Juror testifies in case of Sheldon Jeter Jr., who is serving a life sentence in prison for killing Tyric Pugh in Aliquippa in 2020, because of the defense of Jeter requesting it

(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) A juror from a trial that took place in 2021 in Beaver County came back in court this week for an evidentiary hearing which stemmed from an appeal. This hearing was requested from the defense of Sheldon Jeter, Jr., who is in prison for life for the 2020 murder of Tyric Pugh in Aliquippa, because of the behavior of the juror that testified in this hearing this week, but initially, the hearing was denied. Beaver County District Attorney Nate Bible predicted that until after December is when a final decision in this evidentiary hearing could be seen. Jeter was also named as a primary suspect in 2023 for the murder of Rachel DelTondo in addition to his prison sentence that he received for the murder of Pugh. 

Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletics Association announces 2025-2026 Officials Appreciation Week to recognize and support the work of PIAA officials

PIAA logo

(File Photo of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Mechanicsburg, PA) The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletics Association has recently announced their 2025-2026 Officials Appreciation Week for schools around Pennsylvania to recognize and show support for the work that PIAA sports officials do for Pennsylvania student-athletes. Fall Sports Officials will be recognized from this Sunday, October 5th through Saturday, October 11th of 2025, Winter Sports Officials will be recognized from January 11th through January 17th of 2026, and Spring Sports Officials will be recognized from April 5th through April 11th, of 2026. 

Restrictions on the southbound Interstate 79 on-ramp from Route 910/Wexford Bayne Road (Route 4042) in Franklin Park Borough of Allegheny County will occur, weather permitting

(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 from Monday, October 6th through Friday, October 10th, weather permitting, restrictions on the southbound Interstate 79 on-ramp from Route 910/Wexford Bayne Road (Route 4042) in Franklin Park Borough of Allegheny County will occur. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each of those weekdays next week, the southbound on-ramp to I-79 from Route 910/Wexford Bayne Road will be reduced to a single-lane of traffic to let utility relocation work to occur there. There will also be a closure of one of the two turning lanes from westbound Route 910/Wexford Bayne Road to the southbound I-79 on ramp to let that work occur on the on-ramp. Shoulder restrictions will also continue on the southbound Interstate 79 on-ramp through the middle of October every weekday from 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. 

A man from Darlington gets charged by police for driving under the influence in Darlington Township and purposely wrecking into a tree there

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Badge)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Darlington Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Beaver report that twenty-one-year-old Cole Young of Darlington got charged by police after causing a single-vehicle crash in Darlington Township on the night of September 25th, 2025. A determination was made that Young was driving under the influence on Taggert Road and wrecked into a tree on purpose, which caused a serious injury to Young. Charges have been filed against Young by police. 

Donald E. Kittner (1934-2025)

Donald E. Kittner, 91, of Daugherty Township, passed away October 1st, 2025, at his residence. He was born in Beaver Falls on January 15th, 1934, a son of the late Emil and Margaret Casciato Kittner.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Thomas and Matilda Casciato and two brothers, Norman Kittner and Albert Kittner. He is survived by his wife, Delores “Dolly” Kittner, four sons: Donald (Pam) Kittner, Danny (Suzette) Kittner, David (Maureen) Kittner and Douglas Kittner; as well as two sisters-in-law, Marie Kittner and Jean Kittner, ten grandchildren: Kylee (Ryan) Thompson, Jenna (Eric) Soder, Joseph (Stephanie) Kittner, Vincent Kittner, Jacob (Brittany) Kittner, Danny Kittner, Sierra Kittner, Denim Kittner, Sabrina Kittner, and Dawson Kittner; as well as six great-grandchildren, Ridge and Finley Soder, Eli and Ella Thompson, Kayden and Kaylee Kittner. Donald was a graduate of Beaver Falls High School in 1951 and worked many summers of school years working with his father (Bus) learning the carpenter trade. He loved working with wood, bowling, gardening, and building puzzles. Donald was a member of the West Mayfield Vets and had almost 70 years in the Beaver Falls Turners. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during the Korean War, with the 82nd Airborne Division. Donald also served with the Beaver and Lawrence County Honor Guard for almost 10 years. Friends will be received on Sunday, October 5th from 4-8 P.M. in the CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL SERVICES, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, October 6th at 10 A.M. at Holy Family Church, 521 7th Avenue, New Brighton. Online condolences may be shared at www.corlessfuneralhomes.com. Interment will follow at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester, where the Beaver County Honor Guard will perform full military honors. The family would like to thank everyone from the Three Oaks for the loving care given to Donald. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Donald’s name to St. Jude, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or the Shriner’s Hospital, P.O. Box 1525, Ranson, WV 25438.

Hazel Mae Stiffler (1948-2025)

Hazel Mae Stiffler, 77, of Aliquippa, passed away on October 1st, 2025, while surrounded by the love of her husband, William and their daughters, Jaime and Emily. She was born on August 7th, 1948, the daughter of the late James and Jane (Ferris) Carl. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, William Stiffler, her daughters, Jaime (Richard) Kinkead and Emily (Robert) Nickles and her granddaughter, Eleanora Jane Nickles, who was the apple of Hazel’s eye.

Hazel was a graduate of Edinboro State College who taught third grade at Independence Elementary School of Aliquippa for 40 years and cared deeply about her students. She was an involved and kind teacher, always willing to mentor and guide her students to success.

Family was at the heart of Hazel’s life. She was the pillar of support and encouragement to her loved ones, instilling in her daughters a strong foundation of family and values that will continue to guide them throughout their lives. Hazel loved planting her flowers, spoiling her pets, and going on car rides with Billy.

In lieu of flowers, our family wishes you to make good memories with your family and hold those memories close to your heart or donate an adoption fee to the Beaver County Humane Society 3394 Brodhead Rd, Aliquippa, PA 15001 in memory of Hazel to help facilitate someone finding their “furever” friend.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 4th at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 2270 Broadhead Road, Aliquippa. Burial will immediately follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 2186 Broadhead Road, Aliquippa. Arrangements were entrusted to the ANTHONY MASTROFRANCESCO FUNERAL HOME INC., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.

Richard Eugene Beegle (1955-2025)

Richard Eugene Beegle, 70, of Beaver Falls, passed away on October 1st, 2025 at his residence.

He was born in Beaver Falls on June 10th, 1955, a son of the late Ronald and Margaret (Manzetti) Beegle. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Kayla Beegle and his brother, Joseph Beegle. He is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Denise (Bosco) Beegle, his son, Ryan (Lindsey) Beegle, his grandchildren, Braxton and Kason, his brothers, Christopher (Helen) Beegle and George (Renee) Beegle, his brother-in-law, Michael (Gwen) Bosco, his sisters-in-law, Susan (Rick) Leopardi, Terri (Danny) Poole and Janice (David) Aiken, along with his nieces and nephews: Brad Bosco, Drew (Katrina) Bosco, Clinton Aiken, Connor Aiken, Michael (Kelly) Beegle, and Rachael Beegle.

Richard was a member of St. Monica Church of Beaver Falls, part of St. Augustine Parish, formerly known as St. Mary’s. He worked in security for Armstrong World Industries for many years.  He was known for loving horse races and sports, especially Penn State. He enjoyed filming the Beaver Falls High School football games. What Rich loved most was spending time and cheering on his beloved grandsons, Braxton and Kason.

A blessing service will be held on Sunday, October 5th at 12 noon in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements and where friends will be received at 4 P.M. on Sunday, October 5th. Father Kim Schreck will officiate.

Private interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 2927 Clayton Road, Beaver Falls.

Thelma Mae Koch (1941-2025)

Thelma Mae Koch, 84, of New Sewickley Township, passed away on September 30th, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at Providence Health and Rehabilitation Center in Beaver Falls.

She was born in New Eagle, Pennsylvania on May 20th, 1941, a daughter of the late Robert Nelson Stinogle and Emily Mae (Biddle) Stinogle. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughters, Tammy and Sandy Koch, her brothers, James Blaine and Robert Dale Stinogle, her sisters, Katherine Fisher and Phyllis Stinogle Monn and a grandson, Brendon Gifford. She is survived by her children: Kimberly Snyder, Jacqueline (Terry) Simpson, Jerri Miller (Rich Bulger), Sherri (Doug) Margetic, Joseph (Michelle) Snyder, Kelly Harris, and Carrie Koch; as well as her grandchildren: Matthew, Jennifer, Stephanie, Justin, Troy, Melissa, Shana, Jacob, Austin, Luke, Bo, Nicole, Noah, Peyton, Cade, Cadeya, and Kayona; along with many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, her beloved sister, Peggy Belle Anderson, and a host of loving nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her long-time devoted companion, Don Fazenbaker.

Thelma graduated from the former Donora High School. She pursued her passion for beauty and style at the Pittsburgh Beauty Academy, where she earned her cosmetology and instructor’s license. She was honored as Miss PBA Princess in a school pageant, a testament to her grace and charm. She was a lifelong member of Unionville Church of Rochester, where she sang in the choir and was a devoted student of her faith for over 40 years. Her love for music extended to dancing, especially jitterbug and oldies, which she embraced with joy and energy. She never missed a chance to dance, celebrate, or capture memories with her ever-present camera. She was the heart of family gatherings, often hosting celebrations filled with laughter, love, and togetherness. Her warmth and generosity touched everyone who knew her.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the third-floor nursing staff and aides at Providence Care Center for their compassionate care and love shown to Thelma.

Friends will be received on Sunday, October 5th, from 1-4 p.m. & 6-8 p.m. at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of her arrangements.

A funeral service will also be held on Monday, October 6th at Unionville Church, 1297 Route 68, Rochester, at 11 a.m.

Thelma’s legacy of love, laughter, and faith will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Thelma M. Koch, please visit the flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home by clicking here.

Linda Richardson Tindall (1951-2025)

Linda Richardson Tindall, 73, of Portersville, Pennsylvania, passed away on September 29th, 2025, at Heritage Valley Beaver.

She was born on December 14th, 1951, the daughter of the late Fred and Dorothy Richardson. She is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Don Tindall, her children, Jeffrey (Tracey) Tindall and DJ Tindall, her grandchildren: Bryce, Shyan, Alex, and Jimmy and her brother, Thomas (Janice) Richardson. Her legacy of love, faith, and family will live on in their hearts. Linda was a devoted member of Calvin Presbyterian Church who graduated from the former Lincoln High School in Midland with the class of 1969. She adored spending time with her grandchildren; sharing stories, laughter, and the kind of unconditional love only a grandmother can give. She adored her cats and the comfort they brought her. She was an avid fan of Pittsburgh sports, especially the Steelers and the Penguins. Linda was also very well-known for her delicious Christmas cookies that she spent time baking every year to share.

In accordance with Linda’s wishes, there will be no public visitation.

The GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, was honored to care for Linda and her family and was in charge of her arrangements.

Vitalant holding local blood drives for people to donate blood or platelets during October of 2025, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

(File Photo of the Vitalant Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(New Castle, PA) Vitalant is holding some blood drives in October of 2025 in some locations in both Beaver County and New Castle and one location in New Wilmington. Vitalant is encouraging those to give blood or platelets to do so, especially as platelets and type O blood is needed the most during October of 2025, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, in which you can donate blood or platelets to help those undergoing treatments of cancer as well as other patients. According to a release from Vitalant, anyone who donates blood or platelets with Vitalant during October will be automatically entered to win a prepaid gift card they can use to upgrade their tech or spend however they wish, which is a chance to win $10,000 in their Tune Up Your Technology Giveaway. Here are the locations of these blood drives as well as more information about how to give blood or platelets can be found below, according to that same release from Vitalant:

Upcoming Blood Drives

 

Ambridge

Tuesday, October 28th

Ambridge Area High School

909 Duss Avenue

8 A.M. – 12 P.M.

 

Darlington

Monday, October 20th

Darlington Township Building

3590 Darlington Road

1 P.M. – 7 P.M.

 

Fombell

Friday, October 31st

Hero-Franklin Township Building

897 State Route 288

12 P.M. – 4 P.M.

 

New Brighton

Friday, October 10th

Rich DeFilippi Replenishment Drive

2236 3rd Avenue

12 P.M. – 6 P.M.

 

New Castle

Monday, October 6th

Shenango High School

2550 Ellwood Road

8 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.

 

Friday, October 17th

Holy Spirit Parish – St Camillius, McGurk Hall

314 West Englewood Avenue.

11:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.

 

Friday, October 17th

UPMC Jameson North Campus

1211 Wilmington Road

10:30 A.M. – 3 P.M.

 

Monday, October 27th

Mohawk High School – Auxiliary Gym

385 Mohawk School Rd.

8:30 A.M. – 1 P.M,

 

New Wilmington

Wednesday, Oct. 8th

Wilmington Area High School

400 Wood Street

8 A.M. – 1 P.M.

Information about Making Appointments from Vitalant: