Author: Beaver County Radio

Timothy Lee Sinclair (Passed on March 24th, 2026)

Timothy Lee Sinclair, 76, of Monaca, passed away on March 24th, 2026, at Park Center Rehab Center in Boardman, Ohio. He was the beloved son of the late Thomas and Virginia (Unrue) Sinclair. He was also preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Robert “Whitey” Whitehouse, and his nephew, Ronald T. Nichol. He is survived by his devoted girlfriend of 20 years, Pamela Bukta Dereta, and by Pamela’s daughters, Stephanie and Natalie, along with her grandchildren, Ava, Gianna, Cali, and Chase. He is also survived by his sisters, JoAnn (Ron) Nichol and Sue (Ed) Phillips, who shared in a lifetime of family memories, love, and support. He was a cherished uncle to Richard (Liz) Nichol of California, Michael K. Nichol of Florida, Jodi (Brent) Haller of Monaca, and their children Brooke and Payton, Carri (Rob) Gamache of Bedford, New Hampshire and their children: Alexa, Kasey, and Zachary, and Gini (Bob) Baustart; as well as their children Sydney and grandson Madison, and Leighton. He also leaves behind many cousins from the McCoy and Solomon families, along with countless friends and neighbors who will remember him fondly. Tim took great pride in being a loving uncle, and he was known for never forgetting a birthday. His thoughtful tradition of giving lottery tickets to those he loved became one of the many small but meaningful ways he showed he cared.

Timothy graduated from Monaca High School with their Class of 1967 and was proud of his school years and especially enjoyed playing football, and along the way, gained the nickname of “Harry Sinclair.” Following high school, he was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War, where he served honorably and earned a Bronze Star Medal among other awards and recognitions. After returning home from the war, he began working for St. Joe Lead as a pipefitter and plumber, a career he pursued with dedication and skill until his retirement at the age of 65. He was a well-respected member of the Monaca community, and his presence was one that many came to trust and appreciate. He was a lifelong member of the Monaca Turners and enjoyed participating in their golf and bowling leagues. He was also a member of the Rochester Elks and the VFW. He was something of a daredevil on a motorcycle, and he loved stereo equipment, animals, birds, the simple satisfaction of growing tomatoes and playing the daily number just as his dad, Thomas did.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 1st from 3 p.m. until the time of a service at 6 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of his arrangements. Interment will take place later with military honors at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville.

The family has suggested those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Tim’s memory to please consider the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Paulette “Polly” May (Kaercher) Lander (1944-2026)

Paulette “Polly” May (Kaercher) Lander, 81, of Independence Township, passed away on March 28th, 2026, at AHN West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh. She was born at that same hospital on October 10th, 1944, a daughter of the late Howard Dustin Kaercher and Anna Mae (Roadman) Kaercher. She married the love of her life, Gerald Boise Lander, on May 9th, 1964. He also preceded her in death. They had three children: Kevin (Denise) Lander of Hookstown, Scott (Deb) Lander of Dover, and Marcy (Keith) Whiteman of Aliquippa. Kids were the apple of Polly’s eye especially her grandchildren: Dustin (Shayla) Lander, Kori Lander, and Dalton Lander, Zack (Tasia) Lander, Madison (Jesse) Tinnell, Kirstin Fink, Nick (Lexi) Fink, Collin Whiteman, Samantha Whiteman and Rob. However, her great grandchildren stole her heart forever: Easton and Enzlo Lander, Asher Lander, and Ellie Fink. She is also survived by her nieces, nephews, cousins, and many fabulous friends. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Diana Tibbetts and her in-laws: Benjamin and Irene Lander and Anna Mae, Grace, and Richard Lander. Paulette worked as a dietician at AHN West Penn Hospital. She was a homemaker until taking the position as the Library Aide at Independence Elementary School. She worked full time at Independence as the school secretary. She enjoyed spoiling her teachers, parents, and students. She was also a member of Mt. Olivet Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Aliquippa. She served as Sunday School Superintendent, music leader to the children, Vacation Bible School Director, Sunday School teacher, a member of the choir, and bowled many years on the church league. Polly will be remembered for her loving, generous heart and her competitive nature. She loved playing card games especially Skip-Bo.

Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, March 31st, from 3-7 p.m. in the HUNTSMAN FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, INC. OF ALIQUIPPA, 2345 Mill Street, Aliquippa, who was in charge of her arrangements. A funeral service will also be held at the Mt. Olivet Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 4128 Route 151, Aliquippa, on Wednesday, April 1st, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Kevin Neal officiating. Interment will be private for the family.

At the family’s request, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Mt Olivet EPC Memorial Fund, 4128 Rt 151, Aliquippa, PA 15001. Independence Elementary Library, 103 School Rd., Aliquippa, PA 15001. Mt Pleasant EPC Honduras Scholarship Fund, 846 St Rt18, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Kathleen “Joyce” Mesko (1939-2026)

Kathleen “Joyce” Mesko, 86, a lifelong resident of Ambridge, passed away on March 26th, 2026. She was born on July 2nd, 1939, the daughter of the late Michael and Rose (Rizzo) Notarianni. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard Mesko, her daughter, Linda Mesko and her brother, Carl Notarianni. She is survived by her loving daughters, Lorie (Frank) Jeskey and Amy (Brian) Durbin, her brother, Jim Notarianni and her cherished grandchildren, Luke, Avery, and Eli, who affectionately called her “Nunni.”

Kathleen graduated from Ambridge High School with its Class of 1957. She had a special love for her dogs, especially Rosie and Ritzy. She treasured beach vacations with her family and enjoyed spending time on her porch, chatting with neighbors and passersby.

A visitation will be held on Monday, March 30th, from 3-7 P.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where a Blessing Service will be held at 11 A.M. on Tuesday, March 31st. Interment will follow at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester.

AAA: Fatal Hit-and-Run Crashes have Reached a Record High

(File Photo of the AAA East Central Logo: Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) A new study reveals a growing crisis on the roads in America, which leaves injured people alone, without assistance, and too often without accountability. The latest research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety (AAAFTS) finds that 15% of all police-reported crashes in 2023 involved a driver who fled the scene, the highest percentage recorded in any recent year. Pedestrians and cyclists are especially vulnerable because, 1 in 4 pedestrians and nearly as many cyclists were killed in crashes in 2023 were hit by a driver who fled the scene. They are frequently struck in darkness during the late-night or early morning hours, which is when visibility is low and there may be no one nearby to call for help. According to a recent release from AAA East Central in Pittsburgh, here are some other notable findings from this study:

  • Hit-and-run fatalities most often occur late at night or in the early morning hours, when it is dark and witnesses are less likely to be present.
  • Among known hit-and-run drivers in fatal crashes, 40% did not have a valid driver’s license, and more than half were driving vehicles not registered in their name.
  • The majority of identified hit-and-run drivers were young, male, and crashed within a short distance of their homes.
  • Research suggests drivers are less likely to flee when they believe they will be caught, pointing to the potential impact of traffic cameras and “Yellow Alerts” that notify and seek information from the public after serious or fatal hit-and-run crashes.

AHN’s Pediatric Institute Provides Guidance for Families as Spring Allergy Season Approaches

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of Allegheny Health Network)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) A new clinical study just published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, which you can find by going to this website, (https://doi.org/10.1136/jech-2025-224112) linked exposure to high pollen levels to poorer performance on major end-of-year exams. Researchers analyzed test scores of more than 90,000 high school students between 2006 and 2020 in the study and compared results with daily tree pollen counts. They found that even with modest pollen increases, measurable drops in standardized test scores were observed. According to a release today from Allegheny Health Network, Robert Traister, MD, pediatric allergist and immunologist, provides the following tips for families. These tips are also for kids, who are hit the hardest during the spring allergy season:

  • Minimize kids’ exposure: For seasonal allergies in severe cases, sometimes the best course of action is to stay indoors and minimize exposure to outdoor allergens; simple things like keeping windows closed at home or in the car can make a noticeable difference.
  • Wipe off before coming back indoors: After children are finished playing outdoors, have them change their clothes and wipe their faces, hands and legs to minimize outdoor pollen making its way inside the home. This also goes for pets that track in pollen and mold spores.
  • Over-the-counter medications: The first line of allergy management is over-the-counter antihistamines, which can be taken once daily for moderate symptoms and twice daily for more severe symptoms in consultation with your pediatrician. Non-drowsy antihistamines like Claritin or Zyrtec can be recommended safely for children, in addition to a nasal spray like Flonase.
  • Specialist visit: If it’s unclear whether a child truly has allergies, or if the child’s symptoms persist despite medication, a visit to a pediatric allergist may be warranted. The allergist may consider immunotherapy — allergy shots — to reduce symptoms and decrease the need for daily medication.

New Castle man injured after crashing his vehicle in Lawrence County; charges withdrawn

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Lawrence County, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in New Castle reported via release today that charges were withdrawn from seventy-four-year-old Frederick Ceccarelli of New Castle after he crashed his vehicle in Lawrence County yesterday. Ceccarelli was driving on US Highway 422 at the intersection with Rhodes Lane in Slippery Rock Township at 4:16 p.m. and lost control of his vehicle before hitting a guide rail. He was flown from the scene to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital because of his extensive medical history after suffering unknown injuries. It was unknown if he was wearing his seatbelt when this crash occurred. 

Portersville, Pennsylvania woman harassed by New Castle man in Lawrence County

(File Photo of Police Siren Lights)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Lawrence County, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in New Castle reported via release today that an incident of harassment occurred in Lawrence County on Saturday. An unidentified twenty-eight-year-old woman from Portersville, Pennsylvania was pushed and shoved by an unidentified twenty-one-year-old man from New Castle during a verbal argument along Trusel Road at 11:45 p.m. According to police, both parties were separated and charges will be filed. 

Wexford man charged after a two-vehicle crash occurs in Lawrence County

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Lawrence County, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in New Castle reported via release on Saturday that twenty-eight-year-old Ryan Osterwise of Wexford was charged after a two-vehicle crash occurred in Lawrence County on Friday. Osterwise was driving on East Harlansburg Road at its intersection with State Road at 9:01 a.m. and proceeded without clearance after stopping at the stop sign. Fifty-seven-year-old Rebekah Felsing of Ellwood City hit the vehicle of Osterwise. There were no injuries and both drivers were wearing their seatbelts when the crash occurred.  

Coraopolis man hit by an erratic driver in Allegheny County

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Pittsburgh reported via release on Friday that thirty-four-year-old Gregory Charley of Coraopolis was hit by an erratic driver in Allegheny County on March 23rd, 2026. Charley was driving in the left lane of I-79 South in South Fayette Township near the Bridgeville Exit 52 at 7:34 a.m., which was when he was side-swiped by another vehicle. The other driver was also driving south on that road, but that person was doing so in an erratic manner. 

Peoples Requests Base Rate Changes to Continue its Pipeline Modernization Program

(File Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of Peoples Natural Gas)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) According to a release courtesy of Peoples Natural Gas, they filed a request on Friday with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (“PUC”) for a base rate increase to support its Long-Term Infrastructure Improvement Plan (“LTIIP”), among other operations and safety initiatives. The LTIIP involves the retirement and replacement of aging pipelines while decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. The ongoing LTIIP from Peoples Natural Gas is the largest single infrastructure initiative in its history.  Peoples’ base rate request will also provide for the recovery of their ongoing business costs. The request requires an investigation and an approval by the PUC, which may approve all, some or none of Peoples’ request. The rate review process can take up to nine months, which means that customers can expect any approved increases to take effect towards the end of December of 2026 at the earliest.