Author: Beaver County Radio

AHN Wexford Hospital Recognized by Vizient as 2025 Birnbaum Quality Leadership Top Performer

(File Photo of the Allegheny Health Network Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) According to a release from Allegheny Health Network, AHN Wexford Hospital announced on Friday it has been recognized as a top performer nationally in the 2025 Bernard A. Birnbaum, MD, Quality Leadership Ranking by Vizient, Inc. The Vizient Quality and Accountability Study, which has been conducted every year since 2005, recognized AHN Wexford Hospital and twenty other hospitals across the United States for their care that is high-quality as well as demonstrating excellence in that care. AHN Wexford Hospital was the only hospital recognized in this study from Western Pennsylvania, which puts it in the top nine percent of community hospitals nationwide in this category. 

Two people from Aliquippa die from gunshot wounds occurring from a shooting in Aliquippa

(File Photo of Police Siren Lights)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Aliquippa, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Beaver report that two people have died because of a shooting that took place in Aliquippa on Saturday. The incident occurred at 952 Franklin Avenue in Aliquippa and forty-three-year-old Cynthia Zipfel of Aliquippa was found dead inside her vehicle because of a gunshot wound. Twenty-six-year-old Jalen Love of Aliquippa died at the scene because of a gunshot wound. Preliminary investigation show that Love and Zipfel were believed to be the only people involved in this incident. Pennsylvania Police are now leading the investigation into this incident and according to Pennsylvania State Police in Beaver, there is no threat to the community and a ruling into this matter will be released at a later date. 

Congressman Chris Deluzio Announces $440,000 Federal Award for Longterm Health Monitoring on Impacts of the East Palestine Train Derailment

(File Photo of Congressman Chris Deluzio)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) According to a release from Congressman Chris Deluzio’s office, Deluzio announced on Friday in Beaver County that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have awarded $440,513 in federal funding to the University of Pittsburgh as part of a $10 million East Palestine, Ohio, Train Derailment Health Research Program to assess the long-term health effects of the 2023 disaster. The University of Pittsburgh is one of three universities leading this program that will oversee a study to assess outcomes of health related to the liver and both the liver and the thyroid axis. The February 3rd, 2023 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio affected residents there and those in Beaver County because it happened on the Pennsylvania-Ohio border. According to that same release from Congressman Chris Deluzio’s office,

  • The $10 million research program is administered by NIH’s National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), and aims to: 
  1. Conduct a health needs assessment by engaging organizations, networks, and researchers that are firmly connected to, actively working with, or embedded in communities near the train derailment disaster. 
  2. Establish a scientifically rigorous and valid longitudinal study to assess health outcomes and risks associated with the environmental disaster. 
  3. Provide training and educational materials as well as report-back of testing results and other findings to community members and local health providers. 
  4. Support the development and implementation of a health tracking system, in conjunction with data cyberinfrastructure. This system would leverage health care records (with participant consent) and research data in collaboration with health care providers and others to identify health conditions associated with the derailment and understand factors that might guide health care decisions and public health interventions. 
  • The award announced on Friday provides $10 million over five years to a consortium of three universities with a focus on community-engaged, high-impact research. The division of responsivities among the consortium of universities is as-follows:
  1. The University of Kentucky will serve as the program lead and collaborate with program partners to develop the health needs assessment, longitudinal study, training, and a health tracking system. 
  2. The University of Pittsburgh will assess health outcomes related to the liver and the liver/thyroid axis. Specifically, they will evaluate health outcomes related to the liver and the liver-thyroid axis using advanced, non-invasive technologies, including FibroScan, a device designed to measure liver fibrosis. 
  3. Yale University will contribute to the program’s health needs assessment and the longitudinal study by conducting hydrological water quality modeling to identify geospatial patterns leading from the train derailment to potential groundwater and drinking water contamination.
  • Together, these research teams will develop and execute a comprehensive strategy to address the health concerns and the needs of the residents impacted by the East Palestine derailment.
  • Congressman Deluzio and his team will continue to monitor how these funds address the community’s needs in Beaver County and East Palestine. He will fight to make sure this congressionally authorized funding continues going to projects that make life better for Western Pennsylvanians.

Woman gets lifeflighted to a hospital after she gets stabbed in Beaver Falls

(File Photo of a City of Beaver Falls Police Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver Falls, PA) According to Beaver County dispatchers, a woman was flown to the hospital after being stabbed in Beaver Falls on Friday night. Beaver County dispatchers confirmed to WTAE that a woman got life flighted to a hospital after getting stabbed. The incident happened after 10 p.m. on the 600 block of 17th Street in Beaver Falls. The condition of the woman has not been released. It is not clear if any arrests were made in connection with this stabbing incident. 

Grove City College undergoes a fake “swatting” call after a report of shots fired occurs there

(Photo Courtesy of KDKA)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Grove City, PA) According to Pennsylvania State Police, Grove City College in Grove City, Pennsylvania was believed to have been targeted in a false “swatting” call yesterday. A news release that day confirms that the Henry Buhl Library on the Grove City College campus was where a report of shots fired occurred. This report was specifically for somebody reporting someone with a gun in the area of Henry Buhl Library yesterday. Pennsylvania State Police believed that the swatting call was computer generated in this incident. Grove City College went through a shelter in place order and the Henry Buhl Library was evacuated. As of now, the Grove City College campus is secure, and there were no injuries that were reported. There was also no evidence found If you have information about who could be behind this incident, because that is what police are looking for, call 724-748-0044.

UPDATE: Retired Co-Owner of Pennsylvania Macaroni Co. Releases Statement on Charges

(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

UPDATE: Over the weekend Attorney Robert G. Del Greco Jr. released a statement from his client David Sunseri. Sunseri is the retired Co-Owner of the Pennsylvania Macaroni Company who was facing a misdemeanor charge of terroristic threats after an alleged incident that happened at a building in Pittsburgh on September 15th, 2025 . Below is the statement:

Statement made by David Sunseri as submitted by me as his lawyer:

On September15, 2025, I went to Pennsylvania Macaroni and had an argument with my Brother.  The reason for the argument is private amongst family.  The firearm alleged to have been picked up  on the sidewalk was my cell phone that I dropped . I never possessed a firearm. Thank you.

David Sunseri

Sunseri allegedly banged on a window and yelled, telling someone inside to come outside so that he could fight him, later allegedly saying he would kill that person inside. A criminal complaint confirms that Sunseri tried to get in the building when he went to the back of the building but could not get into it. Then, Sunseri allegedly went back to the front of the building and continued to make threats and yell. According to the criminal complaint, the victim told police that Sunseri eventually went back to his car and, while getting into the vehicle, picked up a firearm that was lying on the sidewalk. Police gave the victim advice to get a protection from abuse order against Sunseri, who has a misdemeanor charge of terroristic threats against him.

Bonnie Louise (Logan) Hostetler (1950-2025)

Bonnie Louise (Logan) Hostetler, 75, of Moon Township, died on September 23rd, 2025 in Allegheny General Hospital of Pittsburgh. She was born in Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania on March 19th, 1950, the daughter of the late Bryon & Freda (Feltenberger) Logan. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Jon Logan (survived by his wife Rhonda) & David Logan (survived by his wife Laura). She is survived by her loving husband of 32 years, Lee Hostetler, her devoted son, Seth Nicotra (Moon Township), her sisters-in-law, Sally (and Jim) Jones and Jane (and Bill) Krise and brother-in-law, Gary (and Cheryl) Hostetler. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Bonnie was an employee of Auma Actuators for over 20 years. She enjoyed playing cards and games and loved to win! Planting flowers and growing plants gave her great joy. She was ever the matriarch of our family and was known for her practical no bones about it loving advice. Family was everything to her. She was a woman of God and helped guide many in our family to know Him. She loved music and hanging with her lifelong best friend, Dona (Sidlinger) Smith. She supported many different charities.

Friends will be received on Saturday, October 4th from 12 noon until the time of a Memorial Service at 1 P.M. in The Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Moon Township, 1522 Coraopolis Heights Road, who was in charge of her arrangements. Private interment at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville, will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation. www.t2t.org, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.

Isabelle Clara Bowser (1940-2025)

Isabelle Clara Bowser, 84, of Monaca, passed away on September 27th, 2025, just shy of her 85th birthday. She was born on October 2nd, 1940 into a large and bustling family. Isabelle was the eldest of eleven children and took on the role of caregiver early in life, demonstrating a remarkable sense of responsibility and love. Isabelle’s life was marked by her dedication to her family and her work. Isabelle’s passing was preceded by the loss of her beloved mother, Clara Black, her cherished companion, John Potter, and several of her siblings: Thomas Bowser, Mary Bowser, Mildred Harrington, Elmer Yoho, Edith Seaman, Georgeann Collins and Helen Richeal. Despite these losses, Isabelle’s legacy continues through her surviving family members. She is survived by her sister, Caroline Jean Richeal of New Brighton and two brothers, George (Ermal) Yoho of Aliquippa and William (June) Yoho of New Brighton. Her memory will also be cherished by her numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews, as well as countless friends and co-workers. After leaving school in the 7th grade, she devoted herself to raising her siblings. Her work ethic was unparalleled, as evidenced by her impressive 33-year tenure at Phoenix Glass in Monaca, from which she retired in 2004. Not one to rest on her laurels, Isabelle continued to serve her community through Bowser’s Catering for Ed and Anna Becker, where she worked diligently for another 19 years.

Isabelle was always on the move. Whether walking to her destination or traveling to new places. She was often seen out and about, making the most of every day. Her passion for exploration extended beyond her local community, as she also loved to travel and experience new places.

You can celebrate Isabelle’s life with her family on Wednesday, October 1st from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SEVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where services will be held on Thursday, October 2nd at 10 a.m. with Reverend Doug Rabe officiating. Interment will follow in Union Cemetery, 1346 Chapel Road, Monaca.

Isabelle had requested any memorial contributions in her memory be made to the Salvation Army, 378 Jefferson Avenue, Rochester, PA 15074.

Ermando DeVitis (1930-2025)

Ermando DeVitis, 95, of Conway, passed away on September 26th, 2025, in his home with loving family by his side. He was born in Lettopalena, Italy on July 30th, 1930, a son of the late Felice and Maria (Martinelli) DeVitis. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 70 years, Antonietta (Cavicchia) DeVitis and his siblings, Tony, Marienne and Rosina. He is survived by his three sons, Phil (Cindy) DeVitis, Eugene (Tracy) DeVitis and Timothy DeVitis and a daughter, Maria (Michael) delaChevrotiere, five granddaughters: Justine (John) Holleran, Mya and Marisa delaChevrotiere and Bianca and Morgan DeVitis; as well as two great-grandsons, Jack and Ethan Holleran and two sisters, Linda and Anna.

Ermando served in the Italian Army and came to the United States in 1956. He enjoyed sharing stories from his time in Italy. Ermando loved soccer and even played the sport while living in Italy and here in the US. He was a fan of Italian music, played the accordion and was an avid dancer. Some of Ermando’s favorite pass-times were hunting for rabbits and gardening and he was said to have a “green thumb.” Ermando could even grow watermelon just by spitting seeds off the front porch. He was also great at building things. Ermando even built their home that they lived in for 57 years. He also enjoyed building various things: an outdoor living space for his hunting dogs (whom he adored), a swing and highchair for his great-grandson, paper hats for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He even made delicious homemade wine.  Ermando knew life was short and made sure to tell everyone “Life is beautiful” and  to always “Enjoy your life.”

All are welcome to gather for a visitation for Ermando on Tuesday, September 30th, from 4-7 P.M., in the John Syka Funeral Home Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements and where a Blessing Service will be held on Wednesday, October 1st at 10:30 A.M. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Freedom. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Broadhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Betty Geraldine Sawyer (1939-2025)

Betty Geraldine Sawyer, 86, formerly of Aliquippa, passed away on September 25th, 2025. She was born in Meadowbrook, Pennsylvania on May 20th, 1939, a daughter of the late William Cox and Grace (Evans) Cox. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Sawyer, her son, David Sawyer, her sisters, Marie Morrison, Thelma Ancell and Ella Mae Cox and her brothers, Gene, Dale, and Richard Cox. She is survived by her brother-in-law, Thomas W. (Francine) Sawyer and their daughter, Lynnell (Paul) Frank, as well as several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Betty worked as a custodian for Blackhawk School. She enjoyed spending time with her family and loved reading her Bible and Christian books. She was also an animal lover and enjoyed going for walks with her dogs. The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Victor Singzon and staff and the entire Hospice Staff including Autumn, Chris, and Trish. A visitation for Betty will be held at Corless Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements, on Tuesday, September 30th, from 5-7 P.M., where a funeral service will directly follow at 7 P.M. with Jeff Young officiating. Private interment will be held at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester.