New Castle man indicted on drug charges

(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(New Castle, PA) A man from New Castle was indicted on Tuesday on drug charges by a federal grand jury. 

Fifty-two-year-old Keith Jackson faces a charge of a count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. 

The indictment in this case did not offer any specific details but said that Jackson had fentanyl on him in a hotel room in New Castle on January 13th. 

Representative Josh Kail: PENNVEST awards $5.547 million grant to Industry Borough Municipal Authority for its ongoing water quality project

(File Photo of State Representative Josh Kail)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Industry Borough, PA) Representative Josh Kail announced yesterday that the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) awarded a grant worth $5.547 million to Industry Borough Municipal Authority for its ongoing water quality project. 

Several upgrades will be made to the process of drinking water treatment disinfection, and this includes adding both a raw water tank for oxidation and a 6,000-gallon distribution pumping tank, as well as installing an emergency generator and the cleaning of two groundwater wells. 

This investment is the result of collaboration between state and local leaders who share a commitment to improving the quality of life for local residents.

Kail worked to secure this funding, and he thanked local officials throughout this process for their advocacy, dedication and partnership.

These resources will help strengthen the community. 

DEP Declares Statewide Code Red Air Quality Alert for Thursday, July 16, 2026; tips to stay safe

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of WPXI-TV Pittsburgh, Posted on Facebook on June 26th, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA)  According to the Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania will be under a code red air quality alert today because smoke from wildfires in Minnesota and Canada will create unhealthy levels of pollution for everybody.

The DEP noted that the smoke from the wildfire will push into the southern counties of Pennsylvania from the northernmost counties today, which will create hazy skies and unhealthy air quality. 

The DEP also stated that as a result of this air quality, people should consider limiting their outdoor activities, and sensitive groups like older residents and children as well as those with respiratory illnesses should avoid long or intense outdoor activities. T

This comes as much of Pennsylvania is experiencing temperatures of 90 degrees. 

People can voluntarily help reduce the fine particulate matter air pollution by avoiding open burning, avoiding the use of lawn equipment that is gas-powered and not using wood stoves or fireplaces. 

According to the American Lung Association in New York, they offer these five tips to avoid lung irritation and health complications due to high levels of air pollution:

  1. Take extra precautions for sensitive groups: Proactive steps should be taken for people who are more susceptible to pollution, like children, older adults, people with respiratory diseases like COPD or asthma, and those who are pregnant.
  2. Check your air quality at AirNow.gov, and limit the amount of time spent outdoors beginning when the air quality is orange, or unhealthy for sensitive groups.
  3. Put air conditioners on recirculate: People with lung disease or heart conditions should stay inside on bad air quality days as much as possible, with doors, windows and fireplace dampers shut, and preferably with clean air circulating through air conditioners and air cleaners. Use air conditioners on the recirculation setting to keep from pulling outside air into the room. When driving your car on days with bad air quality, keep your windows and vents closed. Vehicle air conditioning should only be operated in the “recirculate” setting.
  4. Don’t exercise outside: On days when air pollution is high, adjust your plans for the day. Everyone should limit or avoid outdoor activity, but this is especially important for children, older adults, people with respiratory diseases like COPD or asthma, and individuals who are pregnant.
  5. Reduce your own air pollution: When the air quality is bad, consider postponing mowing the yard, using a charcoal grill or making unnecessary trips in your vehicle. These activities add to the air pollution.
  6. Monitor your symptoms: Higher levels of air pollution can make breathing more difficult. If you have chronic lung disease, follow your asthma or COPD action plan. You should also report any new or lingering health concerns to your healthcare provider.

Suspect taken into custody after escaping from scene of a crash in New Sewickley Township

(File Photo of a New Sewickley Township Police Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(New Sewickley Township, PA) A male suspect is now in custody after he was recently located in Beaver County.

He was put into custody as of 6:45 p.m. yesterday.

Police say that he escaped from the scene of a crash.

The New Sewickley Township Police Department searched for him on the 1000 block of Route 68. 

Old Economy Park pool liner progress and state budget passing among topics discussed in most recent Commissioners’ work session

(File Photo of the Beaver County Courthouse)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver, PA) Several topics were discussed at this morning’s Beaver County Commissioners’ work session at the County Courthouse.

County Department of Sustainability and Waste Management Director and Recycling Coordinator Becca Naber also noted that the county will hold its yearly household waster event on October 3rd so people can recycle responsibly.

Naber said that the Commissioners sponsored this event.

Beaver County Recreation and Tourism Director Tony Caltury told the Commissioners that he would meet with someone who is helping with the liner of the pool at Old Economy Park in Baden for a “final walk through and sign off.”

Caltury will also meet with the YMCA tomorrow as well as a staff that is helping out with this project so an announcement can come to move forward with opening the pool “in some capacity in the coming weeks,” to get it up and running.

Caltury also mentioned that this Saturday at 11 a.m. is when the Rainbow Bridge will open at the dog park area at Brady’s Run Park, which was possible through donations from private citizens.

Commissioner Jack Manning talked about the passing about the state budget by Governor Josh Shapiro on Sunday which passed before the end of this year even though it did not pass at the deadline of June 30th.

Manning also let the audience of the session know of the Vietnam Veterans’ Moving Wall from tomorrow to July 20th at Franciscan Manor to pay tribute to local veterans who lost their lives in the line of duty in the Vietnam War.

County Solicitor Garen Fedeles also mentioned the the law library at the county courthouse is free for the public to use and presented a certificate of recognition to Brittney Hamy for winning the American Association of Law Libraries Government Law Library Special Interest Section Law Library Advocate Award.

Court approves Leetsdale developer to buy Pittsburgh Technical College’s campus in Allegheny County

(Caption for Photo: Pittsburgh Technical College., Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Jim Harris/Pittsburgh Business Times)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) Pittsburgh Technical College could have a new owner because a court approved Chapman Properties, which is a developer out of Leetsdale, to buy its campus in North Fayette Township last week.  

The campus located off of McKee Road is 170 acres and includes an administration building, as well as classrooms and student housing. 

Chapman Properties told the Pittsburgh Business Times that North Fayette Township wants the property back on the tax rolls, and everything can be repurposed, but it will require zoning changes and some creativity.

New Jersey Devils sign former Penguins forward Anthony Mantha to a two year contract

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Penguins’ Anthony Mantha (39) celebrates his second goal of the game during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Carolina Hurricanes in Pittsburgh, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025. (Gene J. Puskar/AP)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The New Jersey Devils announced today that have signed forward Anthony Mantha to a two-year contract worth $9.5 million.

The thirty-one-year-old Mantha played last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Mantha finished with a career-high 33 goals and 64 points during last season’s regular season for the Penguins.

Dennis J. Cottage (1946-2026)

Dennis J. Cottage, 80, of Chippewa Township, passed away peacefully on July 12th, 2026, with his devoted wife and dear friends by his side.

He was born on April 23rd, 1946, the beloved son of the late George and Kathryn (Bill) Cottage.

Dennis proudly served his country in the United States Navy Sea Bees. Following his military service in Vietnam, he attended Point Park Junior College and Marietta College in Ohio before beginning a successful career as an engineering cost estimator, working for several companies throughout his professional life. Above all else, he was a man of deep and unwavering faith. he dedicated his life to serve with the Jehovah’s Witnesses 52 years ago. He faithfully served as an elder with its Beaver Falls Congregation. Sharing the Bible’s message and the hope of God’s Kingdom brought him great joy and purpose. He dearly loved his brothers and sisters in the congregation and treasured the lifelong friendships they shared. He found happiness in the simple wonders of God’s creation. He had a passion for astronomy, photography, books, and music. He was also a sports enthusiast who enjoyed cheering on Pittsburgh’s professional teams and in his younger years, was an accomplished baseball pitcher. Most of all, Dennis cherished the time he spent with his family and friends, creating memories that will be forever treasured.

He is survived by his beloved wife of more than 60 years, Loretta (DeVincent) Cottage, his daughter, Carrie (Derrick) Burton, his cherished grandchildren: Kylee Nikole, Indiya, and Marcellus; as well as his adored great-grandchildren, Bryce Alexander, Natalia, and Marcellus and his many spiritual brothers and sisters of the Beaver Falls Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses and around the world.

Family and friends will be received at 6 P.M. on Monday July 20th at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Beaver Falls Congregation, 3122 37th Street Extension, Beaver Falls, where a funeral discourse will follow at 7 P.M.

A private inurnment will take place at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville.

The Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, was honored to care for the Cottage family during this difficult time and was the funeral home that was in charge of Dennis’ arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Beaver Falls Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses through the official donation website at www.donate.jw.org (click here).

Jason Tyson (1974-2026)

Jason Tyson, 51, passed away on July 4th, 2026. He was born on November 21st, 1974, and was born with sickle cell anemia. Though his illness often limited his physical abilities and kept him in hospitals for much of his life, it never diminished his spirit.

Jason lived hard, laughed hard, and loved hard. He had a deep appreciation for construction and trucking, always enjoying opportunities to help load and unload trucks whenever he was able. He took pride in working with his hands and never let his circumstances define who he was.

Above all, his cherished his family, his friends, and his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. His greatest joy was his daughter and grandchildren, whom he loved beyond measure. Their love for him was just as deep, and their greatest wish was simply to have him healthy and by their side.

Pain was a constant companion throughout much of his life, as he spent nearly 60 to 70 percent of it in hospitals. Yet he endured with remarkable strength, managing each day the best way he knew how. Those who knew him also knew he spoke his mind. In fact, if you never argued with him, you probably didn’t know him very well. His honesty, passion, and unmistakable personality made him unforgettable.

Though his journey was far from easy, he leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, laughter, loyalty, and unconditional love. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Jason is survived by his mother, Mary Greer, two children, Jaeleigh Tyson and Chavon Tyson, six beautiful grandchildren: Camauri Moran, Sheron Moran, Jr., Shamaur Moran, Chavon Tyson, Jr., Mecca Tyson and Mazziair Tyson; as well as his siblings from the maternal side, Rahim X Tyson and Monique Tyson, his siblings from the paternal side: Jayace Williams, Arnold Williams, Jr., Melinda Epperson, Arnell Williams and Curtis Foskey; along with a sister-in-law, Frederica X Tyson, a host of aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and cousins. A special shout out also went out to Jason’s Uncle Willie, as he affectionately called him, “Mella Yella!”

He is preceded in death by his father, Arnold Williams, Sr.

A Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 16th from 11 A.M. until time of a service at 1 P.M. in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc, 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements.

Two people from New Jersey apprehended and charged after over $3 million worth of marijuana was found in their van on the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Cumberland County

(File Photo of Handcuffs)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Cumberland County, PA) Two people from New Jersey are now facing charges after police said over $3 million worth of marijuana was found in their van during a traffic stop on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. 

According to Pennsylvania State Police, troopers pulled over a Ram 3500 van on Interstate 76 West in Lower Mifflin Township in Cumberland County, around 9 p.m. on July 9th because it was going 99 mph in a 70 mph zone.

Police confirm that the driver, 19-year-old Yackov Bitan of Lakewood, New Jersey, was not licensed to drive a vehicle.  

After searching the vehicle, troopers affirmed they learned the van was hauling more than 700 pounds of marijuana and 200 THC vape cartridges and state police affirm that overall, the drugs had a street value of over $3.3 million. 

Police also stated that the drugs were seized and Bitan and his passenger, 34-year-old Yosef Marchette of Toms River, New Jersey, were arrested. 

Both Bitan and Marchette received a charge of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and police note that they have been arraigned, and their bail was set at $500,000.

The duo is in the Cumberland County Jail pending a preliminary hearing.