Author: Beaver County Radio

Rochester Philly Pretzel Factory location announces closure

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published April 13, 2026 11:12 P.M.

(Rochester, Pa) A relatively recent addition to Rochester has announced they will not continue to operate.

The Pretzel maker broke the news in a Facebook post Monday.

Philly Pretzel Factory on Adams Street say their last day will be April 18th, adding “we will continue to make our hot fresh pretzels until the minute that we close our doors.”

As for the reason of the closure, the business stated “The sales simply are not there and the closing of Adams St is the dagger that killed us.”

They also stated operations have been expensive, noting “We typically saw 10-15 donation requests per week looking for something to be donated from our store. We helped a lot of these people support their cause through gift card, soft pretzel donations and even cash donations. We are now seeking your support with the pile of bills we now have in front of us.”

The shop first opened around 2 years ago.

Ownership says “We really, truly enjoyed the people and the welcoming support from our core customers. We will miss you.”

The road project taking place on Adams Street is expected to keep the street closed until at least November.

Angeline V. “Ange” Alexander (1926-2026)

Angeline V. “Ange” Alexander, 100, a lifelong resident of Monaca and Center Township, passed away peacefully on April 10th, 2026. She was born in Monaca on March 27th, 1926, the beloved and only daughter of the late Julia D’Alessandro and Domenico Lucci. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Alexander, her sons, Paul and David, her brothers, John, William (Leo),and Donald Lucci and her sisters, Julia Ciccone and Rose Climo. She is survived by her devoted son, James (Judith) Alexander, her daughter-in-law, Rosemary Melko Alexander, her grandchildren: Melanie (Aaron) Starr, Dante Alexander, Doug Alexander, Jamie Alexander, and Paul Alexander; as well as her treasured great-grandson, Gianni D’Alessandro Alexander and many loving nieces and nephews.

On June 18th, 1949, Angeline married the love of her life, James Alexander. Together they built a warm and devoted home in Center Township, where they raised their three sons: Paul, James, and David. She was a woman of remarkable independence and strength who took great pride in caring for her family: sewing her own clothing, tending her garden, and growing much of the food that graced her table. She had a gift for friendship and community. She cultivated lifelong bonds through joyful gatherings filled with laughter, line dancing, card club, and the sharing of treasured recipes and her famously delicious meals. Her home and heart were always open. She was strong-willed and fiercely independent and embraced each chapter of her life with purpose. After her youngest son began school, she began a career teaching sewing classes through Sears, sharing her talent and passion with others. She will be lovingly remembered by family and friends for the beautiful garments she created, including wedding gowns made with extraordinary care and love. In her retirement years, she continued to live life fully and actively. She found joy in line dancing with local senior groups, nurturing her roses, cooking for those she loved, and staying connected to the world by mastering new technology and keeping up with current events on her computer. She continued to make memorable Sunday, birthday, and holiday dinners until the end. Her curiosity and spirit never waned. She will be remembered for her strength, her warmth, her creativity, and the deep love she gave so freely to her family and friends. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the traditions she lovingly passed down.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, April 15th from 2- 4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where prayers will be offered on Thursday, April 16th at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 1409 Pennsylvania Avenue, Monaca. Entombment will follow in Sylvania Hills Mausoleum, 273 PA-68, Rochester.

AAA: Gas Prices Slightly Higher in Pennsylvania, National Average Still Just Over $4/Gallon

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of AAA East Central)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Gas prices are a penny higher in Western Pennsylvania this week at about $4.19 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report. The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline has been falling over the past few days and is now a penny more than last week at $4.12. The last time the national average was over $4 per gallon was in early August of 2022. Crude oil prices remain high, even as they have fluctuated in recent days after the announcement of a 2-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran. The price for a barrel of crude oil dropped below $100 but then rose again, which highlights the volatility of oil markets and fluidity of geopolitical events. The report states that the average price for a gallon of regular gas in Western Pennsylvania at this time a year ago was around $3.60 and the average price that you can expect for a gallon of regular unleaded gas here in Beaver County is about $4.20. 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:

$4.178      Altoona
$4.199      Beaver
$4.125      Bradford
$3.918      Brookville
$4.141      Butler
$4.188      Clarion
$4.165      DuBois
$4.333      Erie
$4.160      Greensburg
$4.191      Indiana
$4.215      Jeannette
$4.179      Kittanning
$4.178      Latrobe
$4.388      Meadville
$4.217      Mercer
$4.107      New Castle
$4.171      New Kensington
$4.197      Oil City
$4.179      Pittsburgh
$4.099      Sharon
$4.187      Uniontown
$4.399      Warren
$4.148      Washington

Ohio man not charged after hitting a pig with his vehicle in Cranberry Township

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Cranberry Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Gibsonia reported via release today that fifty-three-year-old James Frigge of Avon, Ohio was not charged after crashing his vehicle in Cranberry Township on Wednesday. Frigge was traveling on I-76 East when he hit a pig that was in the left lane of the road. He was not injured and he refused transportation. 

Driver causes two-vehicle crash in North Sewickley Township; charges pending investigation

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(North Sewickley Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Gibsonia reported via release today that charges are pending investigation against an unidentified driver after a two-vehicle crash occurred in North Sewickley Township on Friday. The driver was traveling on I-76 East and hit the vehicle of fifty-year-old Dawn McElhinney of Pittsburgh when changing from the right lane to the left lane. McElhinny was not injured and it is unknown if the driver who caused the crash was injured. 

New Castle woman not charged after hitting a deer with her vehicle in New Sewickley Township

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(New Sewickley Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Gibsonia reported via release today that thirty-two-year-old Taylor Shaftic of New Castle was not charged after she crashed her vehicle in New Sewickley Township on Saturday. Shaftic was traveling on I-76 West when three deer ran in front of her vehicle. She hit one of them with her vehicle at 7:39 p.m. There were no injuries. 

Beaver to get bookstore

BEAVER COUNTY RADIO

BEAVER — A bookstore is planned for downtown Beaver.

“After many months of planning behind the scenes, we are so excited to announce that Fable & Craft will be opening up this summer in the heart of Beaver,” a Facebook post from owner Courtney Riggio said.
“Our space will be dedicated to bringing you your next favorite read and cozy hobby as well as creating a space that brings together book lovers of all ages. While we’re busy stocking our shelves, we welcome you to check out our website and follow us for behind the scenes and updates.”
Riggio said the bookstore, at 501 Third St., will include a used book section and accept used books closer to opening.
The future site of a downtown Beaver bookstore.
Fable & Craft will be located between Reclaimed Threads and Sieger’s Jewelers.
“We hope you follow along for our next chapter,” Riggio’s post said.

Shirley J. Gallagher (1934-2026)

Shirley J Gallagher, 91, of Aliquippa, passed away on April 8th, 2026 at Harmony Haus in Ambridge. She was born on November 13th, 1934 in Blairsville, Pennsylvania. Her parents were Charles Dallas Eales and Louise Cristina Jellison.

Shirley graduated from Rochester High School in 1952  and spent her life in the field of Music. She married Charles L Pike on June 21, 1952 and built a career as a Piano, Organ and Vocal teacher as well as Choir director and Organist for various Churches in the Beaver Valley area. She was known for establishing the Center Civics Woman’s Club. In September of 1962, Shirley traveled to Philadelphia to the Federation of Woman’s Clubs to establish the Center Civic Woman’s Club. By the very next month, the October member’s program, showed the membership was over 80 people. She retired as Business Manager from Pediatrics Associates, Beaver. After retiring, she and her husband Bob enjoyed traveling visiting Israel, Alaska, Nova Scotia and many cities across the United States.

She is survived by her children, Dennis Pike, Richard Pike (Eleanor) and Kathy Lee Tolfa, her stepchildren, Kevin Gallagher and Debbie (Dan) Motter, her grandchildren: Daniel Pike (Rachael), Christopher Pike (Melissa), Betsy Pedicone (Steve), Angelo Lee Tolfa, Adam Tolfa (Alissa), Zach Perl, Alex Perl (Katya), Talia Gallagher and Zachary Motter; along with her great grandchildren; Emma & Cooper Pike, Seth & Andrew Pedicone, Anastasia & Kassius Tolfa, Marcello Perl; as well as her sibling ,Bonita Landers, many nieces, nephews, and numerous beloved friends. She was preceded in death by her spouses, Charles Pike and Robert Gallagher and her siblings: Charlotte Somerville, Patrica Mara, Jeanne Wolfe, and Thomas Eales.

A Visitation and a memorial/celebration of life will be held on Monday, April 13th from 4pm until the time of a funeral service at 7 p.m. officiated by Reverend Don Hurray.7 pm at Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Aliquippa, 2345 Mill Street,
Aliquippa, who was in charge of her arrangements.

Francis J. “Frank” Laughlin (1929-2026)

Francis J. Laughlin, 96, of Brighton Township, passed away at Good Samaritan Hospice House in Wexford on April 10th, 2026 in the presence of his loving wife of 63 years, Barbara (Craft) Laughlin. He was born in Piedmont, West Virginia on April 16th, 1929, a son of the late Joseph T. and Ann (Miller) Laughlin. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Charles J. and Joseph T. Laughlin; and his stepfather, Joseph Fradiska; and his beloved dog, Sandy.

He was a 1947 graduate of St. Peter’s High School in Westernport, Maryland and a Korean War veteran serving with the U.S. Army Engineers from 1948-1952.

Frank moved to Beaver shortly after where he later met and then married Barbara in 1962. He was a supportive and generous father to James F. Laughlin (Bryanne Tyler) of Bowling Green, Ohio and Catherine A. Lienhard (Kevin) of Allentown. He enjoyed watching his five grandchildren grow into adulthood and will be missed by Emily, Melanie, and Noah Laughlin as well as Matthew and Abigail Lienhard.

While Frank was a talented baseball catcher in his earlier days, he chose to provide for himself and his family with his equally impressive skills as a Master Craftsman at St. Joe Lead Co in Monaca and then at Ohio Edison (First Energy) in Shippingport, retiring as Welding Certification Administrator and Maintenance Coordinator.

In his free time, he took meticulous care of his home, yard, and cars. He enjoyed golfing with Barbara and his various golf groups and then when no longer able to amble on fairways and greens he spent his days assembling 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzles. He was a faithful member of Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Beaver and served for a long time as an usher.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, April 14th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, April 15th at 10 a.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 200 Third Street, Beaver.

Interment and Full Military Rites will follow at Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver.

The family would like to give special thanks to Good Samaritan Hospice House and all the medical professionals who provided care.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001; Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Parish 200 Third St, Beaver, PA 15009; or Good Samaritan Hospice House c/o Concordia Lutheran Ministries Foundation, 134 Marwood Rd, Cabot, PA 16023 (give.ConcordiaLM.org).

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Francis J. (Frank) Laughlin, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. of Beaver by clicking here.

Davida G. Petrie (1931-2026)

Davida G. Petrie, 94, of Aliquippa, passed away on April 9th, 2026 at Concordia Villa St. Joseph. She was born in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh on April 13th, 1931, a daughter of the late Joseph and Edith Lazear. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Petrie, her son, Alan Green, her sister & brother-in-law, Isa Keller (Bill) and a nephew, Richard Keller. She is survived by her daughter, Lisa & Marco Ferrara of Center Township, a granddaughter, Alicia (Corinna French) Ferrara of Gainesville, Florida, a niece: Edie & Bob Kreider of Beaver Creek, Ohio and a daughter-in-law, Tina Green.

Davida graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a Master’s Degree in Music. She retired from teaching, first at Center School District then the majority of her career at Blackhawk School District as a Music Teacher. She also taught music privately. She loved to be on stage.  She would audition and perform in musicals throughout her life. She spent many years performing with the Beaver Valley Choral Society. She also had a great love for animals, especially dogs and cats and spent her later years volunteering with the Beaver County Humane Society.  She also was a member of the Red Hat Society and volunteered with the Senior Center at the Beaver Valley Mall.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, April 14th at 4 p.m. in Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Aliquippa. 2345 Mill St. Aliquippa, who was in charge of her arrangements.