Author: Beaver County Radio

Driver who did not secure couch in their vehicle causes crash in North Sewickley Township

(File Photo of a Police Siren Light)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(North Sewickley Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Gibsonia reported today that a crash occurred in North Sewickley Township on Monday.

It occurred on I-76 East at 3:34 p.m.

Two drivers were driving east on the road in their vehicles.

The vehicle of one of the drivers was hauling a couch and that driver did not secure that load.

The couch fell on the road and the other driver hit it with their vehicle.

There were no reported injuries.

The driver of the vehicle that was hauling the couch was charged because they did not give information or render aid.

Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy decides to have weekly team captains instead of season-long team captains 

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy stands on the field in the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park, NY., Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy has made a change to the process of selecting the team’s captains.

McCarthy said during a press conference yesterday: “We’ll do the weekly captain format.”

The Steelers and other teams usually have team captains for the season.

The Steelers captains last season were quarterback Aaron Rodgers, defensive tackle Cameron Heyward, linebacker T.J. Watt, and safety/special teams player Miles Killebrew.

Killebrew is the only captain from last year’s Steelers team that is not on the team this year because he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the offseason.

Aliquippa man charged for driving under the influence in Pittsburgh

(File Photo of Police Siren Lights)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Pittsburgh reported today that forty-three-year-old Tristan Wenzig of Aliquippa was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and a controlled substance in Pittsburgh on August 10th.

Wenzig was driving under the influence on I-376 East/51 South at 11:01 p.m.

A crash occurred between Wenzig and twenty-five-year-old Oona Stoever of Pittsburgh.

Stoever was transported to the hospital because she suffered a suspected minor injury as a result of this crash. 

Wenzig was not injured. 

Michael “Mike” James Romigh (1958-2026)

Michael “Mike” James Romigh, 67, of Koppel, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2026, at UPMC Shadyside, Pittsburgh, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Beaver Falls on September 17th, 1958, a son of the late Howard James “Jim” Romigh, Jr., and Ellen Lenore Romigh Dodson.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, a daughter, Hope, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Harry and Mary Hawrylak, his sisters-in-law, Rosemary Tracy and Sister M. Patricia Hawrylak, SHS, his brothers-in-law, Joseph Omogrosso and Robert Idzojtic and a nephew, Bradley Grinnen.

He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 46 years, Julienne, his daughter, Lindsay (Dexter) Aley, his son, Dylan (Tonya) Romigh and his beloved grandchildren: Aiden, Rowan, Ryleigh, and Iris; as well as his siblings: Diane Romigh, MaryEllen (Ken) Brewer, Chris Romigh, Bob (Traci) Romigh, Molly (Kelly) Edel-Romigh; along with his brother-in-law, Larry Tracy, his sister-in-law, Joanne (Tim) Sberna, his step-father, Frank (Anna) Dodson, along with many nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.

Mike was born and raised in Beaver Falls, and grew up there. He currently resided in the borough of Koppel. After working at Hydril in Rochester for four years after graduating from high school, he felt those radio waves that he dreamed about as a youngster, calling him again. He enrolled in a correspondence course offered by the Columbia School Of Broadcasting in Pittsburgh. After completing the training, he landed his first radio job at WFEM in Ellwood City in 1981.

He wouldn’t stay in Ellwood City long. That same year, he was hired by WBVP and WWKS, Kiss 106.7 FM. Initially, he hosted an overnight music show on both radio stations. WBVP was a live radio program, and WWKS featured the recorded voice. His big break came in 1983, when Dave Felts, who was hosting the morning talk show, “A.M. Connection” on WBVP went on Vacation. The temporary fill in duty went so well that Mike was asked to do the entire week. Soon, Mike was a regular host of “A.M. Connection” at WBVP. After leaving WBVP and WWKS in 1985, Mike took his talents  to WMBA and hosted a talk show initially called “Straight Talk,” later to be renamed “Live Mike.”

Around 1987, Mike was hired by KDKA to do weekends and part time fill in work. For a while, he worked at both WMBA and KDKA. However, in 1990, he began to work on a regular basis at KDKA and had to drop WMBA from his hectic schedule. He became the regular host of the evening shift at KDKA for about 10 years and afterwards, crossed state lines and hosted the morning show on top rated Youngstown radio station, WKBN in 2008.

Mike’s career came full circle when he returned to WBVP and WMBA, again from 2014 to 2017. He brought back the popular “Teleforum” talk show name, and served as Program Director. In early 2017, Mike left Beaver County Radio and went to work fundraising for the Beaver County Humane Society. Mike attempted to retire in 2020, but that only lasted for a short time, as he worked part-time for the Humane Society Thrift Store. In late 2022, new Beaver County Radio General Manager, Frank Sparks, approached Mike about returning to the airwaves to host a daily show. In January 2022, “Live Mic” returned to the Beaver County Airwaves.

Mike returned to Beaver County Radio in early 2022 to host “Live Mic” weekdays from 6:30 A.M. to 9 A.M. He then stepped away in August of 2024 to spend more time with his family and enjoy retirement. At that time, he continued to host “The Best Of Beaver County” on Thursday mornings. When the stations returned to a simulcast format in early 2025, Mike came back and hosted “Live Mic” once again from 10 A.M. to 12 Noon on weekdays. Mike then stepped away in September of 2025 due to his ongoing health issues.

Mike’s family wishes to thank the nurses and staff of 6 West Bone Marrow Transplant floor as well as all the generous blood and platelet donors who sustained him through his courageous battle with Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Stem Cell Transplant.

Friends will be received on Thursday, September 10th from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., Chippewa Township, 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements.

Departing prayers will be offered in the funeral home on Friday, September 11th at 9:30 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 A.M. at Holy Redeemer Church, 415 4th Street, Ellwood City.

Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, 1501 1st Avenue, New Brighton.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit the flower store of the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC. by clicking here.

Julia Smelko (1921-2026)

Julia Smelko, 105, of Baden, formerly of Conway, passed away on September 6th, 2026, at Concordia Villa Saint Joseph, with loving family by her side.

She was born in Girard, Ohio, on July 22nd, 1921, a daughter of the late John and Eva (Petrucci) Sabino.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Joseph Guarnieri, her second husband, Albert Smelko, her daughter, Judy (Edward) Keller, her granddaughter, Carleen Keller and her siblings: Tony, Mary, Jenny, Elmer, and Joe.

She is survived by her grandchildren, Ed (Colleen) Keller and Jason Keller, three great-grandchildren, Zack (Paige), Mackenzie (Derek), and Chloe (Caleb), seven great-great-grandchildren: Maxton, Parker, Harper, Frankie, Stella, Melah, and Baker; as well as her stepchildren, Rick (Vicki)Smelko and Danny (Marilyn) Smelko, her step-grandchildren, Jeff Smelko and Neil Smelko, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Julia was a proud member of 3 great local organizations: Conway Civic Women’s Club, the Christian Mothers of Our Lady of Peace Church, and Conway Senior Citizens. She was also an avid bowler who loved to travel.

Family and friends are welcome to gather for a visitation on Tuesday, September 8th from 3-7 P.M., in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where a Blessing Service will be held on Wednesday, September 9th at 10 A.M. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, 1101 9th Street Extension, Freedom.

The family of Julia would like to thank Concordia Villa Saint Joseph and The Good Samaritan Hospice for all that they did for her

2026 “The Forge” fitness event held in Aliquippa raised awareness about human trafficking

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of BoxStrong, Posted on Facebook on July 21st, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Aliquippa, PA) An event in Beaver County made more people aware of human trafficking yesterday.

Box Strong’s fitness competition called “The Forge” returned to Aliquippa for its second year on Labor Day to bring together community members to compete for a purpose. 

Box Strong partnered with the Asservo Project this year during this event.  

The Asservo Project is a local nonprofit that is focused on educating communities about human trafficking, as well as identifying and stopping predators and supporting survivors of human trafficking. 

According to organizers, 120 people took part in the competition, and this included rowing, biking, skiing and running events.  

Each of the competitors also selected a shoe upon arrival, and the shoes are meant to represent a victim of human trafficking.

The competitors had to match the shoe at the end of the competition.

Organizers are hoping to raise over $20,000 by continuing to grow this event and expanding awareness about human trafficking.

16th annual Crush & Brew event occurring in Ambridge

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Old Town Economy Historic District)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Ambridge, PA) The 16th Annual Crush & Brew event will take place at Old Economy Village on Saturday, September 12th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The historic Ambridge site will bring together enthusiasts of beer, mead and wine.

This event is hosted by the Ambridge Historic District Economic Development Corporation, and bragging rights, prizes and recognition are on the line for homebrewers, mead makers and winemakers.  

According to a release courtesy of Old Economy Village, guests can enjoy these things at this event: 

  • Tastings of more than 20 homebrews, 15 wines and a variety of meads (while supplies last)
  • Live music by Eddie Erwin
  • Local food trucks
  • People’s Choice voting
  • Collaborative brews featuring ingredients from Caffè Nero and the gardens of Old Economy Village
  • Tastings from local wineries

Tickets are worth $35 and include a food voucher worth $10, a commemorative tasting glass while supplies last, and a wristband that provides access to three exclusive after-party locations:

Altered Genius Brewing Co. will offer a dance party, special pours and a grazing table. Fermata Brewing Company as well as Mad Anthony’s Bier Stube will offer discounts and special offerings.

Advance ticket prices will increase on Saturday, September 12th.

Tickets are also available either through Eventbrite by clicking here or in person at Rivertown Antiques in Ambridge. 

Rivertown Antiques is open each day from noon to 4 p.m. 

Part of road closed in Zelienople for crossing replacement work

(File Photo of a Road Work Ahead Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Zelienople, PA) New Castle Road at the railroad crossing located between Market Street and Halstead Boulevard will close in Zelienople from 6 a.m. Sept. 19 until 8 a.m. Sept. 22  

This closure is so crossing replacement work by Vision Industries can occur for the Buffalo and Pittsburgh Railroad. 

The recommended detour for travelers on the west side of the crossing is by going to Route 588, then turning left onto Hartzell School Road, then left onto Route 68 and then left onto Route 19. 

Travelers on the east side of the crossing can detour by taking this series of right turns: onto Route 19, onto Route 68, onto Hartzell School Road, onto Route 588 and then onto Route 288. 

Safe Surrender Day in Rochester to resolve Beaver County warrants

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of the Center Township Police Department, Posted on Facebook on September 4th, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) There will be a safe surrender day in Beaver County so people can resolve their warrants, can determine if they have a warrant or if it is eligible for this event.

It will take place at the Rochester BCTA station on 200 West Washington Street from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, October 6th.

Guests can establish payment plans for both costs and fines, re-establish bail, link with resources in the community, and reschedule their hearing dates at this event. 

For more information about this event, you can call 724-378-9063. 

Fuel prices at record Labor Day high in US thanks to Iran war and refinery issues

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Diesel prices are seen at a gas station as prices hit a record high in the U.S., Friday, Sept. 4, 2026 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt)

(AP) It’s never been more expensive in the U.S. to fill up the tank and take one last summer trip over the Labor Day weekend.

The average price of regular gas was $4.14 a gallon heading into the holiday, nearly a dollar higher than last year and well above the Labor Day weekend record of $3.82 from 2012, according to AAA motor club.

Nicole Collins planned to head from Philadelphia to South Carolina to visit friends, but she said her family has spent most of the summer close to home and not taking their typical weekend trips because driving has gotten so expensive.

“Gas is pretty high right now. It doesn’t help that we also have a baby, so we also have to pay for that,” Collins said outside a gas station in Claymont, Delaware, where regular gas was $4.199 a gallon.

Prices shot up after the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran in February and have not settled down since. Crude oil traffic through the key Strait of Hormuz has plunged, and Iran has refused to reopen the waterway.

“Everything points to the Iran war and the Strait of Hormuz,” said Tom Seng, a professor of energy finance at Texas Christian University.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright offered few specifics on when the nation’s drivers might see relief at the gas pump, acknowledging that prices are higher now than Labor Day 2025.

“Yes, they’re higher today, but we’re doing everything we can to push them down,” Wright said Sunday on ABC’s “This Week.”

The national average for regular gas prices is still well below the record of $5.02 a gallon set in June 2022.

But diesel is a different story: It hit a national average of $5.85 a gallon Friday, a record.

Trucks and other freight delivery systems use a lot of diesel, and that increased transportation cost is being passed on to consumers, whether at the grocery store or through package delivery services.

“It doesn’t really seem like there’s an end to it,” Collins said.

Gas prices typically drop as the summer driving season ends and refineries turn to making a cheaper winter blend.

But Seng said there are other factors this year even beyond the volatile situation in the Middle East that make future prices unpredictable. U.S. refineries are working at 98% capacity, many in the unusually harsh Texas heat. If there are problems there or a hurricane knocks some systems offline, prices will struggle to drop.

And it’s not just a Middle East problem. Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian refineries are squeezing diesel supplies. Chinese refiners are seeing declining outputs as well, said Matthew Metzgar, a clinical professor of economics at UNC Charlotte.

“There’s just less gasoline coming out of those refineries,” Metzgar said.

Wright, the energy secretary, said the Trump administration was taking steps to increase production and that the markets forecast lower prices in the coming months.

“If you look at the futures prices, if you wanted to buy today in bulk gasoline for two months out in November, it’s about $0.35 cheaper than it is today. So the marketplace thinks gasoline prices are going to move meaningfully lower,” he said.

Geopolitically, though, there is little a driver can do to knock down gas prices.

But using price apps can help save a little money, especially on long trips where gas by the interstate could be 10 to 15 cents per gallon more expensive than at stations a short drive down the road, Metzgar said.