Florida man accused of bringing gun through Pittsburgh International Airport

(File Photo of the Transportation Security Administration Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) A man from Florida has been accused of bringing a gun through a checkpoint at Pittsburgh International Airport. According to TSA, the man had an entire box of ammunition and a 9 mm handgun. This is the sixth instance where a gun has been intercepted at the airport this year. Penalties for those who bring guns or parts of guns through airport checkpoints can be a fine of up to $15,000 as well as possibly federal charges. Those who have a concealed carry permit can also be applied for this penalty fine.

Preliminary hearing will continue for Aliquippa VFW bar assault suspect Brett Ours

(File Photo of Brett Ours, Photo Courtesy of the City of Aliquippa Police Department)

(Reported by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano)

(Beaver County, PA) According to Beaver County District Attorney Nate Bible, the preliminary hearing for Brett Ours will be continued. Ours did not have legal representation during his preliminary hearing Thursday. Ours and another suspect, Ronald Brown, were accused of allegedly attacking Preston Coleman at an Aliquippa VFW bar. Bible also confirmed that the arraignment for Brown was also held Wednesday. Both men are in the Beaver County Jail.

Ronald Dale “Ronnie” Johnston (1949-2025)

Ronald Dale “Ronnie” Johnston, 75, of South Beaver, formerly of Daugherty Township, passed away at Heritage Valley Beaver after a battle with pancreatic cancer surrounded by his loving family on February 18th, 2025. He was born on June 23rd, 1949, the son of the late Ida and Dempsey Prunty. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his in-laws, Annie and Patsy Trivilino, his best friend killed in Vietnam who he enlisted with on the buddy system, Nicky Vrankovich, and his lap dog ,Sidney. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 50 years, Marie (Trivilino) Johnston, a daughter, Kara Johnston (Smith), a son and daughter in law, Michael Johnston and his wife Chelsea, five grandchildren: Alan Johnston, Abbie Smith, Anna Johnston, Ryan Smith and Anthony Johnston, all of Chippewa, a sister and brother in law, Sheryll and Bob Lipan of Daugherty Township, a special nephew and niece, Greg Bieselt of Ellwood City and Kendall (Bieselt) Gillis of Pittsburgh and his beloved puppy, Ruby.
Ronald was a proud U.S. Marine Veteran and Purple Heart recipient who bravely fought in the Vietnam War and was wounded at 18 years old. After being discharged and left as an amputee, his injuries couldn’t stop his drive to work hard to provide for others due to his generous spirit. He endured his pain and worked as a clerk for the US Postal Service for over 32 years.
Ronald’s love for his family, sports, and helping others was on full display throughout his life. As a dad, he was the Rosalind Candy Castle Little League team’s coach. As a grandfather, he was the Brighton Hot Dog Shoppe Little League team’s biggest fan. Even when his health was declining, he made his way to support all of his grandchildren by attending their games and other important milestones up until the end. He had a tremendous work ethic, but his most admirable quality was how deeply he loved his family.
In accordance with Ronald’s request, there will be no viewing. However, friends will be received for a visitation and to celebrate his life on Saturday, March 1st from 1-4 p.m. at the Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls. Military honors will take place at 4 p.m. Casual attire is encouraged, as Ronald wore his signature lounge pants at all times. Hoodies and sweat pants are encouraged. He would not want anyone to be uncomfortable on a day when he is to be celebrated!

Judge gives preliminary approval for class action settlement for close residents of Braddock’s Edgar Thomson plant

(File Photo: Source for Photo: File – United States Steel’s Edgar Thomson Plant in Braddock, Pa. is shown on Feb. 26, 2019. With two bidders revealed in a matter of days and more in the wings, United States Steel Corp. seems poised to be purchased by a competitor sooner than later. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) Preliminary approval to a class action settlement has been given by an Allegheny County judge for residents who live near the Braddock Edgar Thomson Steel Works plant. This settlement is for $1.5 million and is for anybody who lives around one mile of the building since November 2020. Those that are eligible for this settlement can either do nothing, opt out or object to the settlement by March 17th or make a payment claim before March 31st. You can visit the website in the link below for more information and to find links for the forms.

Click here for the link: US Steel Settlement — Liddle Sheets P.C. – Class Action and Complex Litigation Attorneys

 

PennDOT Real ID Days are going to begin for those who want one before the deadline of May 7th

(File Photo of the PennDOT logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) PennDOT has announced their Real ID Days to help you earn real IDs before the deadline to get one in Pennsylvania, which is May 7th, 2025. The events will occur when license centers are closed on specific Mondays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information about finding your local Real ID center and the dates for these Real ID Days, visit the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website. The link for that website and the schedule for these Real ID Days can be found below:

Click here for the link: REAL ID Days | Driver and Vehicle Services | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Joe Pat Bettis (1932-2025)

Joe Pat Bettis, 92, passed away on February 17th, 2025 in the Butler VA Community Living Center. He was born in Brownwood, Texas on December 17th, 1932, a son of the late Frank Girard & Myrtle (Paterson) Bettis. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy (Duke) Bettis, his brother, Richard Baker Bettis, and his daughter, Sherry Sue Bettis. He is survived by his daughter, Nanette Bettis Curtis (Richard) of Moon Township, grandchildren Joshua Richard Curtis and Leah Jo Curtis (Fiance’ Brian Roe), sister-in -law, Carol Gallagher and niece Tammy Green.

Joe graduated from high school in Wichita Falls, Texas.  He enlisted in the Army in 1951, and was a paratrooper with the 89th Airborne in Ft. Campbell, Kentucky.  He served stateside during the Korean War.  He claimed, and it has never been disputed, that he successfully kept the North Koreans out of Kentucky.  He was also a chef, attending a military baking school. His biscuits and gravy, and pies, were always a treat for family and friends.

Following the war, he married Nancy Duke in Wichita Falls, Texas. They were married 63 years until her death in 2018.

Joe was a self-taught geological draftsman in the oil and gas industry for many years, later working as a seismic broker.

Joe was a longtime friend of Bill W., celebrating 57 years of sobriety.  He often spoke how 57 years, “was taking sobriety way too seriously.”  Joe was not very anonymous about the program, as he helped countless individuals during those 57 years.

Even at 92 years of age, Joe was not intimidated by technology. He watched YouTube videos, managed his bank accounts online, and texted to everyone.  He loved communicating with his grandchildren who he adored.

Joe loved to build and fix things. He constructed model boats and airplanes, tied trout flies, and even converted a boat house to an apartment on his property in the Hill Country of Texas.  He often did things his own way.  Whenever an electrician or plumber comes for occasional repairs or maintenance of the property we typically hear them say, “I have never seen it done that way before!”

There will be no public viewing. A memorial service will be held at Christ Church at Grove Farm, 249 Duff Road, Sewickley, on Saturday, March 1st at 11 a.m. Joe will be buried in the family plot in Whitesboro, Texas. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.

The family is forever grateful to the staff at the Butler Veterans Administration Community Living Center in Butler for their kindness and wonderful care of Joe when he was in hospice care.

Janet L. Waddingham (1930-2025)

Janet L. Waddingham, 94, of Patterson Township, passed away on February 19th, 2025 at Concordia Villa St. Joseph.

She was born in New Sewickley Township on October 19th, 1930, the daughter of the late Clarence and Grace (Lutz) Young. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William A. Waddingham and her brother, Wilbert Young. She is survived by two sons, Lee (Sandra) Waddingham and Stanley (Marlane) Waddingham, daughter, Gloria (Bob) Harris, four grandchildren: Robert (Lori) Harris, Timothy (Mia Walker) Harris, Bryan (Tammy) and Marc (Anne Whitney) Waddingham; along with many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Janet was a painter for the Phoenix Glass Company and worked in Rochester Hospital. Janet enjoyed shopping, gardening and decorating the house.

Friends will be received on Monday, February 24th from 12 noon until the time of service at 1:30 P.M. at Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls. Pastor David Champ will officiate.

Entombment will follow at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park.

Marion C. Loughhead Simmons (1932-2025)

Marion C. Loughhead Simmons, 92, of Brighton Township, passed away with her family at her side on February 18th, 2025.

She was born in Monaca on September 30th, 1932, a daughter of the late Ralph and Marion Loughhead. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles L. Simmons, Jr., son, Charles L. Simmons, III and brothers, Ralph “Buddy” Loughhead and Robert Loughhead. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Janet “Jan” Simmons of Brighton Township, brother, John (Karolee) Loughhead of Wampum, grandchildren, Charles Simmons IV of Pace, Florida and Courtney (Jimmy) Schwab of Port Charlotte, Florida, great-grandchildren: Adrianna, Cole, Cameron and Audrey Simmons and Jenna, Olivia, Ellie and Tessa Schwab; along with her special friend, Tarri (Mike) Barron.

Marion was a resident of Brighton Township most of her life. Marion was the former owner of Mister Donut of New Brighton along with her husband, Charles. She later worked retail for 30-years with Sears. Marion had been very active with the Beaver Rotary Club.

Friends will be received on Monday, February 24th, from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Pastor Micah Ramsey will officiate. Online condolences may be shared a nollfuneral.com.

Memorial donations in Marion’s name may be made to the Beaver County Humane Society.

The family would like to thank the staff of Rochester Manor, especially nurses Mary and Tammy, and Gateway Hospice for the extra special care given to Marion.

AAA lists several United States destinations for spring break

(File Photo of AAA East Central logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) As spring fast approaches, AAA has listed some of the top destinations for Spring Break. According to data from AAA, the state of Florida has mass appeal as the cities of Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando and Tampa are in the top ten for domestic travel. Chicago and New York were mentioned for popular destinations outside of Florida by the director of public affairs at AAA East Central, Jim Garrity. If you want to travel on a domestic flight, you must have a real ID in Pennsylvania by May 7th, 2025. 

McKeesport man indicted for possessing firearm as a convicted felon

(File Photo of Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Acting U.S. Attorney Troy Revetti announced Wednesday that a convicted felon from McKeesport was indicted after violating a law involving federal firearms. Forty-eight-year-old Thomas Thornton had several charges for firearms and federal drug trafficking while possessing both ammunition and a firearm. According to Revetti, Thornton could receive a maximum of up to fifteen years in jail, an up to $250,000 fine or both provided by the law.