Author: Beaver County Radio

PJM Interconnection releasing new information on electricity rates today

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of KDKA-TV, CBS Pittsburgh, Posted on Facebook on July 13th, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Audubon, PA) PJM Interconnection, which is the regional power grid operator for Pennsylvania and 12 other states, is set to release new information on electricity rates today at around 4 p.m.  

Experts in energy and consumer advocacy gave a preview yesterday on what to anticipate when that grid releases its capacity auction results for the 2028-2029 delivery year.  

Patrick Cicero, who is with the Pennsylvania Utility Law Project, told KDKA-TV yesterday that “given all the dynamics, the price is certainly going to land at the cap, very near at the cap, which is around $325 a megawatt day,” and it is typically the same as the last two auctions, for the current delivery year and the next one,

Each of them totaling about $16 billion in costs for what are considered as promises for availability when there is excessive demand on the system, like during waves of heat.

Cicero noted that his organization that they have been noticing for the previous eighteen months or so is what those predicted results could mean.

The project found that during this time, the average household in Pennsylvania has seen an increase from $220 to $320 a year on their bill, which is $1.2 billion more in total for all households. 

Charles L. Hood III (1956-2026)

Charles L. Hood, III, 70, passed away on July 1st, 2026, at his residence in Monaca.

He was born in Rochester on May 30th, 1956. He was preceded in death by his mother, Rose Marie Allman Hood, and his stepmother, Shirley Hood.

He is survived by his father, Charles L. Hood, Jr., his brother, David and his wife, Jolee and his sister, Nancy, his two daughters, Jessica Thompson and Rachael Couture, his companion of 31 years, Julie Nichol. He helped raise Nichol’s son, Danny (Nicole) Baldwin. He was also a proud grandfather to Charlie and Juliett Nicole Baldwin.

Charles graduated from Monaca High School. He went on to work as a truck driver hauling heavy steel for PGT Trucking. Those who knew him understood that he was a man who could always be counted on, whether on the road, at home, or among friends. He was a familiar presence in the Monaca community and was a member of various clubs in the area. He enjoyed spending time at hunting camps in Western Pennsylvania, where he found peace in the outdoors and cherished the companionship of those around him. He also enjoyed riding his Harley, hunting, fishing, and working on trucks.

He will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him, and his absence leaves a void that cannot be filled.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, July 19th at 1 p.m. at Chick’s Dutch Bar, 1104 Marshall Road, Monaca.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

Theodore L. Sulkowski (1930-2026)

Theodore L. Sulkowski, 95, of Ambridge, passed away peacefully on July 13th, 2026.

He was born on Novemebr 25th, 1930, a son of the late Walter and Antonina Sulkowski.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara Sulkowski, his sisters: Stella Rykaczewski, Josephine Macurak, Genevieve Wittuck and Marie Macurak, his brothers, Chester, Stanley and William Sulkowski and his daughter-in-law, Janet Sulkowski.

He is survived by his sons, Larry Sulkowski and Tom (Gina) Sulkowski, his granddaughters: Alexa (Patrick) Kenny, Joanna (George) Cartia, and Agnieszka (Tyler) Certich; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Theodore graduated from Ambridge High School and proudly served his country in the United States Navy. He dedicated many years to a strong work ethic, beginning his career at United Dairy before working as a butcher at A.P. Grocery Store. He later worked at American Bridge and retired from J&L Steel, now known as LTV Steel.

He found great joy in the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing, and took pride in making his own homemade wine. He was a devoted Pittsburgh sports fan who rarely missed cheering on his favorite teams. Above all, he cherished the time he spent with his family, particularly his granddaughters, who brought him immense pride and happiness.

Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, July 15th, from 4-7 p.m. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 Eighth Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where departing prayers will be offered at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 16th, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at Good Samaritan Catholic Church, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge. Interment will follow at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273- PA 68, Rochester.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of Villa at Concordia – St. Joseph in Baden for the exceptional care, kindness, and support they provided to Theodore.

Ronald Paul Lyle (1935-2026)

Ronald Paul Lyle, 90, of Potter Township, passed away on July 11th, 2026, at Transitions Health Care of Washington, Pennsylvania.

He was born in Aliquippa on October 31st, 1935, the son of the late O. Paul and Dorothy Lane Lyle.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Timothy Lyle and a half sister, Cora Mae Rhodes.

He is survived by his wife of seventy years, Evelyn Marie (Haffey) Lyle, one son and daughter-in-law, Randy A. and Alexis Souffrant Lyle, of Racoon Township, three granddaughters, Randi and Daren, Heather and Derek, Brandy and Bill, as well as his special friends who are his neighbors.

Ronald was a retired employee of the former Bell Telephone Company of Pennsylvania. He was Protestant by faith. He was also a United States Army Veteran who served during the Korean War. He was also a member of the American Legion Lodge 952 of Hookstown. He was also a Ham Radio Operator as well as a CB Radio Operator and was with the ARRL – Volunteer Examiner.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, July 16th, from 2-7 p.m., with a service following at 7:15 p.m. at the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester, who was in charge of his arrangements. Reverend Dr. Richard Herbster, of Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church in Racoon Township will offiiciate the service. A private interment will take place at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester. The Beaver County Vietnam Veterans Chapter #862 will provide full military honors for their fallen comrade.

Allegheny Health Network Recognized as a Multidisciplinary Team of Distinction by the North American Skull Base Society

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of Allegheny Health Network)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Allegheny Health Network (AHN) has now been designated as a Multidisciplinary Team of Distinction by the North American Skull Base Society (NASBS), which recognizes the health system’s patient-centered and collaborative approach to treating complex skull base conditions. 

NASBS awards this designation to select programs which meet rigorous criteria that demonstrate clinical expertise, cross-specialty collaboration and a commitment to advancing skull base care. 

Allegheny Health Network’s collaborative skull base team offers specialized care for complex conditions that affect the brain, head and neck and includes a distinguished group of expert rhinologists, neuroradiologists, neuropsychologists, neurosurgeons and skull base surgeons.

Comprehensive diagnoses and advanced surgical and non-surgical treatments for patients with tumors and other disorders affecting the skull base are what that team provides.

The skull base is an anatomically complex region located at the intersection of the brain, critical blood vessels and nerves.

Lena R. St. George (1938-2026)

Lena R. St. George, 88, of Ohioville, passed away peacefully on July 11th, 2026, at Celebration Villa of Chippewa.

She was born in Rochester on January 1st, 1938, the daughter of the late Joseph Mrozek and Agnes (Adkins) Mrozek Pigott.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Erwin “Junior” St. George; and a daughter, Lois Tudor.

She is survived by her son, Erwin “Bubby” (Cindy) St. George, a son-in-law, Robert “Bob” Tudor, her grandchildren, Robert (Betty) Tudor, Jr., Joseph (Lizabeth) St. George and Hunter St. George, her great-grandchildren: Vicki (Chris) Kampher, Courtney (Daniel) Tudor, Lorelai St. George, and Tyson St. George; as well as her great-great-grandchildren, Myah Kampher, Cole Davidson and Taytum Davidson, a brother and sister-in-law, Earl (Rosa) St. George, a sister-in-law, Pat St. George, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Lena spent her professional life working as a secretary for E.C. St. George Company. In her free time, she enjoyed trap shooting and playing cards.

Friends and family will be received on Thursday, July 16th from 3 P.M. until the time of services at 7 P.M. in the GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 340 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of her arrangements.

Private interment will be in Highland Cemetery, 339 Salem Church Road, Midland.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Gateway Hospice, 9380 McKnight Road Suite 201, Pittsburgh, PA 15237.

The family wishes to extend a heart-felt “Thank You” to the nurses and staff of Celebration Villa of Chippewa, as well as Gateway Hospice for their loving care.

Paul Joseph Battiste (1950-2026)

Paul Joseph Battiste, 76, of Ohioville, passed away peacefully on July 12th, 2026 at home.

He was born in Windber, Pennsylvania on May 3rd, 1950. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Joseph and Patricia Battiste and two sisters, Patricia Hansche and Cathleen Sofranko.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Frances Battiste, his children, Karen Chevalier (Scott), Lisa Heimel (Scott) and Amy Day (Luke) and seven grandchildren: Nicholas, Sofia, Ava, Harper, Maria, Cole, and Charlotte; as well as two great-grandchildren, Easton and Eislyn.

Paul served his country in the Vietnam War as a member of the 101st Airborne division. Upon returning from service, he worked for Crucible Steel, then later worked for the U.S. Postal Service. He was a devoted father, husband, and grandfather. In his free time, he enjoyed classic movies, watching sports, and learning something new each and every day. He loved taking his family to Florida each year, paving a way to Disney World for his kids. He never failed to share his humor, intelligence, and wisdom with every person he encountered. He never ran out of stories to tell, and yes, he did really stowaway to England on the Queen Elizabeth. His remarkable life will forever remain the inspiration of those who knew him and he will be remembered for his great sense of humor, his generosity, and immense love for his family.

Friends will be received on Thursday, July 16th, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. in the Schwerha-Noll Funeral Home, 629 Midland Avenue, Midland, who was in charge of his arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, July 17th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Blaise Church, 772 Ohio Avenue, Midland. Interment will take place at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory of Paul, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Pirates trade relief pitcher Cam Sanders to the Orioles for cash considerations

(Credit and Caption for Photo: Pirates pitcher Cam Sanders makes his Major League debut during the eighth inning against the Giants on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, at PNC Park. (Christopher Horner | TribLive)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The Pittsburgh Pirates traded relief pitcher Cam Sanders to the Baltimore Orioles for cash considerations yesterday.  

The Pirates designated Sanders for assignment on Saturday, after he was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday. 

This happened because the team needed a roster spot for the additions of left-handed relief pitcher Brandon Eisert and infielder Jacob Gonzalez, who both joined the Pirates in a trade with the Chicago White Sox on Saturday. 

The 2026 MLB statistics for Sanders include thirteen strikeouts, an ERA of 8.68 and a 0-0 record, and he has made nine appearances for the Pirates. 

UPDATE: New Sewickley Township Police investigating fatal crash that caused coroner’s office to assist

(File Photo of a New Sewickley Township Polcie Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(New Sewickley Township, PA) The New Sewickley Township Police Department is investigating a fatal traffic crash which occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. yesterday in the 500 block of Fezell Road. 

According to a release from New Sewickley Township Police Chief Gregory Carney, the preliminary investigation indicates that a motorcycle was traveling north on Fezell Road and left the east side of the roadway.

That motorcycle traveled over an embankment and then overturned multiple times.

The operator of the motorcycle died at the scene where the crash happened.

There were no other vehicles involved in the crash. 

An investigation by the New Sewickley Township Police Department to find the cause of this crash is ongoing.

The identity of the operator of the motorcycle is being withheld at this time out of respect for the family and the person that was killed was the only person involved in the crash.

Fezell Road between Ridge Road and Blackswoods Road was also closed for about 3 hours while the on-scene investigation was completed.

The Beaver County Coroner’s office, Cranberry EMS, The New Sewickley Fire District, also helped on the scene of this crash. 

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection issues Code Orange Air Quality Alert for Beaver County today

(File Photo of a Heat Advisory Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection issued an air quality alert for Beaver County as it is under a Code Orange Air Quality Alert for ozone today as well as Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler, Fayette, Washington, and Westmoreland counties. 

According to the state DEP in a news release yesterday, “On Tuesday mostly sunny skies, light west winds, and highs in the lower and middle 90s will contribute to ozone buildups in the code ORANGE range during the afternoon hours in southwestern Pennsylvania. Sensitive groups of the population including children, older adults, and those with respiratory conditions should avoid heavy outdoor activity during this time.”