Author: Beaver County Radio

Dorothy Irene Hertel (1924-2026)

Dorothy Irene Hertel, 101, of Vanport, formerly of Ohio Township (Fairview), passed away on May 2nd, 2026, at Good Samaritan Hospice House in Wexford.

She was born in Ohio Township on December 22nd, 1924, a daughter of the late Ralph E. and Sarah R. Deringer Graham. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Richard C. Hertel and her sister, Ethel Pflugh (Woodrow).

She is survived by her devoted son, Robert Charles Hertel, her cousins: Cheryl Stuber (Bob), Ginny Salkeld (Tom), Bill McGaffick (Lisa), Don Richards (Vicki); as well as her extended family, Kevin Fields (Kelly), Eileen Fields and Charles Fanaro (Sherry).

Dorothy worked as a bank teller and worked at Westinghouse Electric Corp as an assembly line worker for 24 years before retiring in 1987. She loved to travel. In the 80s she made a trip to Europe with friends. She traveled extensively with her son Bob to the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, Hot Air Ballon Festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico, several cruises, as well as several tips to Las Vegas, where birthdays were celebrated over Christmas and New Years. Dorothy also traveled to New Jersey to visit family. She was also a member of Four Mile Presbyterian Church in Beaver.

In accordance with Dorothy’s wishes, there will be no visitation. Private interment will take place at Sylvania Hills Cemetery, 273 PA-68, Rochester. Professional arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

The family would like to thank the nurses of the 3rd floor of Heritage Valley, Beaver and Good Samaritan Hospice House Staff for their love and compassionate care given to Dorothy during her time there.

Memorial contributions may be made in Dorothy’s name to the charity of your choice.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Dorothy Irene Hertel, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Allegheny Health Network Geriatrics Expands to Serve More Older Adults across Western Pennsylvania

(File Photo of the Allegheny Health Network Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Allegheny Health Network said it has added two physicians to its geriatrics team as demand for specialized care for older adults continues to grow in Western Pennsylvania.

Diana Rodriguez-Alcantara, MD, is seeing patients at AHN Geriatric Medicine – Federal North on Federal Street in Pittsburgh. Stephanie Sweeney, MD, will see patients at AHN Geriatric Medicine offices in Gibsonia and Mars.

AHN said the physicians will work alongside patients’ primary care providers to manage age-related conditions such as dementia, frailty and fall risk, as well as support healthy aging.

Pittsburgh International Airport gets 3 new nonstop routes from budget airline Breeze Airways

(File Photo of the Pittsburgh International Airport Airside Terminal)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Breeze Airways is adding three new nonstop routes from Pittsburgh International Airport. 

The airline will offer service to Vero Beach; Punta Cana; and Cancún. Flights will operate three times a week — Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays — on a seasonal basis. 

Service to Vero Beach is scheduled to begin Oct. 1, while the international routes to Punta Cana and Cancún are set to launch Jan. 7. Airport officials said the Punta Cana route marks Breeze’s first international service from Pittsburgh. 

In a statement, founder and CEO David Neeleman said the airline is “thrilled” with its growth in the region and expansion into international destinations. 

With the additions, Breeze will offer 18 nonstop destinations from Pittsburgh, second only to Southwest Airlines at the airport. 

Airport officials said the airline has also recently launched service to Louisville and will begin flights to Myrtle Beach on July 3. Seasonal routes to cities including Jacksonville, Portland, Norfolk–Virginia Beach, San Diego and Los Angeles are also resuming.

Pittsburgh Zoo reiterates safety policies as several other zoos get hit by hoax calls

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of WPXI/WPXI)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) At least seven zoos across the United States have received “swatting” calls in the past week involving false reports of bomb threats or active shooters, prompting evacuations and temporary closures. 

Officials at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium said the facility has not received any threats. 

However, the zoo’s director of guest services said safety remains a top priority. Visitors are reminded that bags and coolers are permitted but may be subject to search, and clear bags can help speed up the entry process. 

According to a report from WPXI, here is what you can bring inside the zoo:

  • Clear Bags: Plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags no larger than 12” x 6” x 12” are permitted. This includes clear backpacks, tote bags, and fanny packs, provided they meet size requirements.
  • One-Gallon Clear Bags: Standard one-gallon clear freezer bags (like Ziploc) are allowed.
  • Small Non-Clear Bags: Clutches, wallets, or small purses up to 4.5” x 6.5” are allowed, regardless of color.
  • Personal Items: Keys, phones, wallets, credit cards, makeup, combs, jackets, and blankets can be carried in pockets or separately.
  • Medical and Diaper Bags: Medically necessary items and diaper bags are permitted after inspection at the gate.

House adopts Matzie resolution designating May 9, 2026, as “National Train Day” in Pennsylvania

(File Photo of a Norfolk Southern Train)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) The Pennsylvania House of Representatives on Tuesday adopted a resolution introduced by State Representative Rob Matzie designating May 9, 2026, as “National Train Day” in Pennsylvania. 

Matzie said the measure, H.R. 410, highlights the role railroads have played in shaping the state’s history and their continued importance today. He noted that rail transportation helps reduce highway congestion, lower emissions, improve safety and connect economic centers across the commonwealth. 

National Train Day was first established in 2008 and is observed annually on the Saturday closest to May 10, marking the completion of the nation’s first transcontinental railroad in 1869 in Promontory, Utah. 

State Police Extend Rapid DNA Program to Help Municipal Agencies Solve Time-Sensitive Cases

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Badge)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) Pennsylvania State Police is expanding its Rapid DNA program to municipal police departments, giving local agencies faster access to forensic testing. 

Officials said Rapid DNA technology can generate a DNA profile from a qualifying sample in as little as 90 minutes, allowing investigators to identify or rule out suspects earlier in an investigation. 

Since launching the program last year, PSP said it has processed more than 350 samples, developing 190 DNA profiles and generating 163 matches that have assisted investigations. 

The expanded access will allow municipal departments to submit evidence in cases such as homicides, assaults and burglaries, helping speed up investigations and suspect identification. 

Utz Quality Foods, LLC Issues Voluntary Recall of Certain Limited Varieties of Zapp’s and Dirty Potato Chips

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

HANOVER, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–May 4, 2026–Utz Quality Foods, LLC, a subsidiary of Utz Brands, Inc., is issuing a voluntary recall in the United States of certain limited varieties of Zapp’s ® and Dirty ® potato chips. This voluntary recall follows notification to Utz that a seasoning containing dry milk powder, sourced from California Dairies, Inc. and supplied by a third-party supplier, may contain the presence of Salmonella. The affected seasoning batches tested negative for Salmonella prior to use; however, out of an abundance of caution, Utz is recalling the limited varieties of Zapp’s and Dirty brand potato chips identified below.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260504570258/en/

1.5 oz Zapp’s Brand Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

To date, there have been no complaints of illness reported to Utz in connection with the recalled products. Utz is recalling these products based on the ingredient supplier’s recall.

This recall is limited exclusively to the limited products listed below, which are available at retail stores nationwide. No other products produced by Utz Quality Foods are included in this recall.

Item Name (size/description) UPC Best By Date Batchcode(s)
1.5oz Zapp’s ® Brand Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips 83791272917 3-Aug-26 26030070101
10-Aug-26 26036070102
17-Aug-26 26043070101
24-Aug-26 26052070103
2.5oz Zapp’s ® Brand Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips 83791272924 3-Aug-26 26029070104
17-Aug-26 26044070104
17-Aug-26 26045070104
31-Aug-26 26058070104
8oz Zapp’s ® Brand Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips 83791272931 27-Jul-26 26024070105
27-Jul-26 26024070104
3-Aug-26 26029070104
3-Aug-26 26030070104
10-Aug-26 26037070105
10-Aug-26 26038070105
17-Aug-26 26044070105
17-Aug-26 26045070105
2oz Dirty ® Brand Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips 83791520148 3-Aug-26 26030070104
3-Aug-26 26031070104
3-Aug-26 26031070101
10-Aug-26 26038070102
10-Aug-26 26038070103
1.5oz Zapp’s ® Brand Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips (60ct) 83791010144 3-Aug-26 26030070101
3-Aug-26 26031070101
10-Aug-26 26036070102
10-Aug-26 26037070102
2oz Dirty ® Brand Maui Onion Potato Chips 83791520162 8-Aug-26 26052070103
2.5oz Zapp’s ® Brand Big Cheezy Potato Chips 83791192208 31-Aug-26 26058070104
8oz Zapp’s ® Brand Big Cheezy Potato Chips 83791192246 31-Aug-26 26058070104
31-Aug-26 26059070104
2oz Dirty ® Brand Sour Cream and Onion Potato Chips 83791520094 31-Aug-26 26059070104

Consumers who have these products should not eat them and should discard any products they may have. For questions or refunds, consumers may contact the Utz Customer Care team email customerservice@utzsnacks.com or call 1-877-423-0149, Monday through Friday from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm Eastern Time. Retailers should check their inventories and shelves to confirm that none of the products are present or available for purchase by consumers. This voluntary recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the United States Food and Drug Administration.

Eduardo Rodriguez throws 7 innings of 2-hit ball, D-backs beat the Pirates 9-0

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez throws against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, May 5, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

PHOENIX (AP) — Eduardo Rodriguez gave up just two hits over seven strong innings, Geraldo Perdomo added a two-run double and the Arizona Diamondbacks cruised past the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-0 on Tuesday night.

The D-backs used a five-run sixth inning to take a 7-0 lead. Gabriel Moreno hit an RBI double down the right-field foul line, Perdomo added his two-run double, Ketel Marte hit an RBI groundout and Corbin Carroll brought home the final run on a sacrifice fly.

Pittsburgh reliever Yohan Ramirez was tagged for all five runs and recorded just one out.

Rodriguez (3-0) didn’t give up a hit until the fifth inning when Jared Triolo lined a two-out single to left. The veteran left hander struck out seven and walked three. The performance was a welcome sight for the D-backs, who came in with a 5.07 ERA, which was the worst mark in the National League.

The D-backs jumped ahead 2-0 in the first inning after Adrian Del Castillo’s sacrifice fly and Ildemaro Vargas’ RBI double. The 34-year-old Vargas — who was recently named MLB’s NL Player of the Month for March/April — has a .377 batting average and a 1.051 OPS this season.

Pittsburgh’s Bubba Chandler (1-4) fought control issues all night, giving up two runs over five innings. He gave up just two hits, but walked six and struck out four.

The Pirates were without reliever Chris Devenski, who was suspended two games and fined by Major League Baseball for intentionally throwing at Cincinnati Reds rookie Sal Stewart on Saturday.

Manager Don Kelly was suspended one game because of the incident and also missed Tuesday’s contest. Bench coach Kristopher Negron replaced him.

Up next

The D-backs will start RHP Michael Soroka (4-1, 4.70 ERA) on Wednesday while the Pirates counter with RHP Paul Skenes (4-2, 3.18).

Former Pirates outfielder Bob Skinner, a 3-time All-Star and 3-time World Series champion, dies at 94

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – Pittsburgh Pirates pitching coach Harvey Haddix, center, gets a lift from former teammates Vernon Law, left, now pitching coach for the Seibu Lions, from Japan, and Pirates coach Bob Skinner, right, at the baseball team’s spring training complex in Bradenton, Fla., Feb. 23, 1979. (AP Photo/File)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Bob Skinner, who earned three World Series rings and was named to the All-Star team three times during a baseball career that spanned more than four decades as a player and coach, has died. He was 94.

The Pittsburgh Pirates, where Skinner began his career and helped the franchise stun the New York Yankees in the 1960 World Series, said Tuesday they were informed of Skinner’s death from his wife, Joan. He died in San Diego. A cause was not provided.

“Bob was an important part of one of the most beloved teams in our storied history and helped deliver a moment that will forever be woven into the fabric of our city,” Pirates chairman Bob Nutting said in a statement. “Bob was a talented player, a proud Pirate and a respected member of the baseball community.”

Skinner, a 6-foot-4 left-handed-hitting outfielder who threw right-handed and was known as “Sleepy” for his laid-back demeanor, spent 12 seasons in the majors with Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, and St. Louis.

A career .277 hitter, Skinner was named to the National League All-Star team in 1958 and twice in 1960, during the brief period when Major League Baseball held two All-Star games a season. Skinner spent eight-plus seasons with Pittsburgh from 1954-63 before being traded to Cincinnati and then the Cardinals, where he was part of the 1964 team that won the World Series.

Skinner retired at the end of the 1966 season before going into coaching and managing. He went 93–123 during a short managerial run with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1968-69 and a one-game interim stint with his hometown San Diego Padres in 1977.

A respected coach who worked with six different organizations in various capacities, Skinner returned to Pittsburgh in 1979 as the club’s hitting coach, winning a third ring as part of the “We Are Family” Pirates that beat Baltimore in the 1979 World Series.

Skinner’s best season may have been 1960, when he drove in a career-high 86 runs while hitting in the middle of a Pirates lineup that reached the World Series. He started in Game 1 against the New York Yankees but injured his thumb while sliding into a base, forcing him to sit out until Game 7. He went 0 for 2 with a walk in Game 7, scoring on Rocky Nelson’s second-inning homer and later laying down a sacrifice bunt that advanced two runners during an eighth-inning rally that put Pittsburgh in front.

Skinner was born on Oct. 3, 1931, in La Jolla, California. A standout at San Diego Junior College, he signed a contract with Pittsburgh in the early 1950s and eventually made his debut in 1954 after spending two years in the military during the Korean War.

Skinner is survived by Joan, sons Mark, Craig, Drew and Joel, along with eight grandchildren.