Author: Beaver County Radio

School Resource Officer saves choking student at Freedom Elementary

Beaver County Radio News Staff. Published February 29, 2024 12:22 P.M.  

(New Sewickley Township, Pa) The New Sewickley Township Police Department reports that on Wednesday February 28, 2024, at approximately 12:40pm, school Resource Officer Richard Jones of the New Sewickley Township Police Department was notified by the staff of the Freedom Area Elementary School that an eight-year-old student was choking in the cafeteria.  School Resource Officer Jones then ran to the cafeteria where he found the school nurse attempting to administer aid to the student who was clearly choking and unable to breathe. School Resource Officer Jones immediately performed the Heimlich Maneuver, which successfully dislodged a plastic bottle cap that had been lodged in the students’ throat, preventing the student from breathing.  The student was able to begin breathing once the bottle cap was dislodged and suffered no injury because of this event.

The department says School Resource Officer Jones has been assigned to the Freedom Area Middle School as a School Resource Officer with the New Sewickley Township Police Department for the past three years. The Freedom Area Elementary School and Middle School are connected and share a cafeteria.

The department went on to say that this event highlights the importance of First Aid and emergency training for not only police officers but also all first responders.    

Maude Williams (1926-2024)

Maude Williams, 97, of Hopewell Twp., passed away on February 25, 2024. She was born in Aliquippa on November 11, 1926, a daughter of the late Henry and Cecilia (Lockhart) Williams.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Raymond C. Williams (2006), her siblings, Harry, John and Mary, and a grandson, Garrett Williams.

She is survived by her children, Deborah Calderone, Scott Williams (Teresa) and James Williams; her grandchildren, Adam Calderone (Carissa) and Sabrina Williams; great grandchildren, Violet, Luke and Landyn.

After a brief employment, Maude became a devoted mother. Family first was most important to her. Over the years she attended many games, and events her children participated in. She also enjoyed playing cards, bowling, trips to Florida and her beloved dog, Abbey. Maude was a loyal member of the Ohio U.P. church for over 70 years.

All services will be private. Arrangements by the Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc of Aliquippa (2345 Mill St.)

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ohio U.P. Church or to the Shriners Hospital.

Pennsylvania sets up election security task force ahead of 2024 presidential contest

FILE – Chester County, Pa. election workers process mail-in and absentee ballots at West Chester University in West Chester on Nov. 4, 2020. Law enforcement agencies, civil defense officials and election administrators have begun meeting in Pennsylvania to coordinate how they will identify and fight election threats with the presidential contest just eight months away in the battleground state, Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration said Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Law enforcement agencies, civil defense officials and election administrators are meeting in Pennsylvania to coordinate against election threats with the presidential contest eight months away. Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration said Thursday that he’s created the Pennsylvania Election Threats Task Force. The state became a magnet for baseless allegations about election fraud and failed lawsuits in an effort to undo Democrat Joe Biden’s 2020 victory there and keep then-President Donald Trump in power. The task force’s mission is to design plans to share information and coordinate in the fight against threats to the election process, voter intimidation and misinformation about voting and elections. Partners include federal, county and state officials.

A pregnant Amish woman is killed in her rural Pennsylvania home, and police have no suspects

SPARTANSBURG, Pa. (AP) — Investigators says they have no suspects in the killing of a pregnant 23-year-old Amish woman inside her home in rural northwestern Pennsylvania. A state police spokeswoman said Wednesday that Rebekah A. Byler had been killed inside her home near Spartansburg. They say a relative and a family friend discovered her body around noon on Monday. They also found her two young children who were unharmed. State police say an autopsy conducted on Tuesday is giving them some clues, but they need tips from the public to help solve the crime.

Aliquippa Water Authority Manager releases update on lead levels in water

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published February 29, 2024 8:50 A.M.

(Aliquippa, Pa) The Aliquippa Municipal Water Authority performed lead and copper testing at 34 homes in the city. The Water Authority Manager Matt Mottes reported of the 34 homes tested, only 5 had higher than normal levels in the water. Old lines are being replaced and the cost is funded by a grant. Water lines are being replaced in areas where homes were built in the 1940’s or 50’s, according to Mottes. Public Education Material is being sent to all of the authority’s customers to provide additional information regarding lead in drinking water. Anyone with questions or concerns is asked to contact the water authority.

Frederick “Fred” Dettinger (1934-2024)

Frederick “Fred” Dettinger (Pap), 89, of Beaver Falls, passed away in his home on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.  The proud son of a coal miner, Fred was 3 days shy of his 90th birthday.

Born on March 2, 1934, in North Sewickley Township, he was the son of the late Bill and Martha (Beck) Dettinger.  In addition to his parents, Fred was preceded in death by his brother, Chalmers “Shorty” Dettinger, an infant sister, and his wife, Joyce (Ostrom) Dettinger, whom he was married for 66 years.

Fred is survived by his daughters, Dawn (Jack) Reda, Debbie (Ron) Atkinson; son, Bill (Devonna) Dettinger; grandchildren, Lori Reda, Brant Dettinger, Jamie (Mike) DeMarco, Jon (Cara) Atkinson, and Dane Dettinger; great-grandchildren, Elli DeMarco, Mikey DeMarco, Jace Atkinson, and Cooper Atkinson; brothers-in-law, Bob (Pam) Ostrom and Dave Ostrom; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Fred loved Pittsburgh sports, especially the Steelers.  He had a strong work ethic, having worked in construction, steel mills, and hauling coal for the family business, Dettinger Coal Yard, which he owned and operated until the age of 85.  Fred never really retired.  Staying busy was his passion and something he instilled in others.  He always found something to do; from gardening, remodeling, to helping anyone that needed a hand.  He belonged to the Local Union 833.

Friends will be received on Sunday, March 3rd, from 1PM until the time of services at 3PM in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., Chippewa Township, 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls.

Ann Morrison Au (1939-2024)

Ann Morrison Au, 84, of Brighton Township, passed away February 26th, 2024 in the Good Samaritan Hospice Beaver. She was born September 26, 1939, in Easton, PA. Ann is the daughter of the late Harry and Grace Remaley Morrison. She was a retired employee with the Crayola Crayon Company, Easton, Pa. Anne is survived by her husband, John P. Au, one daughter and son in law, Linda M. and Wayne Parker, New Brighton, PA, and one son and daughter in law, Michael J. and Cynthia Au, of Bethlehem, PA, seven grandchildren; Christopher, Jeremy, Grace, Hope, Jonathan, Shayna, Amanda, and nine great grandchildren.
Ann’s wish was to be cremated. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc. 349 Adam St. Rochester, PA 15074. The family wishes memorial contribution be made to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Rd, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Donna L. (Goss) Turner (1939-2024)

Donna L. (Goss) Turner, of Coraopolis, passed away on February 25, 2024 in Good Samaritan Hospice at Heritage Valley Beaver.  She was born in Sewickley, the daughter of the late Merle “Peck” & Helen (Moy) Goss.

She is survived by her two daughters:  Tracey Turner Corso (Tim), Moon Twp. and Shannon Turner, FL.  She is also survived by her sister Beverly Hinzman (Dave), many nieces and nephews, cousins, her ex-husband John Turner, and many dear friends.

Donna worked at her daughter’s dental office for 27 years.  She loved to walk and do aerobics. She was a founding member of Abundant Grace Church West Hills, where her daughter is the Pastor.  She started a homeless ministry over 15 years ago, which serves those on the fringes in downtown Pittsburgh. She loved her daughters, her family, her friends, and her church family with a passion.  But more than that, she loved Jesus with her whole heart.  She lived her life for Him, like Him, and with Him.

Friends will be received on Friday, March 8 from 4-7 pm at Abundant Grace Church West Hills—1798 Brodhead Road, Crescent, PA 15046. The funeral will be Saturday, March 9 at 10:30 am, also at Abundant Grace Church. Private interment at Sharon Community Presbyterian Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Abundant Grace Church West Hills.

The Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Moon Twp. is in charge of arrangements.

Delbert O. Hague Jr. (1943-2024)

Delbert O. Hague Jr., 80 of Rochester Township, passed away Saturday, February 24, 2024 in Alleghany General Hospital, Pittsburgh. He was born September 4th, 1943 in Rochester and is the son of the late Delbert O. Hague, Sr., and Edith Erickson Hague. He was a retired financial manager with Washington Financial Bank for 23 years in Washington, PA. Delbert worked in banking for over 50 years. He was a member of Oak Grove Lutheran Church, Sewickley Township, and loved restoring classic cars.
Delbert was preceded in death by his brother, Joe Hague and a nephew, Brian Hague.
Delbert is survived by his wife of 32 years, Janice K. Cypher Hague. Delbert is also survived by 3 sons and 2 daughters. Delbert J. Hague of Verona, PA, Darin Hague of Monaca, Andrew Leist of Hopewell, Kim Marshal of New Brighton, Dawna Leist, Rochester Township, 7 grandchildren; Christopher DeCanio, Cayleona Anderson both of New Brighton, John Leport and his wife Heather, Brandon Laport, all of Ohioville, Brooke Ann Leport of Rochester Township, Lance List of South Hills, Jason Leist of Ambridge, 2 great grandchildren, Aspen and Alayna, one brother, Ralph, and his wife Judy, a brother in law and sister in law Richard and Karen Cypher, three nieces, Tauna- Lynn, Mendi, Jodi, nephew Jason, and his canine companion, Alli.
Delbert’s wishes were to be cremated. Friends are invited to attend a memorial service which will be held at Oak Grove Lutheran church on Thursday, March 7th, 2024 at 11 a.m. Officiating will be Pastor Steve.
Arrangements have been entrusted to The William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc.,
349 Adams Street, Rochester, PA.

 

Blackhawk hires new superintendent

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published February 28, 2024 12:43 P.M.

(Chippewa Township, Pa) Dr. William Pettigrew, acting superintendent reported Wednesday morning that the school board hired Johanna Vannatta, Chartiers Valley’s current superintendent,  to be the next district superintendent. The action took place at last week’s school board meeting and she will assume her duties at Blackhawk on or before July 1, 2024. Her salary will be $170,000 a year. Dr. Pettigrew came to Blackhawk after retiring from the Jeannette School District where he served the district for 26 years. He said he’ll probably play golf when he retires.

In other district news, the bocce team will participate in the Bocce finals at Geneva College on Wednesday, March 6, 2024.  The Cougars girls basketball team will play in the WPIAL finals at the Petersen Events Center on Saturday, March 2, 2024.