(File Photo of a Police Siren Light)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Beaver, PA) A crash happened this morning near Heritage Valley Beaver. It backed up traffic in the area. There were at least two people affected by the crash. That is all the information that we have at this time.
(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of People’s Natural Gas)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Pittsburgh, PA) Today is National Energy Assistance Day, and Peoples Natural Gas urges its customers to explore assistance programs that are available now that can help manage monthly bills. According to a release in Pittsburgh today from People’s Natural Gas, several programs to help customers keep their homes warm and manage their monthly bills can vbe found below:
You can learn more about these programs and apply by either calling 1-800-400-WARM (9276) by visiting peoples-gas.com/help by clicking here.
(File Photo of Police Siren Lights)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Center Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Beaver reported via release today that twenty-year-old Joseph Verbeck of Imperial, Pennsylvania was charged after a single-vehicle crash in Center Township yesterday morning. At 7:24 a.m., Verbeck was driving too fast on I-376 East for a left-hand curve and lost control of his vehicle. Verbeck eventually hit a snow bank after leaving the right of the roadway and hit a guard rail, but he was not injured as a result of this crash.
(Photo Courtesy of Gavin Thunberg)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Midland, PA) Midland Volunteer Fire Department Station 95 and their automatic aid were toned for an automatic fire alarm at around 6:15 p.m. yesterday evening at Lincoln Early Learning Center in Midland, which is located on 13th Street. A key holder arrived at the scene and a walkthrough of the school building was initiated. The result of the walkthrough was that there was no fire found and departments returned to service after this incident occurred.
(Photo Courtesy of Gavin Thunberg)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(West Mayfield, PA) The City of Beaver Falls Fire Department and their first alarm responded just after 11:15 p.m. yesterday evening because of a structure fire in West Mayfield on West 10th Avenue. A caller reported an odor of something burning inside the apartment. After an investigation was held by firefighters, the incident was held to the personnel on scene and companies returned soon after it was handled.
(File Photo of Handcuffs)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Lawrence County, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in New Castle reported via release today that fifty-one-year-old Brandon Falen of Ellwood City was apprehended on Saturday evening for making terroristic threats that evening in Lawrence County. This happened at 10:08 p.m. at a residence along Laurel Avenue in Wayne Township and Falen made threats of killing everyone in the residence, cutting off the head of his wife and killing all of the law enforcement that was responding to the incident. Falen was taken into Pennsylvania State Police custody without incident even though he tried to resist arrest and he is in Lawrence County Jail. Falen had charges of disorderly conduct, harassment of physical contact, resisting arrest and terroristic threats filed against him. The victims of this incident were an unidentified forty-five-year-old woman from Ellwood City and an unidentified twenty-two-year-old woman from Beaver Falls.
Catherine L. Budacki, 93, passed away peacefully on January 31st, 2026, at Concordia Villa St. Joseph in Baden, her home for the last five years. Catherine spent her formative years in Monaca, where she was embraced by the love of her parents, the late John and Barbara (Jakovic) Budacki. She grew up alongside her siblings, sharing an unbreakable bond that only siblings understand. Her brothers John and Walter Budacki, a half brother, William Budacki and her sisters, Mary Budacki, Ann Kochanowski, and Diane McPherson have preceded her in death. She is survived by her beloved sister, Rosemary Budacki, along with several devoted nieces and nephews. She dedicated many years of her life as a medical secretary, working diligently alongside Dr. Pantalone and Dr. Conte. She was a long-standing member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Monaca, now part of Mary, Queen of Saints Parish. As we bid farewell to Catherine L. Budacki, we are reminded of the impact one life can have on so many. Friends will be received on Wednesday, February 4th from 11 a.m. until the time of a service at 1 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of her arrangements, where the blessing service will be held. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery of Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services.
Brandon Lee Cumberledge, 30, of Rochester, a cherished son, devoted father, grandson, beloved brother, nephew, and a friend to many, passed away on January 30th, 2026. He was born in Beaver, Pennsylvania and his life was cut short after a courageous battle with mental illness.
Brandon was a beloved son of Angel Marie Yoho and Rick L Cumberledge. He was a loving brother to Chris (Theresa) Yoho, Erick, and Amanda Cumberledge. His presence will be deeply missed by his children, Aubreigh, Brantley, and Haisley, along with their mother, Ashleigh Rice. His children were the center of his universe. Their memories of their father will be cherished and kept alive through the stories and love he left behind. He was the adored grandson of William and June Yoho, Robert (Sue) Cumberledge, and Priscilla Ruth. His uncles, William “JR” Yoho Jr. (Jessica Monick), Robert Cumberledge, Jr., Jimmy Ruth, and Robert Cumberledge, and his aunt, Lisa Cumberledge, will hold dear the time spent with him. His great uncle and aunt George (Erma) Yoho, godfather George Yoho Jr. along with his faithful canine companion, Shadow, were significant figures in his life, along with numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Dorothy Yoho, and paternal grandfather, James Ruth, who have now welcomed him with open arms.
Brandon’s formative years were spent at Raccoon and Independence Elementary School and later at Hopewell Junior and Senior High School, where he excelled as a member of the Hopewell wrestling team winning a state championship and played with heart on the Red Devil Football Team. As an adult, he was employed at the Rochester Giant Eagle store where he started as a Meat Apprentice and later moved to the deli department, but was widely known throughout the store. In prior years worked at Gold Bond Building Products-Gypsum Board Plant in Aliquippa where he tarped trucks and CLW Delivery where he worked in shipping, receiving, and delivery. He was an outdoorsman at heart who found solace and joy in hunting and fishing. Above all, his life revolved around his three children. Every decision, every sacrifice, and every moment of joy was shared with them.
Friends will be received on Wednesday, February 4th from 4 p.m. until the time of service at 8 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES , 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of his arrangements. The Reverend Gregory Clagg, Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Rochester will officiate. The family has requested that everyone attending to please wear the color purple or teal to signify suicide awareness.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations given to his parents will be directed toward Brandon’s three children.
To share online condolences, view his video tribute, or get directions, please visit www.simpsonfuneralhome.com.
Harry Richard Lewis, Jr., 81, of Beaver County, Independence Township, passed away peacefully on his birthday, January 29th, 2026, at Celebration Villa of Chippewa.
He was born on January 29, 1945 in Pittsburgh, the son of the late Harry Richard Sr., and Carieta (McConnell) Lewis. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Elaine (Kradlock) Lewis, his children: Allan (Shelby) Lewis, Robert (Kris) Lewis, Pam (Randy) Hysong, and Shawn Lewis; as well as ght grandchildren: Ashley, Shannon, Wesley, Rachelle, Benjamin, Tabor, Jake, and Katie; along with eleven great-grandchildren, numerous other family members, and friends.
Harry worked for over fifty years for numerous railroad companies, later retiring from Norfolk Southern as an engineer. He was a hardworking man and a strong presence in his family’s lives. In his free time, he enjoyed traveling to different states to watch his grandchildren race quads.
In accordance with Harry’s wishes, he will be cremated and no services will be held.
The GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES (Branch), 340 Third Street, Beaver, was honored to provide care and guidance to the Lewis family and was the funeral home that was in charge of his arrangements.
Roberta “Tootie” A. Barber, 93, of Beaver Falls, passed away on January 31st, 2026 at Beaver Valley Nursing and Rehab.
She was born in Freedom on August 19th, 1932, the daughter of the late Nathaniel Thomas Barnes and Helen (Black) Cerutti. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 48 years, Ernest Barber, Jr. and her daughter, Shirley Ann Ripple. She is survived by her daughter, Helen (Joe) Kovacs, her grandchildren: Duane (Melissa) Stewart III, Patrick Stewart, Joseph Kovacs, and Gerry Lynn (Terry) Hunt; as well as her great-grandchildren: Duane IV, Hadley, Ethan, Jaycie, and Grace; along with one great-great grandchild, Milo.
Roberta loved bingo, going to yard sales, and spending time with boxer dogs. When at home she enjoyed crafting and building jigsaw puzzles. She also collected salt and pepper shakers.
Friends will be received on Tuesday, February 3rd from 2 P.M. until the time of services at 5 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements.
Interment will take place at Clinton Cemetery, 1171 Old Route 18, Wampum.