Author: Beaver County Radio

CCBC Foundation Announces $50,000 Leadership Gift to “Future Takes Flight” Aviation Capital Campaign

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Community College of Beaver County)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Monaca, PA) Community College of Beaver County Foundation has announced a $50,000 leadership gift supporting the college’s “Future Takes Flight” aviation capital campaign, marking the first public contribution toward the initiative.

The donation will fund the purchase of an air traffic control tabletop simulator designed to replicate real-world runway environments, including layouts modeled after Beaver County Airport, Pittsburgh International Airport and the Federal Aviation Administration training academy in Oklahoma City.

College officials said the simulator will provide hands-on training for students in CCBC’s James M. Johnson School of Aviation Sciences.

The “Future Takes Flight” campaign supports construction of a 30,000-square-foot Aviation Sciences Center at Beaver County Airport. The project is intended to expand training capacity and incorporate new aviation technologies to meet workforce demand.

Donald Joseph Regney, Sr. (Passed on May 30th, 2026)

Donald Joseph Regney, Sr., 87 of Monaca, passed away on May 30th, 2026, at Heritage Valley Beaver. He was a son of the late Frank and Julia Regney. He was married to Anita L. DeFelice Regney on June 20th, 1959, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Monaca, and together they shared a long and devoted marriage. In addition to his wife, he is also survived by his three children, Donald J. Regney, Jr., and his wife, Suzanne, Frank R. “Rusty” Regney, and his wife, Sherry, and Julie Lynn DiMatteo, six grandchildren: Benjamin Regney and Samantha (Lambert) Strayer, Mary Angeline (Zack) Sherman and Russell (Justina) Regney, Sheena (Phil) Provencio, and Sammy DiMatteo; as well as his great-grandchildren: Benjamin, Andrew, and Luca Regney, Idabelle, Penelope, and Thea Sherman, William and Talia Provencio, and Harper Strayer; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Anthony “Tony” G. DiMatteo, his sister, Francina Grab, and his brothers, John and Robert Regney.

Donald was a lifelong resident of Monaca and was a graduate of Monaca High School. He especially cherished time spent with his grandchildren and took great joy in hearing about their activities, sharing stories from his own childhood, and watching them grow. He was happiest when surrounded by the people he loved, whether gathered together for a visit or simply sitting on the porch enjoying the day. He began his working life with Colonna Steel and later was employed by St. Joe Lead, also known as Zinc Corporation of America, which was where he retired after many years of service. He was also a man of faith and a member of Mary, Queen of Saints Parish and St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Monaca. In his younger days, he enjoyed hunting and spending time at the family camp in Clearfield County. He loved playing baseball and even tried out for the Pittsburgh Pirates, an experience he remembered with pride. Fishing was one of his favorite pastimes for most of his life until he came down with COVID. As he got older, he and a group of friends began playing softball in a recreational league, and he enjoyed the fellowship and fun that came with the game. He was an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed watching all of the Pittsburgh teams. He loved telling his grandchildren stories about what he did while growing up, and those stories became treasured memories for his family. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, June 3rd from 2- 4- p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where departing prayers will be offered on Thursday, June 4th at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 1409 Pennsylvania Ave, Monaca. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery.

To share online condolences, add photos, or get directions, please visit www.simpsonfuneralhome.com.

Mary Helen (Brooks) Grable (1932-2026)

Mary Helen (Brooks) Grable, 93, a lifelong Aliquippa resident (Hopewell Township), passed away peacefully on May 27th, 2026. She was born on June 17th, 1932, a daughter of the late William and Bena (D’Orazio) Brooks. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jay Grable, her son, William Grable, her son-in-law, Richard Hubbell, her grandson, Daniel Hubbell, her brothers, William Brooks and Robert Brooks, her brother-in-law, John “Jaggers” Ross and many loving aunts and uncles. She is survived by her devoted children: Katherine “Kathy” Hubbell, Jay Robert (Shanna) Grable and Deanna “Sissy” (Randy) Sabatini, her grandchildren, who brought her much joy and happiness: Amanda, Alex, Cameron, Matt and Brian Hubbell, Jackson, Holden and Savannah Grable, Isabelle, Zach and Zoe Sabatini, her loving sister, Deanna Ross, and many caring nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Mary Helen was a member of Mary Queen of Saints Parish who attending Mass at St. Titus and St. Frances Cabrini Churches, both in Aliquippa. She worked as a cashier at the former C&L Supermarket and cleaned faithfully at J.W. Halls restaurant until her passing. She experienced deep heartache throughout her life, but she never let sorrow define her. Instead, she held firmly to her faith and remained grateful for her family and the people she loved. She had a special fondness not only for her grandchildren, but for all children she met. Deeply family-oriented, she cherished holidays and every moment spent with loved ones. She kept a meticulous home and was an exceptional cook whose specialty was angel food cake. She enjoyed sewing placemats and table runners for family and friends. She cherished time with her children and grandchildren, whether visiting them at home or vacationing in Myrtle Beach, and she adored each one and was immensely proud of her family.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 2nd from 9:30 a.m., until the time of departing prayers at 11:15 a.m., at the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa, who was in charge of her arrangements. A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 12 noon at St. Frances Cabrini Church, 115 Trinity Drive, Aliquippa. Mary Helen will be laid to rest with her husband at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 2186 Brodhead Rd, Aliquippa, following Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Mary Helen to the Beaver County Human Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mary Helen (Brooks) Grable please visit the Sympathy Store of the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Mars man charged after three-vehicle crash in Allegheny County

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Pittsburgh reported that a 26-year-old Mars man was charged following a three-vehicle crash in Allegheny County on Thursday. 

Police said Aidan Upton was traveling on I-79 South in Franklin Park Borough when he allegedly failed to stop in time and struck the rear of a vehicle driven by 43-year-old Carmen Dileo of Wexford as traffic slowed ahead. 

The impact of Upton swerving to the right caused a third vehicle driven by 69-year-old Thomas Sikora of Coraopolis to hit Upton’s vehicle, police said. 

No injuries were reported. 

Cranberry Township man charged for tailgating after three-vehicle crash in Allegheny County

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Badge)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Pittsburgh reported that a 57-year-old Cranberry Township man was charged for tailgating following a three-vehicle crash in Allegheny County on Friday. 

Police said Werakul Laoworakiat was traveling on I-279 South in Marshall Township at about 6:04 p.m. when he allegedly struck the rear of a vehicle driven by 23-year-old Marcus Haswell of New Castle, who had slowed for traffic. 

The impact caused Haswell’s vehicle to strike the rear of a third vehicle driven by 48-year-old Stephen Casker of Sewickley, who was also stopped due to traffic, police said. 

No injuries were reported. 

Steven Scott Harpold (1963-2026)

Steven Scott Harpold, 62, of New Brighton, passed away peacefully at Heritage Valley Beaver on May 28th, 2026, after a lengthy battle with an illness. He was born in Beaver Falls on November 27th, 1963, the son of the late Mona (Clendenning) and John Harpold. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Jennifer Lynn (Harpold) St. Esprit. He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Cheryl Harpold, his son, Scott (Jessica Falen) Harpold; grandchildren, Michael and Anthony “AJ” LaValle, his mother-in-law, Beatrice Maley and lastly, his close friend, Mark Cunning.

Steven found joy in the simple beauty of life and the outdoors. He loved spending time fishing, riding his motorcycles, camping, and being surrounded by nature. He enjoyed taking pictures while on his adventures. Whether on the open road, by the water, or under the trees, he felt most at peace outdoors and treasured the freedom and tranquility those moments brought him. He also had a deep, lifelong passion for animals, and he was rarely seen without an animal companion by his side.

In accordance with Steven’s wishes, no services will be held.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc., 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Steven Scott Harpold, please visit the flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Pirates put pitcher Carmen Mlodzinski on the restricted list and put shortstop Konnor Griffin on the injured list

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Carmen Mlodzinski delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs, Monday, May 25, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/David Dermer)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Pirates put right-hander Carmen Mlodzinski on the restricted list Sunday and infielder Konnor Griffin on the 10-day injured list with a right elbow strain.

Mlodzinski was moved to the bullpen earlier this week after Jared Jones returned to the rotation from elbow surgery. Mlodzinski hasn’t pitched since his start against the Chicago Cubs on Monday, and general manager Ben Cherington told reporters he wasn’t ready to pitch Sunday against Minnesota.

“Going into the weekend, we understood and communicated with Carmen that at some point this weekend we were going to need him to be ready or we were going to have to replace him on the team, in fairness to the team,” Cherington said. “So that’s what happened today.”

Cherington said he’s confident Mlodzinski will pitch again for the team soon.

Mlodzinski is 4-3 with a 3.76 ERA in 55 innings this season. He’s made nine starts and two relief appearances.

The Pirates signed Griffin to a nine-year, $140-million contract in April. The 20-year-old infielder is hitting .270 with four home runs, 22 RBIs and 14 stolen bases in his debut season.

Pittsburgh also reinstated first baseman/outfielder Ryan O’Hearn (right quad muscle strain) from the IL and recalled right-handed pitcher Cam Sanders from Triple-A Indianapolis.

Police: Man stabbed Lyft driver on I-79 in Robinson Township before running off, getting hit by car

(File Photo of Police Siren Lights)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Robinson Township, PA) A man is facing charges after allegedly stabbing his Lyft driver during a ride on Interstate 79 in Robinson Township, according to state police. 

Pennsylvania State Police said troopers were called to the interstate near the Neville Island exit around 11:03 p.m. for a report of a disturbance involving a rideshare driver and passenger. This occurred yesterday.

Police said a Lyft driver suffered a laceration to the right side of his neck following a fight with a passenger. 

The driver continued to a Sheetz on Grand Avenue in Neville Township, where officers responded. Investigators said they found blood on the rear passenger door of the vehicle and a folding knife on the hood. 

The driver was taken to a hospital and is in stable condition, police said. 

The passenger, identified as Saul Baxin, 31, fled the vehicle on foot toward Coraopolis Road, according to police. While fleeing, Baxin allegedly punched another driver and damaged the side mirrors of two vehicles, investigators said. 

Police said Baxin was later struck by a vehicle and suffered a leg injury. He was taken to a hospital. 

According to a criminal complaint, Baxin told investigators he believed the driver was taking him somewhere unfamiliar and became frightened. He said he was not trying to kill the driver, but “just scare him off.”

Baxin, the arrestee, is facing multiple charges, including aggravated assault, simple assault, criminal mischief and harassment. 

Shapiro Administration Reminds Motorcyclists and Drivers to Share the Road and Take Advantage of Free Motorcycle Training as Warmer Weather Arrives Across Pennsylvania

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Commonwealth Media Services)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Mechanicsbrug, PA) With motorcycle riding season in full swing, the Shapiro Administration is reminding Pennsylvanians that training, preparation and safe riding can help reduce crashes and save lives. 

There were 2,927 motorcycle crashes on Pennsylvania roadways in 2025, resulting in 186 fatalities, according to state data. That marks a decrease of 376 crashes and 33 deaths compared to 2024. 

“Any decrease in crashes and deaths on our roads is great news, but the only acceptable number of deaths is zero,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “Drivers and motorcyclists should continue to share the road safely and watch out for each other so this encouraging downward trend continues until we reach zero deaths.”

Through the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program, riders with a motorcycle permit or license can receive training or refresh their skills through free courses designed to improve safe riding practices, regardless of experience level.

The link to find out more about this program can be found below:

Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program | Driver and Vehicle Services | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Child points replica gun at sergeant’s patrol car in Aliquippa

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of the City of Aliquippa Police Department, Posted on Facebook on May 29th, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Aliquippa, PA) Police are emphasizing gun safety following an incident involving a child in Aliquippa on Friday. 

In a social media post, the Aliquippa Police Department said a sergeant was patrolling the Valley Terrace area at about 2 p.m. when he observed a child standing in front of a building. 

According to police, the child appeared to remove a gun from his waistband and point it toward the sergeant’s patrol vehicle. The sergeant stopped and attempted to make contact with the child, who then fled on foot. 

Police said the 10-year-old was later located at a nearby apartment and released to his mother’s custody after she was informed of the incident. 

The gun was recovered and determined to be a realistic-looking replica, police said. 

In their statement, police said the incident highlights the importance of gun safety and responsible supervision of children.