Author: Beaver County Radio

Bucknell University Strength Coach Charged in Connection to Death of Freshman Football Recruit who Died after Being Hazed in Practice

(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced the filing of criminal charges in Harrisburg regarding the 2024 death of a Bucknell University student who collapsed during a hazing incident on campus and died two days later.

Calvin “CJ” Dickey, Jr., of Florida, was on campus on July 10th, 2024, for the first day of his freshman football practice when he was directed to do extensive calisthenics that put him in risk of death due to his Sickle Cell trait.

Mark Kulbis, who was Bucknell University’s strength and conditioning coach at the time, subjected Dickey to the hazing, even after he was made aware of Dickey’s medical condition and received training from the university on Sickle Cell trait and state law and NCAA standards regarding hazing.

Sunday’s office charged Kulbis today with felony aggravated hazing and misdemeanor counts of involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment, and hazing.

Kulbis surrendered late this morning and was arraigned on the charges. His bail was set at an unsecured $10,000.

The investigation shows that prior to the first-day practice on July 10th, 2024, Kulbis subjected Dickey, and other players, to 100 “up-downs” and several full-body plank drills. which are both considered extraneous calisthenic exercises. This was done in spite of training and direction from other coaches that such exercises were not appropriate or safe for use as part of training.

Dickey, who was recruited to play lineman positions, was visibly struggling with the exercises and Kulbis, who was the only coach in the training room, did not summon help until Dickey passed out.

Dickey was treated at an area hospital, but died on July 12th, 2024. An autopsy determined that his death was caused by Kulbis subjecting Dickey to the exercises in combination with Dickey’s Sickle Cell trait, body weight, and exertional rhabdomyolysis.

The Pennsylvania Legislature made the aggravated hazing charge law in response to the hazing death of Penn State University student Tim Piazza in 2017.

AAA: Motorists Continue to See Relief at the Pump

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

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Gas prices are nine cents lower in Western Pennsylvania this week at $4.14 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report. Gas prices were the lowest they’ve been in several weeks as millions of drivers traveled for this year’s long Independence Day weekend. The national average is at $3.79 for a gallon of regular gas, which is down 40 cents from a month ago, and even though that number is higher than last year, this is a relief from this past spring, which was when the national average peaked at $4.56 on May 21. Crude oil prices have also fallen to their lowest levels in months, dropping to the range of $65 per barrel. The report states that the average price that you can expect for a gallon of regular unleaded gas here in Beaver County is about $4.44. 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 areas:

$3.922      Altoona
$4.444      Beaver
$4.201      Bradford
$4.009      Brookville
$4.300      Butler
$4.030      Clarion
$4.011      DuBois
$3.841      Erie
$3.926      Greensburg
$4.161      Indiana
$3.892      Jeannette
$4.395      Kittanning
$4.157      Latrobe
$4.130      Meadville
$4.073      Mercer
$4.285      New Castle
$4.380      New Kensington
$4.349      Oil City
$4.421      Pittsburgh
$3.475      Sharon
$4.530      Uniontown
$3.959      Warren
$4.329      Washington

Route 168 Improvement Work Underway in Beaver County

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

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) PennDOT District 11 announced that roadway improvement work is underway on Route 168 (Centennial Avenue, Elmwood Boulevard, Second Street, Market Street, Ohioville Road) in South Beaver and Darlington townships and Darlington, New Galilee, and Big Beaver boroughs.

From 7 A.M. to 5 P.M. each day through early November, single-lane alternating traffic will occur on Route 168 between the Lawrence County line and Route 51. Flaggers will assist drivers through work zones as needed and weekend work is also permissible.

This group paving project worth $3.93 million has Lindy Paving as its prime contractor. Improvement work includes base repairs, curb replacement, milling and paving and other various construction related activities.

Route 551 Improvement Work Underway in Beaver County

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

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Darlington Township, PA) PennDOT District 11 announced that roadway improvement work is underway on Route 551 (Hollow Road) in Darlington Township.

From 7 A.M. to 5 A.M. each day through early November, single-lane alternating traffic will occur on Route 551 between the Lawrence County line and Fifth Street. Flaggers will assist drivers through work zones as needed and weekend work is also permissible.

This group paving project worth $3.93 million has Lindy Paving as its prime contractor.  Improvement work includes base repairs, curb replacement, milling and paving and other various construction related activities.

Samuel “Sam” J. Bechtel (1943-2026)

Samuel “Sam” J. Bechtel, 83, formerly of Beaver, passed away on June 29th, 2026.

He was born in Rochester on March 24th, 1943, the son of the late Joseph and Laura Poole Bechtel. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Jill and Brian Kemme, of Blue Ash, Ohio, his grandson, Owen Kemme, of Blue Ash, Ohio, his former wife, Christine Bechtel of Blue Ash, Ohio, his sister, Kathy Noll, of Vanport, his brother and sister-in-law, Kurt and Debbie Bechtel, of Maryland, as well as his nieces and nephews.

Samuel was a 1961 graduate of Beaver Area High School. After attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania, he started his career as a Journalist at the Indiana Gazette. In February of 1971, he joined the Beaver County Times where he worked for 13 years as both a reporter and the sports department editor. He was the first Beaver County sports reporter to regularly cover the Pittsburgh Steelers. He also covered the Pittsburgh Pirates, the 1971 World Series, Super Bowl IX and Super Bowl X. In 2022, he was inducted into the Beaver County Sports Hall of Fame in recognition of his work at the Times. He later worked from 1984 through 1992 at the Pittsburgh Press as deputy sports editor and then returned to the Indiana Gazette until he retired in 2004 ending a 37-year career. He retired to live in Cape Coral, Florida. After spending nearly 10 years in Florida, he moved to Cincinnati, Ohio to be closer to his daughter and grandson.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 9th from 11 a.m. until the time of Memorial Service at 1 p.m. at the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements.

Inurnment to follow in the Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Charles Leroy “Buddy” Wooley (1951-2026)

Charles Leroy “Buddy” Wooley, 75, of Brighton Township, formerly of Beaver Falls, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on July 4th, 2026, in Heritage Valley Beaver.

He was born in New Brighton on January 9th, 1951, the son of the late Charles Robert and Anna E. Giles Wooley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister and her husband, Bonnie and Danny Mitchell. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Nancy J. Bradow Wooley, two daughters and sons in law, Michelle and Dr. Joseph Kelly and Amber and Leonard Skidmore, six grandchildren, whom he could not have loved and cherished more. His life revolved around his grandkids and his love for them and special moments with them is and will be everlasting, from his early morning phone calls with Mason to evening conversations with Lex and Kam. They are: Mason Miller, Alexa Skidmore, Kamryn Kelly and Anthony Miller; as well as two great-grandchildren, Jerry Cunningham and Jensen Skidmore, two nieces and their spouses, Staci Delp and her husband, Dominic and their children, Ashlee and Alexis Delp and Kristi Nelson and her husband, Dr. Aaron Nelson, one nephew, Pastor Brad Moore and his wife, Kara, a sister in law and her husband, Marilyn and Duane Moore, and a former son in law, Keith Miller and his wife, Erica.

Charles was a former machinist for the former St. Joe Lead Company, a former Nuclear Security Manager at Shippingport, a member of Chippewa United Methodist Church and a Veteran of The United States Army where he received the “National Defense Service Medal” and also accelerated in sharpshooting and cooking. Buddy was also passionate about two more things, his family and The Pittsburgh Steelers !! He loved both fiercely which would be on display every Sunday for family, The Pittsburgh Steelers and food!

Friends will be received Tuesday, July 7th, from 3-6 p.m., in the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where a service will be conducted at 6:15 p.m. by Pastor Brad Moore.

In lieu of flowers, the family is suggesting donations be made to the Chippewa United Methodist Church, 2545 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

Burial will take place at The Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 11587 Morgan Road, Bridgeville, at a later date. Full Military Honors will be provided by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #862.

Helen Gause (1928-2026)

Helen Gause, 98, of Ambridge, a beloved wife, mom, and grandma, passed away on July 4th, 2026. She was born on January 15th, 1928, and was preceded in death by her parents, John and Katherine Soltis Sokolowsky, her loving husband, Peter Gause Sr., two brothers, John and Harry Sokolowsky, and three sisters Anne Essek, Katie Boyt, and Mary Sokolowsky.

She is survived by her daughter, Katherine (Roger) Miller, two sons, Peter (Ausra) Gause III, and Gregory Gause, her two gifted grandchildren, Aaron and Elaina Miller, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Helen was known for her cheerful and pleasant demeanor and had a spicy side that endeared her to all who knew her. Her life was a testament to faith and trust in God, guiding her through every challenge. She will be remembered as a completely selfless and very generous person who brought immense joy to everyone around her. Her laughter, smiles, and jokes were a constant source of cheer. She was blessed with the strength of Christ by her side through every challenge. She was also very loved by a very special niece who supported her throughout the years as well as many loving family members, special caregivers, and most of all her children and two grandchildren. Her life was defined by her sweetness, kindness, and selflessness. Her guiding principle was BELIEF and following God’s will. She worked hard throughout her life, especially as a mom and grandma, as well as at Westinghouse in Beaver and other jobs to help support her family. She was an active member of the Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church and choir in Ambridge in her younger years where her grandchildren continued to grow in faith as members of the youth group. Her legacy of love, laughter, strength and faith will continue to inspire all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of her family and friends.

A Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 7th from 3-7 P.M. in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where a prayer service will be held on Wednesday, July 8th at 10 A.M. followed by a church service at 10:30 A.M. in the Saints Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, 404 6th Street, Ambridge, with Father Michael Polosky officiating.

In Lieu of flowers the family asks donations to be made to the Saints Peter and Paul Youth Group 404 6th Street, Ambridge, PA 15003 or to Veterans First.

John A. Morrow, Sr. (1938-2026)

John A. Morrow, Sr., 88, formerly of Raccoon Township, and most recently of Brighton Township, passed away on July 2nd, 2026, at St. Barnabas Beaver Meadows.
He was born on February 8th, 1938, the son of the late Lee and Helen Morrow.

John was a 1957 graduate of Hopewell High School, where he played varsity football and earned the nickname “Mouse.” He also played youth baseball for the Raccoon Boys Club.
He retired after 40 years with St. Joe Lead, later known as ZCA and Horsehead Industries. During those years, he enjoyed bowling, golfing, and playing softball with his co-workers and friends. For many years, he organized annual golf trips to South Carolina with friends. After retirement, he worked as a starter at Blackhawk Golf Course. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge in New Castle. He enjoyed golfing, hunting, and trips “south” to the casino. He was a long-time baseball coach for the Raccoon Boys Club and helped develop the Raccoon Township Municipal Park, where he spent countless hours maintaining the baseball fields and cutting the grass. He rarely missed an opportunity to watch his grandson, “Nate” Angelo, play baseball for Central Valley, the Diamond Dawgs, and the Pittsburgh Fusion, often traveling out of state to attend games. He also enjoyed spending time with his faithful canine companions, Dixie and Chloe, and his dogs, Roxy, Macie, and Quesi.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved son, John A. “Kip” Morrow, Jr., M.D., his sister-in-law, Diane Van Leeuwen and his parents-in-law, Mike and Olga Briscoe. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Matilda “Tillie” Morrow, his devoted daughters, Melissa “Missy” (Brian) Angelo and Michelle “Tink” Morrow, his grandson, Nathan “Nate” Angelo, his sisters, Sue (Robert) Shemer, Nancy Lombard, and Grace Steele, his brother-in-law, Kent Van Leeuwen and many nieces and nephews from the Van Leeuwen, Shemer, Lombard, and Steele/Vogan families.
Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, July 8th, from 5:30 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 6:30 p.m. at the Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Aliquippa, 2345 Mill Street, Aliquippa, who was in charge of his arrangements. Rev. Collene Carney of Monacrest Free Methodist Church will officiate, assisted by Chaplain Kelli Connolly of St. Barnabas.
Private interment will take place at John Anderson Cemetery in Raccoon Township.
The family would like to thank the nursing and hospice staff at St. Barnabas Beaver Meadows for their loving, compassionate care and kindness.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Colonel (Ret.) Daniel G. (“Dean”) Kniola (1948-2026)

Colonel (Ret.) Daniel G. “Dean” Kniola, 77, of Crescent, passed away peacefully on July 2nd, 2026. He was born on December 30th, 1948, and is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Judith (Schnippert), his son, Major Scott Kniola (USAF, Ret.) and his wife, Bridget, Daughter-in-Law, Maggie, and three grown grandchildren, Samuel T., Olivia R., and Maxwel T., his sisters, Mary Grace (Mike) Landrum, and Kathleen Repko, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son ,Todd and his grandson, Joseph.

Retired Colonel Dean was a 1970 graduate of the USAF Academy (AFA) and retired honorably after 28 years active duty, earning the rank of Colonel and a Master’s Degree in Engineering Physics. He served as a laser project engineer, Asst. Prof. of Mathematics at the AFA, Vice Commander of an engineering analysis center, Assoc. Dir. of the Joint Communications Engineering Center in Washington DC, Commander of a nuclear forensics laboratory, and in other technical leadership positions. When he retiring from the AFA, he worked 10 years as Director of Market Research for BNY Mellon Inc. in Pittsburgh. His interest in graphic design led to placements of his artwork in regional museum juried shows and two pieces in the AFA Art Collection, including a 64-foot “Space Age” mural at the USAF Academy. He was especially blessed to serve in various roles in the Knights of Columbus Council 2555. He also coordinated the ChristLife program at a parish in Pittsburgh’s South Hills for five years and served on parish councils.

Viewings will be held on Monday, July 6th from 6-8 p.m. and Tuesday, July 7th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., at Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Moon Township, 1522 Coraopolis Heights Road, Coraopolis, who was in charge of his arrangements.

A Mass of Christian Burial will also be held on Wednesday, July 8th at 10 a.m. at St Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 1304 4th Avenue, Coraopolis.

Chase James Morack (1982-2026)

Chase James Morack, 44, of Beaver Falls, passed away on July 2nd, 2026, in Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.

He was born on June 26, 1982 and was deeply loved by his family and friends. He was known for his kind heart, his loyalty and lasting friendships he cultivated throughout his life.

He is survived by his parents, Rickie and Richard Probert, his brothers, Creighton (Carol) Morack, Chris (Nikki) Probert, and Josh (Michelle) Probert, his nieces and nephews: Haley, Austin, Taylor, Lexi, and Andrew Probert; as well as his aunt and uncle, Sue and Shawn Chaplin, his cousin, Jordan Chaplin, his college friends, Jon Herbert and Mark McKillip, and Mark’s Children, Henry and Lacey.

He was preceded in death by his father, James C. Morack, his maternal grandparents, Jacqueline P. Okon and Richard Edwards, and his paternal grandparents, James and Adeline Morack.

Chase was a 2000 graduate of New Brighton High School and a 2004 graduate of Washington and Jefferson College, where he played football. He spent many years as an employment recruiter for various companies throughout the Pittsburgh area including the Port Authority of Allegheny County and most recently for Desotec.

The family wants to thank the Allegheny General Hospital nurses on floor six and nine for their excellent care and attention to Chase and the Palliative care staff for their compassion during this difficult time.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, July 7th from 2-4 P.M. & 6 P.M. until the time of a service at 8 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial donations be made to Tunnels to Towers in Chase’s name, may do so online or by mail. https://t2t.org/donate/ (click here) or make your check out to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306