Author: Beaver County Radio

Local races and more information as Election Day 2025 is underway

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – Chester County, Pa., election workers process mail-in and absentee ballots at West Chester University in West Chester, Pa., Nov. 4, 2020. Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, approved a bill long-sought by counties seeking help to manage huge influxes of mail-in ballots during elections in the presidential battleground state and to avoid a repeat of 2020’s drawn-out vote count. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) Today is Election Day in Pennsylvania, and in Beaver, Allegheny and Lawrence Counties, the polls will be open to vote for different candidates in all of the local races. The polls will open at 7 a.m. and will close at 8 p.m. today, so get out there and vote. A website link to find your local polling place can be found below:

Click here to go to the Pennsylvania Voters’ Services website to find your local polling place.

According to the Beaver County Times, here are some local races to keep an eye on as you vote today:

Judge of Common Pleas, 36th District, Beaver County

Dale Fouse (retention)

Yes:

No:

Magisterial District Judge District 36-2-01

John Farmer (Democrat):

Ronald Leindecker (Republican):

Aliquippa School Board, 4-year term (Choose 4)

Sandra Gill (Democrat):

Tina Price Genes (Democrat):

Brian M. Sims Sr. (Democrat):

Yvonne Jackson (Democrat):

Torri Durham Flannigan (Republican):

Beaver Area School Board, 4-year term (Choose 4)

Karin M. Pilarski (Democrat):

Aaron Bovalino (Cross-filed):

Andrea Walker (Democrat):

Stephen Neeley Jr. (Cross-filed):

Michael Litchfield (Republican):

Peter Grundberg (Republican):

Ellwood City Area School Board, 4-year term (Choose 4)

Nick J. Mancini (Cross-filed):

Claire Fauzey (Cross-filed):

Kathy C. Tillia (Cross-filed):

Robyn Nicklas (Democrat):

Freedom Area School Board, 4-year term (Choose 4)

Christian A. Brenckle (Cross-filed):

Monica Grunnagle (Cross-filed):

Michelle Micija (Cross-filed):

Lauren B. Stofan (Democrat):

Wes Sterrett (Republican):

Moon Area School Board, 4-year term (Choose 4)

Jen Suehr (Democrat):

Morgan Mihok (Democrat):

Bryan Seybert (Democrat):

Ben Brands (Democrat):

Scott Yoder (Republican):

Aaron Smith (Republican)

Alex Reinig (Republican):

Joshua van Asakinda (Republican):

New Brighton Area School Board, 4-year term (Choose 4)

Christeen Deane Ceratti (Cross-filed):

Matthew Ledonne (Cross-filed):

Bernadette Saiko Mattica (Democrat):

Katherine Crisci (Cross-filed):

Steven Powell (Republican):

South Side Area School Board, 4-year term (Choose 4)

Craig Stewart (Cross-filed):

Cynthia Cusato (Cross-filed):

Jonathan Glenn (Cross-filed):

Michael W. Rounds (Democrat):

Jesse Streeter (Republican):

West Allegheny School Board Region 2, 4-year term (Choose 2)

Tracy L. Pustover (Cross-filed):

Mildred L. Johnson (Democrat):

Anna Brailey (Republican):

Western Beaver School Board, 4-year term (Choose 4)

Samantha Trimble (Cross-filed):

Peter Kadilak (Democrat):

Erin Majors (Cross-filed):

Daniel Trent (Cross-filed):

Ronald J. Bender (Republican):

Ambridge Council, 4-year term (Choose 4)

Scott Prentice (Dem/Rep):

Mary Jane Jones Gilliam (Dem/Rep):

Tony Cafarelli (Dem/Rep):

Russell G. Basalyga (Dem/Rep):

Nadine Marie Palichat (Democrat):

Baden Mayor, 4-year term (Choose 1)

Andrew W. Gall (Dem/Rep):

Tom Turney (Independent):

Baden Council, 4-year term (Choose 4)

Joseph Bosh (Democrat):

Shannon Reynolds (Democrat):

Dawn Singleton (Democrat):

Gary A. Ford (Republican):

Tom Turney (Independent):

Beaver Mayor, 4-year term (Choose 1)

Lincoln Kretchmar (Democrat):

Thomas Todd Hamilton (Republican):

Beaver Council Ward One, 4-year term (Choose 2)

Margaret McKean (Democrat):

Jarrod Thomas (Republican):

Justin Ankrom (Republican):

Beaver Council Ward Two, 4-year term (Choose 1)

Robert Bickerton (Democrat):

Phil O’Shaughnessy (Republican):

Beaver Council Ward Three, 4-year term (Choose 2)

Roberta Good (Dem/Rep):

Rebecca Beem (Democrat):

Whitney A. Learn Conjeski (Republican):

Bridgewater Council, 4-year term (Choose 2)

Judith Bert (Democrat):

Anthony Ellis (Republican):

Charles Bates (Republican):

Brighton Township Supervisor, 6-year term (Choose 1)

Mark Piccirilli (Democrat):

Matthew Quigley (Republican):

Daugherty Township Supervisor, 6-year term (Choose 1)

William Pasquale Jr. (Democrat):

Heather Rombold McCarthy (Republican):

East Rochester Council, 4-year term (Choose 3)

David Wagner (Democrat):

James Simon (Democrat):

Joe Seminick (Democrat):

Christina Marie Perry (Republican):

Economy Mayor, 4-year term (Choose 1)

Roger Kowal (Democrat):

Joann Borato (Republican):

Economy Council, 4-year term (Choose 4)

Glenn Sylvester (Democrat):

Allen Cody Treadway (Democrat):

Roger Kowal (Democrat):

Frank Morrone (Dem/Rep):

Jesse Hernandez (Republican):

William L. Metz Jr. (Republican):

Economy Council, 2-year term (Choose 1)

Mike Andrews (Democrat):

John L. Hall (Republican):

Ellwood City Council, 4-year term (Choose 4)

Joseph D. Mancini (Dem/Rep):

Michele E. Lamenza (Dem/Rep):

James Barry (Dem/Rep):

Jan Williams (Democrat):

Brad Ovial (Republican):

Franklin Township Supervisor, 6-year term (Choose 1)

Steve Bailey (Democrat):

Rod Richard (Republican):

Freedom Mayor, 4-year term (Choose 1)

Louise Armstrong (Democrat):

James Wingrove (Republican):

Greene Township Supervisor, 6-year term (Choose 1)

Ronald Miller (Democrat)

Philip Males (Republican):

Hopewell Township Commissioner, 4-year term (Choose 3)

Barbara A. Michna (Democrat):

Joe Kusnir (Dem/Rep):

Robert O. Williams (Democrat):

April Barns (Republican):

Midland Council, 4-year term (Choose 4)

Kathy Esposito (Dem/Rep):

Connie Ditri Drozdjibob (Dem/Rep):

Gregory Gutierrez (Democrat):

Ivee Jo Roach (Democrat):

Sam Rosatone (Republican):

New Sewickley Township Supervisor, 6-year term (Choose 1)

Alexander P. Meeder (Democrat):

Daniel R. Plunkett (Republican):

North Sewickley Township Supervisor, 6-year term (Choose 1)

Emmett J. Santillo (Democrat):

Beth Meteney (Republican):

Ohioville Council, 4-year term (Choose 4)

Jessica Janicki (Democrat):

Nickolas Girting (Republican):

Randy Bussard (Republican):

Wade Tallon (Republican):

Russell Kovacic (Republican):

Raccoon Township Supervisor, 6-year term (Choose 1)

Edward Malloy (Democrat):

Jeffrey Mortimer (Republican):

Shippingport Mayor, 4-year term (Choose 1)

John L. Erickson (Democrat):

Danielle Mavilla (Republican):

Shippingport Council, 4-year term (Choose 4)

Michelle A. Erickson (Democrat):

Joseph Hawthorne (Republican):

Brent Williams (Republican):

Cindy Mortimer (Republican):

Chandler Lawrence (Republican):

South Beaver Township Supervisor, 6-year term (Choose 1)

Caine A. Laderer (Democrat):

Jake Rosenberger (Republican):

Here are the three sites so you can see the election results for Beaver, Allegheny and Lawrence Counties

Beaver: https://www.beavercountypa.gov/departments/election-bureau/election-results

Allegheny: https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Government/Elections/Election-Results

Lawrence: https://www.lawrencecountypa.gov/departments/voter-elections/election-results

HEINZ and Herschel Supply Debut New Luggage Collection Packing Both Flavor and Style

(Photo Courtesy of Business Wire and the Associated Press)

PITTSBURGH, CHICAGO, & VANCOUVER, British Columbia–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Nov 4, 2025– Today, HEINZ, the global leader in condiments, is partnering with global lifestyle brand, Herschel Supply, to announce a first-ever collaboration uniting flavor and style. Inspired by the quarter of Gen Z and Millennials who pack their own condiments when dining on-the-go, 1 the collection transforms HEINZ Ketchup into a stylish, travel-ready accessory—allowing fans to carry their favorite sauce with them this travel season, no matter the destination or travel size requirements.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251104058172/en/

Today, global condiment leader HEINZ partners with global lifestyle brand Herschel Supply to announce a first-ever collaboration uniting flavor and style.

As two iconic brands in their respective categories, the red-hot, limited-edition collaboration adds flavor to everyday travel in the quality and craftsmanship Herschel and HEINZ are known for. Combining Herschel’s best-selling silhouette with HEINZ’s unmistakably rich “ketchup red” color, the new luggage makes a bold, design-forward travel statement that balances function and style.

The Herschel x HEINZ collection features two standout pieces – the Herschel Heritage™ Hardshell Medium Luggage and the Herschel Heritage™ Hardshell Large Carry-On. Both pieces include features jetsetters love including easy-access split design with a zippered closure, reinforced corners for extra protection and 70% recycled polycarbonate material made tough and impact-resistant to handle all the trips. In addition to the bags’ bold red exterior color, the collection includes unique pops of flavor throughout, including the “tear here” ketchup visual, an interior print featuring HEINZ Ketchup packets and a custom removable belt and luggage tag in the shape of an iconic HEINZ Ketchup packet.

“To our condiment-obsessed fans, ketchup is a non-negotiable on their packing lists,” says Jacqueline Lanphier, Senior Brand Manager, HEINZ. “Whether they are stashing packets in their carry-ons or including a full-sized bottle in their checked bags, this collection celebrates fans’ loyalty and passion for going all in on the things they love no matter where their adventures may take them. As a fellow brand with unapologetic fandom and dedication to style, quality and purpose, Herschel is the perfect partner to bring our vision to life – because life’s too short for bland luggage or bland food.”

The Herschel x HEINZ collection ladders up to HEINZ’s global creative platform “It Has to Be HEINZ,” celebrating the irrational love fans have for the brand’s commitment to rich flavor and uncompromising quality. Similarly, Herschel is globally recognized for designing travel gear that is thoughtfully constructed, built to last and made for people who move through the world with intention. Together, they share a deep commitment to making great products that people love, and the Herschel x HEINZ collection is no exception – offering luggage that’s as functional as it is fashionable.

“Herschel has always been about designing products that are functional, durable, and timeless, with subtle moments of personality and discovery,” says Jamie Cormack, Co-Founder of Herschel Supply. “Collaborating with HEINZ was a natural fit. Their signature red is part of everyday life, instantly familiar and iconic. Together we evolved our Heritage Hardshell with refined details that feel distinctly Herschel and HEINZ.”

The collection is available online at www.herschel.com in the United States and Canada while supplies last. For information on the limited-edition collab and more, keep an eye on @Heinz, @Herschelsupply on Instagram and @Heinz_us, @Herschelsupply on TikTok.

Ambridge art center will host debut art exhibition presented by “The 3 Crafty Kids”

(Photo of “The 3 Crafty Kids” at Economy Community Day 2025 Courtesy of Caryn Acs)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Ambridge, PA) Bella’s Wishes Creative Arts Center in Ambridge will host a debut art exhibition starting at 10 a.m. tomorrow through November 8th, 2025 from a trio of siblings from Ambridge, who are known as “The 3 Crafty Kids.” Twelve-year-old Connor Acs, seven-year-old Oliver Acs and five-year-old Andrea Acs will have their art displayed in this art exhibition and their art includes mixed media, watercolor, 3d prints and maker projects, as well as whimsical crafts. There will also be two meet and greets with the “3 Crafty Kids” at Bella’s Wishes Creative Arts Center, one on November 7th from 4-6 p.m. and another on November 8th from 12 noon to 2 p.m. 

PennDOT Driver License and Photo Centers Closed for Veterans Day

(File Photo of the PennDOT logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) PennDOT announced today that in observance of Veterans Day, all of their driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed on Tuesday, November 11th. PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services Website is available online anytime so customers can still obtain a variety of vehicle services and products, including all driver training manuals, publications and forms. The link to that website can be found below:

Click here to access PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website.

 

AAA: Peak Time of Year for Deer Collisions

(File Photo of Deer Approaching Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) According to a release from AAA East Central, the number of deer-vehicle collisions increases during October and peaks in November and December. Data from PennDOT confirms that in 2024, there were more than 6,426 deer-related crashes in Pennsylvania, resulting in 19 fatalities. According to that same release from AAA East Central, here are some tips for coverage, what to do to prevent a crash involving animal collision and what AAA receommends to do in the event of a deer strike:

AAA’s Recommendation: Check Your Coverage.
AAA Insurance reports that its average deer-related claim in the region is about $5,600, though costs can be much higher depending on the damage to a vehicle.

Collision coverage pays for damage to a vehicle that results from a collision with an object (e.g., a telephone pole, a guard rail, a mailbox), or because of flipping over. AAA East Central recommends motorists opt-in for comprehensive coverage, which is for damage to vehicles covered by disasters “other than collisions” (in this case, contact with animals).

To help prevent a crash or to reduce damage from an animal collision, AAA suggests motorists:

  • Pay attention to road signs. Yellow, diamond-shaped signs with an image of a deer indicate areas with high levels of deer activity.
  • Keep focused on the road. Ditching distractions is one of the easiest ways to be ready if a deer comes out of nowhere.
  • Be especially attentive in early morning and evening hours. Many animals, especially deer, are most active from 5-8 a.m. and 5-8 p.m., prime commuting times for many.
  • Use high beams when there’s no oncoming traffic. Animals can be spotted sooner and the light reflecting off their eyes will often reveal their location.
  • Slow down and watch for other deer to appear. Deer rarely travel alone, so if there is one, more are likely nearby.
  • Resist the urge to swerve. Keep both hands firmly on the wheel and don’t change lanes. Swerving away from animals can confuse them so they don’t know which way to run. It can also put motorists in the path of oncoming vehicles or cause the vehicle to crash into something.
  • If the crash is imminent take your foot off the brake. During hard braking, the front end of a vehicle is pulled downward which can cause the animal to travel up over the hood towards the windshield. Letting off the brake can protect motorists from windshield strikes because the animal is more likely to be pushed to one side of the vehicle or over the top of the vehicle.

In the event of a deer strike, AAA recommends:

  • Call the police.
  • Avoid making contact with the animal. A frightened or wounded animal can hurt people or further injure itself.
  • Put the vehicle’s hazard lights on, whether it’s light or dark outside.
  • If possible, immediately move the vehicle to a safe location, out of the roadway, and wait for help to arrive.
  • Motorists should contact their insurance agent or company representative as quickly as possible to report any damage.

 

Carolyn Schulz Church (1932-2025)

Carolyn Schulz Church, 92, of Beaver Falls, (Chippewa), passed away on November 3rd, 2025. She was born in Oswego, New York on November 11th, 1932, the daughter of the late Henry F. Schulz and Mildred I. Matott, who died soon after Carolyn’s birth.  Henry later married Mildred’s sister Cora B. Matott, who became her mother and raised her and her older brother. The family later moved to Watertown, New York. She attended Watertown High School and the House of the Good Samaritan School of Nursing, graduating in 1953. Upon graduation, she became an Operating Room nurse.  She married John “Jack” Church in 1956. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Henry F. Schulz Jr. and a nephew, Henry F. Schulz III. Survivors are her daughter Karen L. Church of Chippewa and son John R. (Nancy) Church III of Delanson, New York, two grandchildren, Kyleigh (Jared) Cleghorn of Alexandria, Virginia, and Brett Church of Delanson, New York, a nephew, Christian (Sandy) Schulz of Olney, Maryland and her nephew’s widow, Leslie Schulz of Silver Spring, Maryland. She was a member of Brush Run Church in Beaver Falls and a member of their Willing Workers. She was also a member of the Chippewa Woman’s Club.  She enjoyed Antiquing, Knitting, and working on Genealogy.  She also enjoyed Bossa Nova, jazz and all music by Frank Sinatra.

A visitation will be at Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Chippewa Twp., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, on Saturday, November 8th, from 10:30 A.M. until time of services at 2 P.M. Burial will be private at a later date.

The family would like to thank the staff of Pinnacle Hospice and Dr. Carl Sestito.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Brush Run Church – 1216 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010 or the Beaver County Humane Society – 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa PA 15001.

Lorena Lee Ellefson (1933-2025)

Lorena Lee Ellefson, 92, of Chippewa Township, passed away on November 1st, 2025, at Celebration Villa of Chippewa. She was born in East Liverpool, Ohio on April 16th, 1933, the daughter of the late Leland and Thecil Pearson Douglas. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Edward Earl Ellefson, her son, Ed Ellefson, her daughter, Karen Shoaff, three brothers: Kenny Douglas, Forest Ray Douglas and Keith Douglas and her grandson, David Ellefson. She is survived by her son, Tim (Dorothy) Ellefson, her son-in-law, Kevin Shoaff and two grandchildren, Kimmie Jo (Augie) Schmitt and Crystal Ellefson.

Lorena lived a life of service, creativity, and love. She was a proud military wife for 20 years, She was a beacon of resilience and grace, adapting to the demands of military life with unwavering commitment and strength. Her professional journey saw her serving as a Nurse’s Aide for five years and as a Seamstress for 21 years at the Beaver Valley Geriatric Center. Off-duty, Lorena’s nimble fingers and creative spirit found a home in the art of sewing, crafting, and helping others. She even used her skill to sew and donate masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. She was a devoted member of the First United Presbyterian Church of Darlington and her faith was an integral part of her life. Her service extended beyond her church and work, volunteering for the Red Cross and living a life that exemplified the spirit of giving. Friends will be received on Friday, November 7th from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 12 noon in CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL SERVICES, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements. Interment will be private at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made in Lorena’s name to DAV, Payable to: DAV – Disabled American Veterans P.O. Box 14301 Cincinnati, OH 45250, or Vietnam Veterans Of America 8719 Colesville Road, Suite 100 Silver Spring, Maryland 20910.

Richard Kuniewicz (1940-2025)

Richard Kuniewicz, 85, of Baden, passed away at home on November 1st, 2025, with loving family by his side. He was born in Ambridge on April 18th, 1940, a son of the late Peter and Katherine (Durkolec) Kuniewicz. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Donna, three brothers, Paul, John and Edward, three sisters, Jane Sinutka, Helen Bachor and Virginia Haitz. He is survived by his second wife, Mary Ellen, his son, Richard (Gina) Kuniewicz, two daughters, Jane (Chuck) Stadnik and Joanna (Brian) Schmidt, six grandsons, three granddaughters and two great- grandsons and a myriad of nieces and nephews.

Richard was a member of St Luke the Evangelist Church in Ambridge. His work life was spent as a machinist at H.R. Robertson, later Centra. He was a long-time member of the Baden American Legion Post 641 and Ambridge Eagles AERIE 1365.

All are welcome to gather for a visitation on Friday, November 7th from 4-8 P.M., in the John Syka Funeral Home Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where a Blessing Service will be held on Saturday, November 8th, commencing at 11 A.M. Interment will follow in the Good Samaritan Cemetery.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard Kuniewicz, please visit the floral store of the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc by clicking here.

Lois M. Cascio (1942-2025)

Lois M. Cascio, 83, of Beaver, passed away on November 2nd, 2025.

She was born in Kiskiminetas Township on July 14th, 1942, the daughter of the late Russell and Jessie (Miller) Smeltzer. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel I. Cascio, a step-daughter, June Cascio; and two stepsons, Cletus Bonner and Chester Bonner.

She is survived by her brother, Clair (Martha) Smeltzer; her devoted granddaughter, Christine (Bill) Bonner-DePaul, seven additional grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Lois was a 1960 graduate of Beaver Falls High School, Lois then went on to attend Garfield Business School. She was a member of Monacrest Free Methodist Church in Monaca, where she served as a steward. In 1979, she was awarded the W.M.S Community Missionary of the Year Award. She also was a caller for Contact.

Friends will be received on Friday, November 7th from 2 P.M.-6 P.M. and Saturday, November 8th from 10 A.M. until the time of services at 11 A.M. in the GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 340 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of her arrangements. Rev. Colleen Carney will officiate.

Private interment will take place in Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Lois’s name to the Monacrest Free Methodist Church, 995 Elmira Street, Monaca, PA 15061.

AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report: Gas prices decrease five cents in Western Pennsylvania this week

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of AAA East Central)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Gas prices are five cents lower in Western Pennsylvania this week at about $3.31 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report. The national average for a gallon of gas is $3.03, dropping two cents over the past week. The report states that at this time a year ago, the average price for a gallon of gas in Western Pennsylvania was around $3.46 and the average price that you can expect for an unleaded gallon of gas here in Beaver County is about $3.36. According to a release from AAA East Central and AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report, here are the average prices of unleaded self-serve gasoline this week in various Pennsylvania areas:

$3.280      Altoona
$3.364      Beaver
$3.548      Bradford
$3.101      Brookville
$3.370      Butler
$3.040      Clarion
$3.202      DuBois
$3.081      Erie
$3.238      Greensburg
$3.301      Indiana
$3.402      Jeannette
$3.461      Kittanning
$3.288      Latrobe
$3.184      Meadville
$3.493      Mercer
$3.251      New Castle
$3.386      New Kensington
$3.319      Oil City
$3.364      Pittsburgh
$3.191      Sharon
$3.305      Uniontown
$3.599      Warren
$3.342      Washington