Man from Columbiana, Ohio arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence in Darlington Township

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Darlington Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Beaver reported via release today that sixty-year-old Daniel McCormick of Columbiana, Ohio was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence after causing a single-vehicle crash in Darlington Township on the afternoon of December 12th, 2025. McCormick was driving west on Oakdale Road and was traveling too fast to execute a right curve at 1:19 p.m. and his vehicle left the road before hitting a guide wire on a utility pole and rolling down an embankment. McCormick was charged in addition to being arrested.

PennDOT Announces Winners of 2025 Paint the Plow Contest in the Pittsburgh Region

(Photo of New Brighton Area High School’s Painted Plow for the 2025 Paint the Plow PennDOT safety outreach contest, Courtesy of PennDOT, Posted on Facebook on December 18th, 2025)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) PennDOT announced the District 11 regional winners of the 2025 Paint the Plow safety outreach contest, a statewide initiative that highlights safe winter driving while showcasing the artistic talents of students across Pennsylvania. Students painted snowplow blades with artwork that was original that reflected a theme selected by PennDOTwhich this year was “Don’t race. Allow some space.” New Brighton Area High School of Beaver County won the “Fan Favorite” award because of online voting from December 8th through 14th, 2025 at penndot.pa.gov/PaintThePlow. The fans decided their plow design best captured the spirit of the theme this year. The “Judges’ Pick” award was selected by a panel of PennDOT representatives and was presented to The Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf of Allegheny County. Their design stood out for its creativity and connection to the message regarding winter safety.

Martha Munk (1937-2025)

Martha Munk, 88, of Mars, Pennsylvania, formerly of Ambridge, passed away peacefully on December 15th, 2025, at St. John’s Specialty Care in Mars, Pennsylvania. She was born in Sewickley on July 1st, 1937, a daughter of the late Joseph and Mildred (Kerzan). In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Loretta (Ronald) Kopriva. She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Edward Munk, her children, Elizabeth (James) Shiperly and Louis (Patricia) Munk and her five grandsons: Christian Holowchak (Morgan), Trenton Munk (Katie), Evan Holowchak, Jonathan Munk (Mackenzie) and Cameron Holowchak.

Martha had a way of lighting up a room the moment she entered, with her beautiful eyes, impeccable style, and a playful, knowing grin. It took only moments for strangers to realize what those closest to her always knew: Martha was a warm, loving soul who would do anything for anyone. She had a true flair for fashion, always perfectly put together and proud of her appearance. Whether dressed for a special occasion or an everyday outing, Martha carried herself with elegance, confidence, and timeless style, a reflection of the care and joy she brought to every part of her life. Martha and her beloved husband, Edward, shared a deep love of travel, especially trips to the beach. They often dreamed of visiting Germany, where Edward had served in the Army. While that particular journey remained a dream, they were fortunate to travel to many wonderful destinations, creating lasting memories alongside their family. To say Martha loved her family would be an understatement. Her heart belonged to them completely until the very end. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she rarely missed one of their sporting events. Martha and Ed joyfully hosted legendary summer sleepover marathons for their five grandsons, spoiling them endlessly, including cherished annual trips to Cedar Point that became treasured family traditions. Martha was also a gifted cook and baker, best known for her cookies and pies. She had a special love for Christmas, delighting in decorating her home, baking for others, and pouring her heart into unforgettable holiday meals and Sunday family dinners.

Family and friends are welcome to gather for visitation on Thursday, December 18th, from 3–7 p.m. at 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 Friday, December 19th, at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow in the Sylvania Hills Memorial Park Mausoleum, 273 PA-68, Rochester.

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

House adopts Matzie resolution recognizing December 2nd, 2025, as “World Nuclear Energy Day” in Pennsylvania

(File Photo of State Representative Rob Matzie)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) The Pennsylvania House adopted House Resolution 372 from State Representative Rob Matzie in Harrisburg yesterday designating December 2nd, 2025, as “World Nuclear Energy Day” in Pennsylvania. Matzie stated that he introduced this resolution to highlight the importance of nuclear energy in powering homes in Pennsylvania and to recognize the impact of nuclear plants, which contribute over $2 billion annually to the economy of Pennsylvania and support almost 16,000 direct and secondary full-time jobs. December 2nd was selected to mark the anniversary of the first human-made, self-sustaining, controlled nuclear chain reaction, which was conducted under the direction of Nobel Prize-winning scientist Enrico Fermi on December 2nd, 1942 that paved the way for nuclear energy to power homes and businesses around the world. The first commercial nuclear reactor located in Shippingport also went online on the same date 15 years later.

Interstate 79 Traffic Stoppages Friday in Allegheny County

(File Photo: Caption for Photo: PennDOT, PSP, PTC, Construction Industry Highlight National Work Zone Awareness Week)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) PennDOT District 11 announced that tomorrow, weather permitting, intermittent traffic stoppages on Interstate 79 in Robinson Township will occur. From 3:30 a.m. to 6 a.m. tomorrow, intermittent traffic stoppages of 15 minutes or less will occur in both directions of I-79 just south of the Neville Island Bridge at the structure carrying I-79 over Route 51 as crews will conduct bridge jacking operations for bearing replacement work there.

Patricia Anne (Nee Raymus) Butwinski (1958-2025)

Patricia Anne (Nee Raymus) Butwinski, 67, of Rochester Township, passed away on December 14th, 2025 in her home after a long illness. She was born in Passaic, New Jersey on August 1st, 1958, a daughter of the late Donald and Helen Raymus of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. She is survived by her beloved husband of 36 years, Russ Butwinski, four siblings: Kathi & Marshall Shord of Ocean Pines, Maryland, Ed & Sandy Raymus of White Haven, Pennsylvania, Donald & Judy Raymus of Cranberry Township and Mary Raymus of Camphill, Pennsylvania, numerous nieces, nephews, great nephews, great great nieces and nephews.

Patricia worked for 24 years with Conway E&S as an assistant Vice President and underwriter. She loved to spend her free time sewing, baking and reading.

In accordance with Patricia’s wishes, all services are private. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Memorial contributions may be made to the City Rescue Mission at cityrescuemission.org by clicking here.

Timothy A. Baker, Sr. (1949-2025)

Timothy A. Baker, Sr., 76, of Beaver, passed away peacefully on December 16th, 2025, in the comfort of his home.

He was born in Sewickley on October 10th, 1949, a son of the late Gerald Sr. and Jean (Bradley) Baker. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Mark Fadik. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Patricia (Wharrey) Baker, his children, Juliane (Ronald) Leindecker and Timothy Jr. (Amber) Baker, his grandchildren: Ryan Leindecker, Nicholas (Shyann Pearce) Leindecker, Ruby, Lucy, and Penny Baker, his brother, Gerald Jr. (Linda) Baker, his sister, Rebecca Fadik, as well as several nieces, nephews, and friends.

Timothy retired as the President of Giltspur, an exhibition display company, after many years of faithful service. He was a true American patriot and a proud veteran of the United States Air Force. In his free time, he enjoyed taking care of family and treasured the precious time he spent with them. He was also an avid gun enthusiast and collector.

Timothy’s wishes for cremation will be honored and no services are planned at this time.

Memorial contributions in his honor may be directed to a Humane Society of your choice.

The GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES (Branch), 340 Third Street, Beaver, was honored to care for the Baker family during this time and was the funeral home that was in charge of his arrangements.

Ruth Ann Mrusek (1942-2025)

Ruth Ann Mrusek, 83, of Brighton Township, passed away on December 10th, 2025, after a brief illness, at AHN West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh.

She was born in New Brighton on May 8th, 1942, the daughter of the late Joseph Henry “Skip” and Lavina “Viny” Craig. She is survived by her beloved husband of nearly 60 years, Bernd A. Mrusek, her son and daughter-in-law, Craig A. Mrusek and Laura W. Adams and her grandson, Adam A. Mrusek.

Ruth Ann graduated from Beaver Area High School in 1960. After graduating, she went on to attend and graduate from Western Pennsylvania School of Nursing. She continued on after that graduation as a Registered Nurse to start her career at Rochester Hospital. After working there for a number of years, she started working for United Airlines, as a stewardess, having flown the Los Angeles to Honolulu route. In 1966 she married her beloved husband, Bernd. She decided to become a stay at home mom for their son, Craig, in 1970. After 10 years of raising her son, she decided to go back to school for a “refresher” course in nursing, and worked for Aliquippa Hospital. Before entering retirement with her husband, she finished her working career in the practice of Carey and Dugan Neurology. Ruth Ann will be remembered by many as a “Parrot Head”, having attended many Jimmy Buffet tailgates and concerts, locally and in Key West, Florida, with her husband, family and friends. She also enjoyed traveling on Caribbean Cruises with her husband, hosting dinner gatherings for family and friends and baking cookies, especially for Christmas.

Professional Arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be shared in Ruth Ann’s name to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ruth Ann Mrusek, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

FDA announces recall of nondairy ice cream because “small stones” may be contained in it

(Source for Photo Courtesy of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA))

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Bloomfield, CO) According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a New York-based food company is voluntarily recalling nondairy ice cream sold nationwide because it may contain foreign materials, including “small stones.” The recall, which was announced Monday, affects pints of So Delicious Dairy Free’s Salted Caramel Cluster ice cream with best by dates of August 8th, 2027. The FDA stated that small stones and other hard objects could be embedded in the cashew pieces in the ice cream and they advise anyone who bought it to not consume it. Customers who purchased this product can call 1-833-367-8975 for refunds.

The details of the product are as follows: So Delicious Dairy Free, Salted Caramel Cluster flavor, best-by dates before August 8th, 2027, SKU number, 136603, UPC number, 744473476138

McKees Rocks man charged for causing a single-vehicle crash in Washington County

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Washington County, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Pittsburgh reported via release yesterday that twenty-seven-year-old Zachary Higgins of McKees Rocks was charged after he caused a crash in Washington County on the morning of December 2nd, 2025. At 9:17 a.m., Higgins was driving on US 22 West in Hanover Township and his vehicle slid off of that road onto the right shoulder before hitting the guide rail there. Higgins was not injured after the crash occurred and his vehicle was towed from the scene.