Author: Beaver County Radio

New county assistant director of veterans’ affairs announced at Commissioners’ work session

(File Photo of the Beaver County Courthouse)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

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

County Commissioner Jack Manning had a special announcement during the Commissioners’ report of the session.

Manning let the audience of the session know that Charles “Mick” Jones will be the new assistant director of veterans affairs at around the end of 2026.

Jones will be leaving his position as the city manager of Beaver Falls before he goes into his new role, and Manning stated: “We (the Board of County Commissioners) couldn’t be more pleased to have someone with the skill set and the commitment to veterans than Mick.”

Commissioner Tony Amadio also talked in the commssioners’ report of the session about how he and Commissioner Manning went to Beaver Falls Middle School yesterday and looked at an after-school program there that grants that the Board of Commissioners supported funded.

Amadio confirmed that this program gave kids a place to go after the school day is over to learn and play because some kids do not have that place to go to after school.

The times for this program is from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and activities that the kids are doing is accomplishing their homework, getting tutored, working with Neighborhood North Museum of Play with items like 3D Printing, a cooking program and a theater program.

Manning affirmed that Beaver Falls Middle School is the only school in the county that has this kind of program for kids that volunteer for it.

County Solicitor Garen Fedeles noted during the solicitors’ report of the session that there are close to 100 assessment appeals that have been filed for 2026.

Fedeles stated that there are twenty-five resolutions for tomorrow, and one of them is a new software (website) for the County Elections Bureau.

During the part of the session for other business, County Director of Elections Colin Sisk presented some new features of this.

This is specfically how it displays the results on election night.

Sisk noted that this feature was traditionally uploaded in PDF files about every twenty to thirty minutes.

The company that is assisting the county in this is SOE Software and when it is complete, viewers can see things like a precinct map for every contest.

Sisk said that these features “should be live on the county website by the end of the week.”

Commissioner Chairman Dan Camp also noted that the Board of Commissioners are working with the County Coroner to address the remains that are at a facility at the St. Barnabas Building from the Wampum Mushroom Mines.

Specifically, those parties are working with Beaver Cemetery to get a mausoleum to have those remains be placed there.

The goal of County Coroner David Gabauer is to have the process of having those remains moved to Beaver Cemetery by January of 2027.

McRib returning to Pittsburgh McDonald’s and participating locations for a limited time

(Caption for Photo: This photo provided by McDonald’s shows the McRib sandwich. McDonald’s announced that is was bringing its barbeque slathered sandwich with the cult following back for yet another run on Dec. 2. The fast-food giant said the sandwich would be available nationally for the first time since 2012, but only at participating restaurants for a limited time. (McDonald’s via AP)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) A fan-favorite fast food item at McDonald’s is going to be available in the Steel City soon.

The McRib sandwich is returning to McDonald’s restaurants in Pittsburgh and participating locations that are across Pennsylvania for a limited time starting on Monday, October 26th.

The McRib consists of a seasoned boneless pork patty which is slathered in barbecue sauce and topped with slivered onions and dill pickles made on a homestyle bun.

Customers can buy the sandwich in stores or they can order through the McDonald’s mobile app.

Penguins forward Ben Kindel suffers seizure during medical episode on team’s flight from Salt Lake City

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Penguins’ Ben Kindel (81) is defended by Winnipeg Jets’ Josh Morrissey (44) during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Pittsburgh, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Salt Lake City, UT) Pittsburgh Penguins forward Ben Kindel is recovering after suffering a medical episode yesterday on the team’s flight from Salt Lake City, Utah.

Multiple reporters in Pittsburgh have recently indicated that the nineteen-year-old Kindel suffered a seizure during the flight.

According to the Penguins, Kindel is conscious, alert and stable.

New Castle Resident Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl and Cocaine Trafficking Charges

(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today that a resident of New Castle, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of trafficking fentanyl and cocaine.

Thirty-year-old Khalis Collins pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand to conspiring to distribute quantities of cocaine and fentanyl from August of 2025 to April of 2026, and possessing with intent to distribute cocaine on April 1st, 2026.

Judge Wiegand scheduled the sentencing of Collins for February 18th, 2027.

Collins could face a total sentence of up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $2 million, or both, provided by the law.

John E. Bungard (Passd on October 19th, 2026)

John E. Bungard, 77, of Monaca, passed away on October 19th, 2026 while in the hospital.

John was raised in Hopewell and was a graduate of Hopewell Area High School. He was a motorcycle enthusiast who loved riding his Harley Davidson and had previously been a member of a couple bowling leagues at the Sheffield and Center Lanes. When his girls were growing up, he was involved with their fast pitch softball teams and enjoyed spending time with them camping.

He was a son of the late Roy E. and Mary Bungard. He is survived by three daughters, Carrie Brewer, Amy Bungard and Beth (Jermaine) Mitchell, five grandchildren: Regan, Tyler, Makenzi, Aadisyn and Kadyn; as well as a great grandchild, Baxton, a sister, Karen (Dan) Guman, a brother, Richard “Roy” Bungard and Linda Bungard, who is the mother of his children, his significant other, Beverly Simoni with whom he shared the last 14 years of his life and her children: Tiffani and Stephanie (Rob) and her grandchildren: Taylor, Myckenzie, Justin, Anthony, Nolan Bre, Jordan and Giovanni.

Friends will be received on Friday, October 23rd from 4 p.m. until the time of service at 6 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of his arrangements.

Beau Matthew Loncar (2003-2026)

Beau Matthew Loncar, 23, of Industry, suddenly passed away on October 17th, 2026.

He was born in Beaver on March 12th, 2003, a beloved son to John Loncar Jr. and Michelle White.

Beau was a 2021 graduate of Western Beaver High School, where he found great joy participating in athletics throughout his high school years. He went on to graduate from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), as a member of the Class of 2026. He was currently a full-time accountant with Butler Agnew & Associates. He also proudly served his country in the United States Army.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, John Loncar Sr. He is survived by his parents, John (Susan Clibbens) Loncar and Michelle (Kendall Dietrich) White, his grandparents, Rick and Cookie White and Bob and Nancy Scott, his great grandparents, Howard and Faye White, his loving siblings: Hunter Loncar, Ashley (Chris) Selby, Bubba, Kinsley, Carson, Jennifer (Luke) Stone, Jonathan Clibbens, Spencer (Nicole), Alexa, and his unborn niece; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and lifelong friends.

Beau will forever be remembered as a wonderful friend and brother to many. He served as the glue to his circles and would do anything for those he loved.

Friends will be received on Saturday, October 24th from 12 noon-4 p.m. at Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements. A celebration of life will be held afterwards at Jonas Pavillion (Knights of Columbus), located at 6079 Tuscarawas Road, Industry, PA 15052. Please come casual or wear your favorite sports jersey.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Beaver County Veteran’s Office located at the Beaver County Courthouse, 810 Third Street or Nicolina’s Wishes, located at 3140 Brodhead Rd, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

To send flowers with our preferred florist or plant a memorial tree, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Beth Schell (1930-2026)

Beth Schell, 87, of Moon Township, passed away peacefully on October 19th, 2026 at home. She is survived by her beloved husband of almost 60 years, Charles “Chuck” Schell and three daughters, Linda Schell Rakers of Sewickley Township, Anne (Scott) Campbell of Castle Shannon and Julie Schell (David Mote) of Ross Township. She was known as Mema to four loving granddaughters: Lauren and Kate Campbell and Rylee and Morgan Rakers. She is also survived by her niece, Paige Leet and her nephew, Jeff Petry and many other beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was born in Harlan, Kentucky on November 30th, 1938, a daughter of the late William and Lucille (Howard) Robertson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Charles, Bill (and the late Barbara), Gene, and Scotty Robertson and her sister, Joann (and the late Dale) Petry as well as her nephew, Bryan Robertson (survived by Danielle Hockey). She was also the sister-in-law of the late Jane and Mike O’Donnell.

Her Kentucky friends knew her as Mary Elizabeth and her Pittsburgh friends knew her as Beth; either way she always had a compliment and a hug to give those she knew and many that she did not know.

She was a proud 30-year breast cancer survivor. She most enjoyed being at home with family and friends and was a loyal Pittsburgh Pirates fan. The family wishes to thank the staff at Harmony at Diamond Ridge Retirement Community and Advanced Home Care and Hospice. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in her name to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Friends will be received on Thursday, October 29th from 5-8 p.m. and Friday, October 30th from 10 a.m. until the time of a memorial service at 11:30 a.m. at The Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Moon Township, 1522 Coraopolis Heights Road, Coraopolis. Private interment will happen at a later date.

U.S. Department of Energy announces new conditional loan to help nuclear power in Pennsylvania and Ohio

(File Photo: Source for Photo: The Department of Energy in Washington, May 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) U.S. Department of Energy Under Secretary Kyle Haustveit spoke with Frank Sparks on Beaver County Radio’s Driving in the Fast Lane yesterday about an announcement of a new conditional loan that will assist nuclear power in Pennsylvania and Ohio.

Haustveit confirmed that President Donald Trump is focusing on abundance of energy and the protection of hard-working Americans.

This loan will make sure that data centers are not hurting people in the United States of America in terms of Americans’ electricity bills.

Haustveit noted that when it comes to data centers, “in many cases, they’re actually bringing more power than they’ll consume,” and they put more electrons and electricity on the grid when it is colder outside to help add more supply and bring costs down.

President Trump signed four executive orders last May, and one of them involves getting more electricity out of plants that are existing by new fuels and new technology, which more efficiently converts heat into electricity.

Haustveit states that this protects about four gigawatts, which is enough for over 3 million homes, and the output will be increased by about 10%.

This can result in thousands of jobs as these investments continue for local workers and adding about twenty years of life for power plants so they can continue to provide the reliable electricity that nuclear power has.

Record Number of Americans Planning Cruise Vacations in 2027

(File Photo: Source for Photo: The Italian cruise ship, the Costa Serena, that will house up to 5,000 officials and athletes for the Asian Games, arrives at a port in Nagoya, central Japan, Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026. Credit for Photo: Courtesy of Kazushi Kurihara/Kyodo News via AP))

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The number of Americans planning cruise vacations is expected to hit a record high for the fifth year in a row.

AAA projects that 22.4 million people in the United States will go on domestic and international ocean cruises in the year of 2027, which is a 3.6% increase over the year of 2026.

2026 is also expected to end with higher than projected numbers for cruise travelers, as more of them turn to going on cruises for the convenience, value, and variety.

Allegheny County Council approves policy mandating paid parental leave

(Caption for Photo: A packed house listens during a council meeting ahead of a final vote on paid parental leave legislation at the Allegheny County Courthouse in downtown Pittsburgh on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026. (Massoud Hossaini/TribLive)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) Allegheny County Council voted 11-4 yesterday to approve a policy that requires many employers to provide eligible workers with up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave.

This policy applies to employers that have 15 or more employees and covers the birth or adoption of a child, as well as a stillbirth.

Employers with less than 15 employees are exempt.

Workers that are full-time must be employed for six months to qualify and workers that are part-time must work at least 625 hours.

Allegheny County would be the first county in the entire country to adopt a paid parental leave mandate independently.

This measure now goes to Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato for her signature.