Author: Beaver County Radio

Thomas L. Patterson (1945-2024)

Thomas L. Patterson, 79, of Darlington, passed away on August 25, 2024, in Allegheny General Hospital.

He was born on February 25, 1945, in Beaver Falls, a son the late James C. and Bernice I. Patterson. He is survived by his four children, Grace Kimberlee Patterson, Mary Elisabeth (Robert) Norkus, Thomas L. Patterson Jr, Eunice Jane Maxwell (Jim); three siblings, Ronnie (Judy) Patterson, Sheila Fattore, and Penne (Nick) Colao and eight grandchildren, Sarah (Spencer), Victoria, Elizabeth, Claire, Lily, MaryKate, Carolina, and James; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Thomas loved being outdoors. He grew up working on his grandma and grandpa Owens’ farm and enjoyed being a horseman. He had a passion for hunting and loved to run his hunting dogs. He was a devoted union electrician for the IBEW local 712. He was a member of the NRA- National Rifle Association. He was a Republican, who supported Donald J. Trump; and was excited to vote for him for the third time.

Friends and family will be received on Friday August 30 at 11:00 AM until the time of service at 1:00 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls.

A Private interment will be held at the Grandview Cemetery in Beaver Falls.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that you donate to Support Spencer’s Battle Against Brain Cancer, https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-spencers-battle-against-brain-tumor.

Report of shots fired Saturday morning in Aliquippa

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published August 27, 2024 2:10 P.M.

(Aliquippa, Pa) Just after midnight on last Saturday morning police received a report of a disturbance and shots fired at 500 Superior Avenue at Valley Terrace Building D. Officers said they met with approximately 10 people screaming and arguing  with each other on the second floor.  According to police, they were told a disturbance was to have taken place in front of the building and on the first and second floors. Residents reported that a black male with a red hoodie on and wearing black jogging pants fired  3 rounds at another male during an argument. They said the other man wasn’t struck by the bullets. Police said the incident stemmed from a child custody dispute. The shooter was identified to the police and fled before police arrived on scene. His name won’t be released until the investigation is complete. Officers collected 3 spent shell casings from the area where the shots were fired. Anyone with further information on the incident is to call Aliquippa Police at 724-775-0880.

Aliquippa Police respond to a disturbance Sunday night

Story by sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published August 27, 2024 2:04 P.M.

(Aliquippa, Pa) Aliquippa Police responded to a call at Valley Terrace Apartments Building D at 500 Superior Avenue Sunday evening at 9:55pm for a disturbance with 4 males in the area with large firearms.  The caller reported one male had on a red hoodie, with the other man wearing a black hoodie.

Residents reported to police that the males were there to shoot up a vehicle from a prior incident, a Silver Kia Sorento parked out in front of the building.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Aliquippa Police at 724-775-0880.

Pennsylvania State Police Open Hiring Cycle in Search of New Troopers

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) opened a new application cycle today for women and men considering a rewarding career in public service as a state trooper.

 

Last year, at the direction of Governor Shapiro, PSP suspended its educational requirement of 60 college credits. Since then, PSP has seen a huge uptick in qualified applicants, with the latest application period from May 8 to August 20 yielding 1,743 applications over a four month period. During the last hiring cycle with the college credit requirement in 2023, PSP received 1,374 eligible applications over six months. PSP has received nearly 9,000 applicants to become a state trooper during entirety of the Shapiro Administration.

 

“We’re looking for individuals who strive to succeed beyond the challenges of their surroundings,” said Colonel Christopher Paris, Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. “If you want to help and serve others, are willing to work hard for the betterment of your community, and hold yourself to the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, consider joining our ranks as a Pennsylvania state trooper.”

 

Applications should be submitted via the Commonwealth’s employment website by November 27, 2024. Applicants who meet all eligibility requirements move on to a qualifying written examination. Applicants who pass the written exam must successfully complete a polygraph examination, background investigation, physical readiness test, medical screening, and psychological screening before training at the academy.

 

Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED certificate and a valid driver’s license from any state. They must be at least 20 years old at the time of application, and they must be at least 21 years old and cannot have reached age 40 upon entry into the training academy. Cadets must be a Pennsylvania resident and possess a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license at the time of graduation.

Cadet training lasts approximately 28 weeks and includes formal coursework in Pennsylvania’s crimes and vehicle codes, physical fitness activities, and training in police vehicles, firearms, and equipment. Cadets also receive training in military courtesy, platoon formation, drills, and formal inspections.

Upon completion of the training academy, cadets are promoted to trooper and receive an increase in salary, currently set at $66,911 annually.

The 2024-25 Pennsylvania budget provides $16 million for four cadet classes, supporting PSP’s mission to protect the safety of Pennsylvania communities and residents.

For more information on becoming a state trooper, including applicant requirements and job benefits, visit PATrooper.com.

 

For more information on the Pennsylvania State Police, visit psp.pa.gov.

Drive by shooting under investigation in Aliquippa

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published August 27, 2024 12:43 P.M.

(Aliquippa, Pa) Aliquippa Police report they were dispatched to Owens and Davidson Street over the weekend for multiple shots fired. A residence in the 600 block of Owens Street was shot at along with several vehicles that were parked, according to Police. Officers reported that they spoke to several witnesses and determined the shooter shot through a closed vehicle’s window in the area. A vehicle was observed by witnesses on scene and they provided the vehicle’s description to Police. The vehicle was found unoccupied at Valley Terrace Apartments. It was towed and impounded, according to the police report.  The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call the Aliquippa Police at 724-775-0880.

Flourish Beaver County celebrates agreement between Beaver County colleges

(Beaver Falls, Pa) Flourish Beaver County along with Community College of Beaver County, Geneva  College and Penn State Beaver will celebrate a new agreement between the  institutions. 

A signing event will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Sept. 11 at the B-HIVE, 1317 7th Ave.,  Beaver Falls where representatives from CCBC, Geneva and Penn State Beaver — which comprise the Bridges and Pathways College Alliance — will sign a memorandum  of understanding to formalize their support of Flourish Beaver County. 

CCBC President Roger W. Davis, Geneva President Calvin Troup and Penn State  Beaver Chancellor Carey McDougall will give remarks after an introduction and  welcome by Flourish CEO Jennifer Marino and New Brighton Area School District  Superintendent Joseph Guarino. There will also be closing remarks from Franklin  Center of Beaver County Executive Director Cheryl L. King and Beaver County  Commissioner Jack Manning. 

The goal of Flourish Beaver County is to improve access to future education and  workforce opportunities for all K to 12 students in the county. 

A last-dollar scholarship will be created to help students bridge the financial gap that  exists after all Pell grants, state and institutional aid are awarded to reduce the full cost  of tuition. Flourish is set to launch a fundraising campaign to support this scholarship. 

2 juveniles arrested for stealing and crashing vehicle by Center Township Police

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published August 27, 2024 12:35 P.M.

(Center Township, Pa) Center Township Police Chief Aldo Legge reported to Beaver County Radio that 2 juveniles, one 16, the other 17, stole a vehicle and crashed it in Monaca before attempting to steal another one. Police arrested the juveniles who are from Aliquippa on charges of receiving stolen property, fleeing, attempting to elude, loitering and prowling at night, and other related charges. Chief Legge reported that they are in the Beaver County Jail. The incident occurred at 2:45am on Tuesday, August 27th.

Patricia L. Swink (1934-2024)

Patricia L. Swink, 90, of Monaca, passed away at her home on August 25, 2024. She was born on January 27, 1934, Monaca, the daughter of the late Harry and Hilda Groetsch McClain.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Leroy Swink, five brothers, Harry, John, James, Lawrence and Harold McClain, four sisters, Dolores McKeel, Mary Bliss, Agnes Erb and Elizabeth Matich and her son-in-law, Douglas Sutter. She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Eddie Swink and Jeanette Kozlowski of California, Donnie and Rita Swink of Monaca, two daughters and sons-in-law, Lois Sutter of East Rochester, Debbie and Tom “Smitty” Smith of Monaca, 13 grandchildren, Doug Jr., Tricia, Denis, Shanna, Greta, Meagan, Charla, Dawn, Deanna, Donnie Jr., Scott, Jocelyn and Allison, 27 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Church, part of Mary Queen of Saints Parish. Patty spent her life devoted to her family and enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s events. Friends will be received on Wednesday, August 28, from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, where a service will be held Thursday, August 29, at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St John the Baptist Church of Monaca. Interment will follow at St John the Baptist Cemetery.

Harold D. Conley (1929-2024)

Harold D. Conley, 94, of New Brighton passed away unexpectedly in his home on August 25, 2024. He was born in New Brighton on December 8, 1929, the son of the late Opie and Hazel (Golden) Conley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Sarah F. (Grubb) Conley, a granddaughter, Lauren Michele Porter and his sister, Jacqueline Omogrosso.

He is survived by his three loving children and their spouses — Rickey & Mary Jo Conley of Beaver Falls, Patricia & Neal Porter of Beaver, and Cynthia & Michael Harb of Beaver, 8 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, Ryan (Amanda) Conley and their children Harrison and Landon; Jason (Suzanne) Conley and their children Clark and Frederick, Jocelynn (Eric) South and their children Xavier and Bryce; Lindsay Baker and her children Nolan and Olivia; Brittany (Vinny) Bologna and their son Dean; Sean (Emily) Conley and their children Ava and Sullivan, Matthew Porter (Brittany Hall), and Samantha (Ricco) Venezie, two loving nieces, Candy Bird and Lisa (Doug) Gentry.

Harold lived in New Brighton. One of his earlier jobs took him to Wytheville, Virginia where he met the love of his live, Sarah, whom he affectionately called “mamma.”  He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of New Brighton until their merger with Redeemer Lutheran Church of Monaca. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1948 to 1952 and had been a Staff Sergeant. He worked and retired from the banking industry. He served on the Board of Directors for the Upper Beaver Valley Veterans’ Service Center for 40 years holding the office of Secretary/Treasurer, retiring from the board in 2022. He continued his civic involvement to support American veterans with dignity and compassion and was their advocate in ensuring that they received the care, support and recognition earned in service to this Nation. He was a dedicated and proud member of the American Legion Post 19 in New Brighton and also served as a Post Commander.

The family would also like to thank the caring patrons of Kings Family Restaurant and Eat ‘n Park who often anonymously bought Harold’s meals. He felt blessed that people were so kind to him.

Friends will be welcomed Friday, August 30, 2024, from 4 p.m. until the time of the Funeral service at 7 p.m., in the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Ave, New Brighton, with Pastor Angela Smith officiating.

Private interment will be held at Grove Cemetery of New Brighton.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Legion Post 19, 415 13th St., New Brighton, PA 15066 or Redeemer Trinity Lutheran Church 819 Washington Ave., Monaca, PA 15061.

Susanne Schell (1949-2024)

Susanne Schell, 75, of Conway, passed away on August 24, 2024. She was born on March 6, 1949, the daughter of the late Robert and Patricia Hilderbrand. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Elmer Schell; her son, Brandon Schell; and her brother, Richard Hilderbrand. She is survived by her two children, Shannon (Raymond) Brooks, Maegan Schell and her boyfriend Albert Greco; her two siblings, Robert Hilderbrand and Diane Nix; her sister-in-law, Cheryl Hilderbrand; her five grandchildren: Alysa Schell, Derek (Mackenzie) Fajtak, Gina Ferragonio, Kiley Schell, and Tyler Schell, her great-grandchildren, Harper and Melah Fajtak, and Quinnley Sue Schell, as well as numerous nephews, nieces, and friends. Susanne enjoyed cooking, playing bingo, and visiting the casino. She was passionate about “Making America Great Again” but cherished her time with her husband and family most of all. Services will be held on September 10 at 1:00 P.M. at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.