Author: Beaver County Radio

Allegheny Health Network Performs Region’s First Robotic Kidney Transplant for a Recipient

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of Allegheny Health Network)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) A surgical team at AHN Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh recently completed the region’s first robotic-assisted kidney transplant for a recipient.

This procedure was performed in April by Jennifer Carpenter, MD, transplant surgeon and director of the living donor kidney transplant program at Allegheny Health Network and it used the daVinci® Surgical System. Sarah Skeba, PA-C assisted Dr. Carpenter.

This marks the first time that the technology has been used to assist in the implantation of a donor kidney into a recipient even though Allegheny Health Network has routinely performed robotic nephrectomies, or kidney removal, from living donors since 2018.

California man pleads guilty to sending a fake ransom note to Nancy Guthrie’s family

(File Photo: Source for Photo: In this image provided by NBCUniversal, Savannah Guthrie, right, her mom Nancy speak, Wednesday, April 17, 2019, in New York. (Nathan Congleton/NBCUniversal via AP)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pima County, AZ) A man from Hawthorne, California has now pleaded guilty to sending a fake ransom note to the family of Nancy Guthrie, a resident of Arizona and the eighty-four-year-old mother of “TODAY” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie.   

According to the United States District Attorney’s Office, forty-two-year-old Derrick Callella entered a guilty plea on Thursday as part of an agreement as he faced federal charges for sending a ransom demand across state lines and using a telecommunications device to threaten or harass.  

Callella admitted in court that he had used drugs four days prior, but he denied being under the influence of drugs during proceedings when asked by the judge. September 10th, 2026 is the scheduled date of his sentencing. 

A report from KVOA confirms that he received five years of probation. 

KOLD-TV confirmed in a report that the FBI stated Callella texted two of Guthrie’s family members — Nancy Guthrie’s oldest daughter, Annie, and her son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni — on February 4th. Callella allegedly made a nine-second call to a Guthrie family member. 

According to court documents, one of Callella’s messages read, “Did you get the bitcoin were (sic) waiting on our end for the transaction,” The suspect also reportedly sent the message using a VOIP phone line. 

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos warned that individuals who send fraudulent notes in this case will be held accountable in response to this guilty plea.

Nancy Guthrie went missing after she did not attend a virtual church service on the morning of February 1st and was last seen on January 31st having dinner with her family. 

No arrests have been made in connection with the 84-year-old woman’s disappearance and investigators have not released information about any suspects or persons of interest in the case.

However, authorities released doorbell camera footage from Nancy Guthrie’s home in Tucson, Arizona earlier this year.

That footage shows a masked man at the door of her house and he appears to be tampering with the camera. 

Thomas J. Vukovich (1940-2026)

Thomas J. Vukovich, 86, of Chippewa, formerly of Aliquippa, passed away on June 30th, 2026 at Heritage Valley Beaver.

He was born in Aliquippa on April 27th, 1940, a son of the late Matthew and Mary (Zeger) Vukovich.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Rose M. Vas and Mary Ann Paxton, a brother, Carl J. Vukovich, two brothers-in-law, Joseph E. Vas and Richard J. Paxton as well as an infant sister, Ann.
He is survived by his loving companion, Charmagne Evans and her extended family, along with many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and devoted, life-long friends.
Thomas was a United States Army Veteran who served during the Vietnam War. Upon discharge, he worked for J & L Steel for a short time, until finding his niche in the athletic sporting goods field, working for All American and eventually retiring from Riddell. He enjoyed watching and following all sports and was an avid Aliquippa Quips fan, rarely missing a game. Additionally, he enjoyed traveling and playing golf.
He was a devoted member of the former St. Josephs Roman Catholic Church in West Aliquippa (now Mary Queen of Saints Parish, St. Titus Church) in Aliquippa, and served his church faithfully through his dedication and ministry as an usher for many years. He will always be remembered for his generous nature and love of family.A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Titus Church, 952 Franklin Avenue, Aliquippa, on Wednesday, July 8th at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery, 2186 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, with full military honors.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests memorial donations be made in his memory to Mary Queen of Saints Parish. The family would like to thank the doctors and nursing staff at Heritage Valley Hospital in Beaver for their dedicated and compassionate care over the past few weeks.

Thomas was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Thomas J. Vukovich please visit the Sympathy Store of the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Harold Thomas (Tommy) Irons (1961-2026)

Harold Thomas (Tommy) Irons, 64, passed away on July 3rd, 2026.

He was born in Aliquippa Hospital on November 10th, 1961, the third of four children of the late Robert and Irene (Winkle) Irons. In addition to his parents and his nephew, David A. Snow. He is survived by his sisters Donna (Lee) Irons-Zimmerman and Melissa Ruttan and a brother, Elvin Irons, six nieces and nephews, two great-nieces and a great-nephew.

Harold graduated from New Horizon School where he was nicknamed ‘the greeter’ and he learned sign language after being assigned the task of walking a fellow student to her class. He also attended HAP Enterprises. He was a member of Service United Presbyterian Church in Aliquippa, often welcoming members each Sunday with a firm handshake and a bulletin and collecting the offering. His singing of Doxology was distinguished and memorable. He participated in Special Olympics and won several ribbons. His favorite holiday was a birthday, his own and others, never missing an opportunity to sing “Happy Birthday.” He loved food, ice cream, country music, and dancing. He loved to be dressed in his suit and tie and never missed a chance to dance at family gatherings. He was known for his impeccable manners, hugs, and kisses. Tommy was loved by all who cared for him and left behind cherished stories from family, friends, and caregivers who worked with him daily. No one was ever above his gregarious, loving soul.He was born before the societal acceptance of Downs Syndrome felt today. He enjoyed a life of inclusion by his immediate and extended family. He was a beloved son and brother who extended joy to everyone he met. His smile was quick, his love unending. He was a shining witness of God’s commandment in John 13:34 to “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, July 9th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., and on Friday, July 10th, from 10-11 a.m., followed by a service presided over by Pastor Tom Knowles of Christian House Baptist Chapel at the Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Aliquippa, 2345 Mill Street, Aliquippa, who was in charge of his arrangements. Burial will follow at John Anderson Memorial Cemetery, 491 Service Church Road, Aliquippa. A reception will be held with details provided later.

In lieu of flowers, the Irons-Zimmerman family requests that donations be made in Tommy’s honor to Special Olympics of PA, 2570 Boulevard of the Generals, Suite 124, Norristown, PA 19403 or online at https://specialolympicspa.org (click here).

The Irons-Zimmerman family would like to acknowledge Tim O’Neill, Verland, who was a tireless advocate for Tommy and shared a great bond. We also recognize Merakey/AVS caregivers for their love and affection for Tommy, especially those who visited him in hospital during his final days. A deep thanks and appreciation to Dr. Tracy Irons-Dieterle for her medical guidance when requested, ensuring Tommy’s best interests were always represented.

Timothy A. Quest (1962-2026)

Timothy A. Quest, 63, of Aliquippa, passed away on July 5th, 2026, at Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh.

He was born in Beaver Falls on September 26th, 1962, the son of Thelma L. Lash Quest, Patterson Township, and the late Otis H. Quest. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his wife, Verna Dean “Allen” Quest. He is survived by one daughter and son in law, Michelle and Rick Catchings of Texas, one son, Isaac T. Quest of Aliquippa and three grandchildren, Ember Rayne Elkins, Trinity J. Elkins and Maverick M. Quest. He is also survived by three sisters and brothers in law, Cyndy Bailey (Michael), Laura Crognale ( Hank), Tracy Guthrie (Kevin) and several nieces and nephews.

Timothy was a retired employee who worked with Eaton Corporation in Vanport.

In accordance with Timothy’s wishes, he will be cremated and no services will be held.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester.

The family has requested memorial contributions may be made to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001 in Timothy’s memory.

Massachusetts man charged in connection with hitting and killing a Pennsylvania State Police trooper in Schuylkill County with a vehicle

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of the Pennsylvania State Police)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Schuylkill County, PA) Thirty-three-year-old Michael Bon of Brockton, Massachusetts, has now been charged with homicide by vehicle and involuntary manslaughter after a Pennsylvania State Police trooper was hit and killed on Wednesday by a vehicle.

According to the criminal complaint, Bon was driving a tractor-trailer on Interstate 81 in Schuylkill County when he rear-ended another tractor-trailer. The second vehicle was being inspected by Trooper Michael Pahira, Jr. at around 7 a.m. and Pahira was pinned underneath.

Both vehicles caught fire, and even though nearby construction workers pulled Pahira out, he was taken to the hospital, where he later died because of his injuries.

Pahira was forty-four years old and was assigned to Pennsylvania State Police’s Troop L’s Frackville station for nearly twenty years. 

Bon was arraigned, and police note that a bail for him was set at $700,000.

Duquesne Light Company makes donation to The Salvation Army of Beaver Falls after recent power outage affects New Brighton and Beaver Falls community

(File Photo of the Duquesne Light Company Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver Falls, PA) Duquesne Light Company paid it forward to a local community after nearly 1,500 customers in the New Brighton and Beaver Falls area lost power on June 30th because of what the company described as a “cable issue.” 

Duquesne Light recently made a $5,000 donation to The Salvation Army of Beaver Falls, which is open Tuesday through Friday. This donation will support its food pantry and the donation was made a week after the incident occurred.  

DLC also noted that there will be a food distribution event at Big Beaver Middle School from 10:30 a.m. to noon on July 25th. 

New chaperone policy will be implemented at Sandcastle Waterpark starting this week

(File Photo of the Sandcastle Waterpark Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(West Homestead, PA) A new chaperone policy will be implemented starting this week at Sandcastle Waterpark. 

General Manager Richard Spicuzza announced this policy yesterday and it will go into effect on Friday. 

Guests that are 15 years old and younger are now required to be with an adult who is aged 21 or older while they are at the park.  

Spicuzza confirmed that the change at Sandcastle was caused by positive feedback coming from the guests of the park. 

A chaperone can look after six guests who are teenagers that are 15 years old or younger. They need to be present at the park at all times when the teenagers visit, but it is not a requirement for them to accompany the teenagers at all times. 

Spicuzza is also the general manager of Kennywood Park, which implemented the same policy last month because of reports of possible gatherings that were unauthorized. 

Hookstown woman charged for tailgating after two-vehicle crash in Washington County

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Washington County, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Pittsburgh reported that twenty-four-year-old Samantha Withers of Hookstown was charged for tailgating after a two-vehicle crash occurred in Washington County yesterday. She and forty-eight-year-old Adam Warren of Toronto, Ohio were driving  on US Highway 22 West in a construction zone in Hanover Township at 4:05 p.m. Withers was unable to stop her vehicle in time before it hit the vehicle of Warren. Warren was transported to the Weirton Medical Center because of a possible injury and there were no other injuries as a result of this crash. 

Rankin woman charged after two-vehicle crash 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 yesterday that thirty-four-year-old Ann Breia Kelly of Rankin was charged after a two-vehicle crash occurred in New Sewickley Township on June 22nd. Kelly was driving on I-76 East at 1:45 p.m. and side-swiped the vehicle driven by fifty-five-year-old Larry White of Tarentum. Kelly entered into the right lane with her vehicle when White was trying to negotiate a left-hand curve in that lane. Kelly was transported to UPMC Passavant Hospital because of an injury with an unknown severity and there were no other injuries as a result of this crash.