Author: Beaver County Radio

Westinghouse Announces Appointment of Dan Sumner as CEO

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Business Wire and the Associated Press: Caption for )

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Apr 27, 2026– Westinghouse Electric Company (“Westinghouse”) announced today that Dan Sumner has been appointed President and CEO, effective immediately.

Sumner brings nearly 25 years of global experience to the role, most recently serving as Westinghouse’s interim CEO for the last 12 months, where he has been instrumental in positioning the Company for growth across its operating plant and new plant businesses. Prior to serving in this capacity, Sumner led Westinghouse’s Global Operating Plant business, where he was responsible for the delivery of the Company’s products and services to the global nuclear operating fleet. Before leading the Operating Plant business, Sumner was instrumental in the repositioning, transformation, and growth of the Company serving as Westinghouse’s Chief Financial Officer from 2017 to 2023. Earlier in his career, Sumner worked in various financial roles in banking and metals before joining Westinghouse in 2010.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I look forward to Dan continuing in the role of CEO,” said Dominic Kieran, Chairman of the Westinghouse Board of Directors. “Dan’s leadership and expertise combined with his deep knowledge of Westinghouse and our industry will be instrumental in positioning Westinghouse to deliver value for our operating plant and new plant customers around the world. We are confident that the business is well positioned for this growth under his leadership.”

“It is an honor to continue serving Westinghouse as its CEO,” said Sumner. “I am proud of Westinghouse’s storied history and the impact we have had in the world, but even more excited about the bright future that lies ahead for our company and industry. I look forward to partnering with our shareholders, leadership team and colleagues around the world to serve our customers and realize our full potential, together.”

Westinghouse Electric Company is the future of energy, providing reliable, innovative nuclear technologies and services globally. Westinghouse pioneered commercial nuclear power, delivering the world’s first commercial pressurized water reactor in 1957. The company has industrialized more nuclear reactors than any other company, with its technology forming the basis of half of the world’s operating nuclear plants. More than 140 years of innovation makes Westinghouse the preferred partner for advanced technologies covering the complete nuclear energy life cycle.

New details emerge from hit-and-run crash in Rochester that killed a child; suspect’s charges include homicide by vehicle while DUI

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of WPXI-TV Pittsburgh, Posted on April 27th, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Rochester, PA) New details have been released following the arrest of a driver in a hit-and-run crash that killed a nine-year-old child in Rochester on Friday.

Dispatchers said emergency crews were called to the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Lacock Street at approximately 4:50 p.m. for reports of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle.

Authorities said the victim, a third grader who went to Rochester Elementary School, was riding a bicycle at the time. Police said a driver in a black truck struck the child. According to a criminal complaint, the incident was captured on video.

Officials said first responders attempted life-saving measures, but the child died at the scene.

Investigators determined the vehicle was registered to 53-year-old Thomas Earl Cole of Monaca. According to the complaint, officers who spoke with Cole reported smelling an odor of alcohol on his breath.

The complaint states that Cole requested an attorney and questioned police about a potential DUI. After being taken into custody and advised of his Miranda rights, Cole told investigators he had been in the area and was trying to find his way home due to a road closure. He said he felt a bump while turning but believed he had struck a pile of rocks, according to the complaint.

Court records show Cole is charged with homicide by vehicle while DUI, accidents involving death or personal injury, and DUI.

Police said Cole was taken to the Beaver County Jail, arraigned Saturday, and denied bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 7.

A GoFundMe has been arranged so the family of the victim can pay for funeral arrangements and other expenses.

You can donate to the GoFundMe for the victim by clicking on the link below:

Click here to donate: Fundraiser by Veronica Weideman : Support for Funeral Arrangements After Tragedy

Janice Eileen Ross (1946-2026)

Janice Eileen Ross, 79, of Vanport Township, passed away peacefully on April 23rd, 2026, in the comfort of her home. She was born on November 18th, 1946.

In accordance with Janice’s wishes, there will be no visitation. However, family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, April 30th at 10:30 a.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Church, 200 Third Street, Beaver.

Inurnment will be in Beaver Cemetery Mausoleum, Buffalo Street, Beaver.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Janice’s name to the American Red Cross by donated platelets, or the Beaver County Democratic Committee, 426 Adams St., Rochester, PA 15074.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES (Branch), 340 Third Street, Beaver, which is the funeral home that is honored to be serving the Ross family during this time.

Michael K. Kleber, Sr. (1961-2026)

Michael K. Kleber, Sr., 64, of Aliquippa, passed away on April 23rd, 2026. He was born on August 21st, 1961, a son of the late Frank and Ruby Kleber. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his fiancée, Deb Murin and his brothers, Douglas and Thomas Kleber. He is survived by his children, Tanisha (Richard) Jenkins, Malissa (Waylon) McNutt, and Michael (girlfriend, Alaura) Kleber Jr., his sisters, Cheryl Kleber and Janet (John) Kleber, his brothers, Frank (Wanda) Kleber and Jeffrey (Lennit) Kleber, his grandchildren, Obie and Kyla McNutt, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Michael was a dedicated and hardworking man who spent many years as a bartender at Shadow Lakes Country Club in Aliquippa. He was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan and cherished the many friendships he formed over the years, especially at Back 2 Barney’s in Aliquippa.

Services are private for Michael. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in care of Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, PA 15003, which was the funeral home that was in charge of his arrangements.

Kenneth Joseph Dishler (Passed on April 23rd, 2026)

Kenneth Joseph Dishler, 84, passed away on April 23rd, 2026, at his residence in Pulaski Township. He was born in Rochester, a son of the late Joseph and Freida (Kendrew) Dishler. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Mark Dishler, and four brothers: Jack, Jerry, Tommy, and Alan “Bud” Dishler. Their memories remained an important part of his life.

Kenneth married Marie (Garman) Dishler in New Castle on March 23rd, 2002, in New Castle. His wife survives him. Their marriage was a source of companionship and comfort. He is also survived by his daughter, Karen Hayostek, his stepdaughters, Shari Hoag and Kathy Howieson, his stepson, Cliff Bryant, six grandchildren, four great- grandchildren and his sister, Joanne Blinn. He spent much of his working life as a welder for Damascus Steel in New Brighton, which is where he retired after 43 years of service. Outside of work, he enjoyed the simple pleasures that brought people together. As a youngster, he liked playing softball. He was also a regular at the Beaver Falls McDonald’s, where he met with his buddies each morning for coffee and conversation. Those daily gatherings were an important part of his routine and a reflection of the friendships he valued over the years. He also enjoyed playing cards. He looked forward to the annual bus trips to Atlantic City, New Jersey, which added excitement and enjoyment to his later years. He will be remembered as a hardworking man with a kind presence and a steady nature.

Friends will be received on Friday, May 1st from 6-8 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of his arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested monetary gifts be given to the funeral home, SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, PA 15061 to defray funeral expenses.

Betty Lee (Morris) Dusenberry (1934-2026)

Betty Lee (Morris) Dusenberry, 91, of Brighton Township, passed away peacefully on April 23rd, 2026, at Celebration Villa of Chippewa. She was born in Dilliner, Pennsylvania on September 22nd, 1934, a daughter of the late Orville S. and Myrtle M. (McMannes) Morris. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Joseph J. Dusenberry and eleven siblings: Donald, Harold, Walter, Clarence, Carl, Stella Morris, Mazella King, Ruth Dawson, Martha Headlee, Esther Christy, and Shirley Kefover. She is survived by her daughters, Sarah Dusenberry, M.D. and Deborah Lapinski, her grandchildren, Heather Chisholm, Leanne Santavicca, and Joseph Santavicca, her great-grandchildren, Lily, Molly, and William, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Betty Lee spent her life as a homemaker, where she cared for and nurtured her family.  She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was also a member of the Chippewa United Methodist Church and the Fraternal Order of the Eastern Star. In her free time, she enjoyed spending precious moments with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed cooking, baking, canning, gardening, and visiting with people in nursing homes to offer them encouragement for whatever they were facing. Her voice was a gift to many and could often be heard singing hymns and country music.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, April 29th from 2-4 p.m. & 6-8 p.m. and on Thursday, April 30th from 10 a.m. until the time of a service at 11 a.m. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements. The service will take place in the funeral home chapel and Pastor Allan Brooks will officiate.

Interment will follow in Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Alzheimer’s Association at donorservices.alz.org, Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001, or a no-kill animal shelter of one’s choice.

Helen “Tica” Hineman (1936-2026)

Helen “Tica” Hineman, 89, of Midland, passed away on April 23rd, 2026. She was born in Midland on April 30th, 1936, a daughter of the late Mitchell and Mary Rakas Disdore. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John W. Hineman III, her brother-in-law, James DiTullio and her uncle, Joseph Gesdar. She is survived by her sons, Robert (Lydia) Hineman of Industry and John M. (Kathy) Hineman of Center Township, her nephew, David (Kate) DiTullio and a special niece who was more of a daughter to Helen, Janet DiTullio, her sister, Evelyn DiTullio of Midland, her granddaughters, Alena (Brian) Rohm of Independence and Mya (Jeddy)Young of Center Township and her great-grandson, Luca Young.

Helen was a resident of Midland and Industry all of her life and was an active member of St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Midland for 50 years, where she sang in the choir and participated with the American Serbian Club Serbian Sisters. She was known as a voracious reader and would read nearly a book a day.

In accordance with Helen’s wishes, a funeral service will be conducted on Tuesday, April 28th, at 11 a.m. at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church,  30 10th Street, Midland. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Helen’s name may be made to the Carnegie Free Library, 61 9th Street, Midland, PA 15059.

The family would like to thank Gateway Hospice and Beaver Valley Healthcare and Rehab for the excellent care given to Helen.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Helen “Tica” Hineman, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver.

CCBC to Host Dual Events Showcasing Career Pathways and Workforce Opportunities

(File Photo of the CCBC Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Monaca, PA) Community College of Beaver County will host two events Thursday, April 30, focused on career exploration and workforce development.

A Career and Transfer Fair will give CCBC students and those from the Beaver County Career & Technology Center an opportunity to meet with regional employers, local organizations and transfer institutions.

At the same time, Flourish Beaver County will host its Future-Ready Career Exploration Day, welcoming Beaver County high school juniors for hands-on learning experiences and exposure to career pathways such as STEM, cybersecurity, process operations and mechatronics.

Organizers said the event is the final stop in a three-part, multi-campus series aimed at helping students prepare for post-graduation opportunities.

The Career and Transfer Fair is from 8 A.M. to 3 P.M. in the CCBC Dome and the Flourish Career Exploration Day is from 9 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. at the Student Services Center Building #1. 

Pittsburgh sets attendance record for fans attending NFL Draft

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Fireworks explode over the draft stage before the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) A record was set in Pittsburgh for attendance at the 2026 NFL Draft, with 805,000 fans attending the three-day event, according to the National Football League.

The total surpasses the previous record set in Detroit, which drew more than 700,000 fans during the 2024 draft from April 25-27.

Philadelphia museum brings Rocky statue inside after decades of tension

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Banners for the “Rising Up: Rocky” exhibition hang outside of the Philadelphia Museum of Art in Philadelphia, Wednesday, April 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Tassanee Vejpongsa)

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Every day, visitors from around the world make their way to the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art — not necessarily for the galleries inside, but for a statue of a fictional boxer from Philadelphia.

The bronze figure of Rocky Balboa — arms raised in victory, clad in boxing trunks and boots — has become a point of pilgrimage for people around the world.

For decades, the museum kept an uncomfortable distance from this kind of devotion. Now, it is embracing it — and inviting Rocky in.

Opening this weekend, “Rising Up: Rocky and the Making of Monuments” examines how a fictional fighter became a real-world symbol, placing the statue within the sweep of art history and Philadelphia’s identity. The exhibition is the brainchild of guest curator Paul Farber, who spent years exploring the meaning of the statue and public monuments — including through his NPR podcasts — before bringing the conversation into the museum.

The exhibition spans more than 2,000 years of boxing imagery, tracing a thread of human struggle that Louis Marchesano, the museum’s deputy director of curatorial affairs and conservation, said helps explain Rocky’s enduring pull.

“The common theme that runs throughout 2,000 years of boxing imagery is that people respond to the body under struggle, a conflict in much the same way today as they did 2,500 years ago,” Marchesano said. “It’s not simply about watching two people beat each other up — it’s about endurance, internal fortitude and internal struggle.”

When the bronze statue was left on the steps after filming the “Rocky” movies, the museum fought to have it removed. It was eventually relocated to South Philadelphia before returning to the bottom of the steps in 2006. It was welcomed back, but never fully embraced. The city owns the spot where the statue sits — not the museum.

“The museum has had — and I hate to say this, no pun intended — a rocky relationship with the statue,” Marchesano said.

“It took us decades to come to terms with it,” he added. “But I’m glad that we did.”

According to the Philadelphia Visitor Center, about 4 million people visit the steps each year — rivaling the nearby Liberty Bell in annual foot traffic.

David Muller, a wrestling coach from France who recently brought his students to the steps, said he thinks Balboa’s trials and travails are “good for the next generation.”

“The movie ‘Rocky’ is important for the mind of sport and the mind of life,” Muller said, after running with them up the steps as they raised their hands at the top, smiling and punching the air like boxers.

Kate Tarchalska traveled from Poland with family and made the statue one of their stops.

“He was my hero when I was younger,” she said. “And now I am so glad I could be in the same spot as him.”

Suraj Kumar, visiting his aunt in Philadelphia from St. Louis, made a point to photograph the statue to share with his father, who first introduced him to the films when he was growing up in Bengaluru, India.

“When I got to know this statue is here, I was like, I really have to come down here,” he said.

One gallery places Rocky in the global boxing fever of the 1970s, featuring works by Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol — all created during a time when boxing had the world’s attention.

“In the 1970s, we knew minute by minute who the heavyweight champion of the world was,” Marchesano said. “The artists in this gallery are responding to that global frenzy. Sylvester Stallone, in ‘Rocky,’ was doing the same — thinking about internal and external struggle.”

Another gallery turns to Philadelphia itself, presenting photographs of the Blue Horizon boxing gym and a section on Joe Frazier, whose real-life story at least partially inspired Rocky.

“Without Joe Frazier, Rocky doesn’t exist,” Marchesano said.

When the exhibition closes in August, the statue inside will move to a permanent home at the top of the museum’s steps — a place it has never officially held. The statue currently outside remains on loan from Stallone.

Rocky’s longtime spot at the bottom of the steps won’t be empty — a statue of Frazier will replace it.