgettable.

Though his journey was far from easy, he leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, laughter, loyalty, and unconditional love. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Jason is survived by his mother, Mary Greer, two children, Jaeleigh Tyson and Chavon Tyson, six beautiful grandchildren: Camauri Moran, Sheron Moran, Jr., Shamaur Moran, Chavon Tyson, Jr., Mecca Tyson and Mazziair Tyson; as well as his siblings from the maternal side, Rahim X Tyson and Monique Tyson, his siblings from the paternal side: Jayace Williams, Arnold Williams, Jr., Melinda Epperson, Arnell Williams and Curtis Foskey; along with a sister-in-law, Frederica X Tyson, a host of aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and cousins. A special shout out also went out to Jason’s Uncle Willie, as he affectionately called him, “Mella Yella!”

He is preceded in death by his father, Arnold Williams, Sr.

A Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 16th from 11 A.M. until time of a service at 1 P.M. in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc, 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements.

Two people from New Jersey apprehended and charged after over $3 million worth of marijuana was found in their van on the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Cumberland County

(File Photo of Handcuffs)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Cumberland County, PA) Two people from New Jersey are now facing charges after police said over $3 million worth of marijuana was found in their van during a traffic stop on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. 

According to Pennsylvania State Police, troopers pulled over a Ram 3500 van on Interstate 76 West in Lower Mifflin Township in Cumberland County, around 9 p.m. on July 9th because it was going 99 mph in a 70 mph zone.

Police confirm that the driver, 19-year-old Yackov Bitan of Lakewood, New Jersey, was not licensed to drive a vehicle.  

After searching the vehicle, troopers affirmed they learned the van was hauling more than 700 pounds of marijuana and 200 THC vape cartridges and state police affirm that overall, the drugs had a street value of over $3.3 million. 

Police also stated that the drugs were seized and Bitan and his passenger, 34-year-old Yosef Marchette of Toms River, New Jersey, were arrested. 

Both Bitan and Marchette received a charge of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and police note that they have been arraigned, and their bail was set at $500,000.

The duo is in the Cumberland County Jail pending a preliminary hearing. 

Penguins sign forward Nick Robertson to a two year contract

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of the Associated Press)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Pittsburgh Penguins President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Kyle Dubas announced yesterday that the Penguins have signed forward Nick Robertson to a two-year contract. The average annual value of this deal is $3.25 million for the twenty-four-year-old Robertson. 

The Penguins acquired Robertson from the Toronto Maple Leafs on July 1st in exchange for a 2028 fourth-round NHL draft pick. 

Robertson has played his last six NHL seasons with the Maple Leafs.

He recorded career highs with 16 goals, 16 assists and 32 points in 78 games with the Maple Leafs last season. 

Beaver Valley Mall holding Celebrate America 250 event this weekend

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Beaver Valley Mall)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Monaca, PA)  The Beaver Valley Mall is having an event called Celebrating America 250 this Saturday, July 18th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The activities for this event include face painting, games, raffles and giveaways.  

The schedule of special events throughout Celebrate America 250 at the mall in Monaca are a patriotic pet contest and The Gathering Market craft show starting at 10 a.m., an obstacle bounce course starting at 11 a.m. and both DJ entertainment and a life flight helicopter visit starting at noon.

You can also honor a patriot of your choice by either writing a special message or writing the name of an active-duty service member, veteran or a first responder on a commemorative star.

Pennsylvania Turnpike halting plan to text drivers about unpaid tolls

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – Vehicles move past signs that indicate payment methods for driving on the Pennsylvania Turnpike at the entrance ramp in Gibsonia, Pa. in this file photo from Aug. 30, 2021. Gov. Tom Wolf gave final approval on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022, to legislation aimed at getting owners or operators of some 25,000 vehicles to pay their overdue bills for turnpike usage, The law that could trigger the suspension of thousands of vehicle registrations early next year. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Middletown, PA) The Pennsylvania Turnpike is now delaying a plan to text drivers about unpaid tolls.

The Turnpike Commission was preparing a pilot program which would send text reminders to drivers before unpaid tolls were sent to collections.

The commission notes that it is saving the idea for the time being.

The agency also commented in part of a statement: “Based on feedback, and until we can more clearly distinguish ourselves from scammers, we are not moving forward with the additional text messaging pilot at this time.”

The goal of this proposed texting program, according to agency officials, was to collect payments faster and reduce the number of accounts sent to collections.

House passes bill to “ditch the switch” and make daylight saving time permanent

(File Photo: Source for Photo: The Capitol is seen in Washington, Tuesday, June 16, 2026. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

WASHINGTON (AP) — There will be no turning back the clock if the House has its way.

The House passed a bill Tuesday that would make daylight saving time permanent. Proponents, including the White House, argued the change would provide more daylight during the times that Americans are most active. The vote was 308-117.

Daylight saving time is that period between spring and fall when clocks in most parts of the United States are set one hour ahead of standard time. States could opt out if their respective legislatures act to do so before the bill’s enactment. The Senate would also have to pass the bill before it could be signed into law, but it’s unclear if it will do so.

Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., said Americans are ready to “ditch the switch,” saying that changing the clock twice a year creates unnecessary disruption. More important, he said, it would give families more daylight time in the evening to spend outdoors and support local businesses.

“In my home state of Florida where tourism is a cornerstone of our economy, having more predictable daylight hours is a practical improvement that benefits workers, businesses and visitors alike,” Bilirakis said.

Detractors said permanent daylight saving time would lead to darker and potentially more hazardous winter mornings where children will be waiting for school buses and parents will be driving to work in darkness.

“Millions of Americans will wake up during the winter months in complete darkness with the sun not rising until long after people get up and travel to school or work or have to go about their days,” said Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, D-Pa.

Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass, said he supported the bill, but he questioned whether it was the best way for Congress to be spending its time.

“For folks getting crushed by rent, groceries, utility bills and healthcare costs, is this really the best the majority can do?” McGovern said. “Is this really the most pressing issue before the American people at this moment?”

A 2025 poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows that if forced to choose, most Americans would prefer to keep that extra hour of daylight in the evening.

If they had to choose one option for the entire country to use, more than half of adults — 56% — prefer making daylight saving time permanent, with less light in the morning and more light in the evening. About 4 in 10 prefer standard time, with more light in the morning and less in the evening.

The White House weighed in before the House vote, calling the “Sunshine Protection Act” a popular, common-sense reform and saying advisers would recommend the president sign the bill if it reaches his desk.

Members of Congress have long been interested in the potential benefits and costs of daylight saving time since it was first adopted as a wartime measure in 1942. The Senate passed a bill four years ago to make daylight saving time permanent, but it stalled in the House.