Author: Beaver County Radio

Bernstine Bill to Protect Pennsylvanians from Mugshot Extortion Passes Pennsylvania House

(File Photo of Representative Aaron Bernstine)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) Legislation sponsored by Representative Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) to crack down on the commercial exploitation of booking photographs, commonly known as mugshots, unanimously passed the Pennsylvania House yesterday in Harrisburg. House Bill 1585 would amend Pennsylvania’s Crimes Code to create a new criminal offense prohibiting the publication or dissemination of booking photographs for commercial gain. Under the legislation, anybody who publishes a mugshot and then solicits or accepts payment to remove, alter or conceal would be guilty of a second-degree misdemeanor that is punishable by up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. Each payment or solicitation would constitute a separate violation. 

Daniel P. Callahan (1959-2026)

Daniel P. Callahan, 67, of Beaver Falls, passed away unexpectedly on June 22nd, 2026, at his home.

He was born in Pittsburgh on January 17th, 1959, the son of the late Robert and Stella Mae (Hamilton) Callahan. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Kim (Williams) Callahan, his sons, Michael (Veronica) Callahan, Christopher Callahan and Brian Callahan, his granddaughters, Daniella and Chloe; brothers by heart, Keith Drabick, John Zurik, and Bryan Landman, along with his first responder family and community.

Daniel devoted his life to protecting others and responded to his life’s calling with a true sense of valor, duty, and integrity.  He served in the U.S. Army for 4 years as a Firefighter and continued for a total of 50 years as a Firefighter and was a current member of the Darlington Township Fire Department, 48 years as Paramedic and 15 years as a Police Officer retiring from the White Township Police Department. He loved nothing more than sharing his knowledge of his profession with others as a fire instructor, emergency medical services instructor, and a firearm instructor for local police departments. He held a private pilot’s license and cherished every moment he was able to be in the air. He was Catholic by faith and a member of the Masonic Lodge.

Friends will be received on Thursday, June 25th from 2-4 P.M. & 6-8 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where a blessing service will be held on Friday, June 26th at 10 A.M. with Fr. John Naugle presiding.

A first responder procession will follow to the Darlington Township Fire Department, where military honors will be rendered by members of the Beaver County Special Unit.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Dan’s name to any local Veteran’s association or First Responder Organization.

Mildred J. “Millie” Cron (1937-2026)

Mildred J. “Millie” Cron, 89, of New Galilee, passed away peacefully on June 20th, 2026, at Providence Health and Rehabilitation Center in Beaver Falls.

She was born in Ambridge on March 26th, 1937, the daughter of the late Joseph and Catherine (Brozich) Yelic. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel Cron, Jr. She is survived by her loving children: Debora (John) Battaglia, Richard (Laura) Cron, and Mary (Anthony) Cron-Borders; as well as her grandchildren: Christina (Jason) Thimons, John (Ashley) Battaglia, Nicholas (Kristen) Cron, Alicia Cron, Will (Sarah) Fike, Rick (Erica) Fike, and Amanda Sherry; along with her two step-granddaughters, Breyona (Michael) Kordish and Alleya (Jackson) Bartolomeo, as well as numerous great-grandchildren, extended family and friends.

Mildred was devout in her Catholic faith. She worked as an office manager for the former St. Philomena Catholic School. She was also the co-owner and designer of The Flower Mill florist in Koppel for more than ten years. She was also an organist for various churches in Beaver County, including Holy Trinity, Divine Mercy, St. Mary’s, and St. Theresa for over 42 years, retiring in 2012. She also had a band of musicians and singers that traveled throughout Beaver County to perform at events for nearly 12 years. She was a member of the Secular Franciscan Order, an original member of Perpetual Adoration since its formation in 1991 and a Eucharistic Minister since 1988. She was an exceptional artist and created many fine oil paintings.

Friends will be received on Monday, June 29th from 2-4 P.M. & 6-8 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where departing prayers will be offered on Tuesday, June 30th at 9:30 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 A.M. at St. Monica Catholic Church, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls.

Interment will be private at Grandview Cemetery in Beaver Falld.

William “Bill” C. Hilberg (1959-2026)

William “Bill” C. Hilberg, 66, passed away on June 23rd, 2026 at UPMC Shadyside in Pittsburgh after a courageous six-year battle with lung cancer.

He was born in New Brighton on August 25th, 1959, a son of the late Robert M. and Jean Hilberg.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Bob Hilberg and his sister, Barbara Jean Mineard. He is survived by his twin sister, Bonny (John) Burlett of Economy, brother-in-law Richard “Pete” Mineard of Beaver Falls, nephews Christopher (Heather) Mineard of Beaver Falls, Bryan (Cari) Mineard of Twinsburg, Ohio, Andrew (Casey) Burlett of Cranberry Township and several great and great-great nieces and nephews.

William grew up in New Brighton and attended New Brighton School District. He just recently moved back to New Brighton after living many years in Beaver Falls. He worked for many years at Chester Engineering, where he was involved with the construction and maintenance of water systems. Above all, he was caring and selfless. He devoted many years to caring for his late brother, Bob, providing unwavering support and companionship. He also lovingly assisted his late sister, Barbara, throughout her illness, offering comfort, strength, and a helping hand whenever it was needed. In his younger years, he enjoyed spending time outdoors. He loved hunting, camping, working on and enjoying his cars, and spending time with his many friends. He also had a special place in his heart for animals and cherished the companionship of his many pets over the years. He will be remembered for his generous spirit, his willingness to help others, and the quiet strength he showed throughout his life.

In accordance with William’s wishes, there will be no funeral services.

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

Donations can be made in his memory to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa PA 15001.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Tina and Pat Kruise, and Larry “Rat” and Laurie Radcliff for their caring friendship, support, and kindness shown to Bill throughout the years. Their compassion and companionship meant so much to him and to those who loved him.

AHN’s Allegheny General Hospital Earns Advanced Certification in Spine Surgery from The Joint Commission

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of Allegheny Health Network)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Allegheny Health Network (AHN) recently announced that Allegheny General Hospital (AGH) in Pittsburgh has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Advanced Certification in Spine Surgery (ACSS) by demonstrating continuous compliance with its rigorous performance standards. The Gold Seal is a nationally recognized symbol of quality which reflects a healthcare organization’s commitment to providing safe, high-quality patient care. Allegheny General Hospital is the first hospital in Pennsylvania to receive the designation. 

The certification is offered in collaboration with the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and recognizes health systems that deliver exceptional spine surgery care through coordinated, evidence-based treatment and strong collaboration among multidisciplinary teams involved throughout the patient journey, from initial consultation and surgery through rehabilitation and follow-up care.

Organizations must implement evidence-based care and clinical practice guidelines and participate in the American Spine Registry to be eligible for ACSS, which is a national quality improvement registry for spine care. Organizations also needed to collect performance measurement data on surgical site infection rates, new neurological deficits, unplanned return visits to the operating room, and pre-operative and post-operative patient reported outcomes.

AGH was subjected to an unannounced and rigorous onsite review by The Joint Commission during which reviewers evaluated compliance with advanced spine surgery standards related to clinical care, program management, patient safety, and care coordination.

The review process also included on-site observations and interviews with members of the clinical and administrative teams of the hospital.

Oklahoma Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Trafficking

(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced yesterday that a resident of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of trafficking fentanyl. 

Twenty-four-year-old Edwin Hernandez pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy. 

The Court was informed that, on February 2nd, 2022, Hernandez possessed with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl in connection with the guilty plea. 

Judge Hardy scheduled Hernandez’s sentencing for October 27th, 2026.  

Hernandez could face a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, or both, provided by the law. 

Cole Young hits a two-run home run in the seventh to lift Mariners to a 3-2 victory over Pirates

(File Photo: Source for Photo: The Seattle Mariners’ Cole Young celebrates a two-run home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the seventh inning in a baseball game, Tuesday, June 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Philip G. Pavely)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Cole Young hit a two-run home run in the seventh inning in his first major league game in his hometown to lift the Seattle Mariners to a 3-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday night.

The 22-year-old second baseman’s drive into the right-field bleachers kept the Mariners in first place in the AL West with a 41-39 record. Young grew up in Pittsburgh’s northern suburbs and starred at North Allegheny High School.

The Mariners’ other run came in the fourth inning when Cal Raleigh led off with a solo shot off Mitch Keller (5-5). That ended a streak of 64 plate appearances since Raleigh’s last homer on April 27.

Raleigh has just eight home runs this season after hitting a major league-high 60 last year. He was on the injured list with an oblique strain from May 14-June 15.

Young’s home run enabled George Kirby (6-7) to end a five-game losing streak and win for the first time in eight starts. Kirby allowed two runs (one earned) in six innings, allowing eight hits, striking out five and walking two.

Andrés Muñoz pitched a perfect ninth for his 14th save.

Keller remained winless in his last five starts as he gave up three runs and seven hits in six-plus innings with four strikeouts and one walk.

The Pirates took a 2-0 lead on an RBI single by Marcell Ozuna in the second inning and a throwing error by third baseman J.P. Crawford in the third.

Crawford and Josh Naylor had two hits each for the Mariners. The Pirates got two hits each from Brandon Lowe and Nick Gonzales.

Up next

Mariners RHP Bryan Woo (6-5. 3.94 ERA) faces RHP Braxton Ashcraft (6-3, 3.18) on Wednesday night.

Pirates rookie Konnor Griffin to start rehab at Double-A Altoona after forearm strain

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Pirates’ Konnor Griffin singles off Minnesota Twins pitcher Taj Bradley, driving in a run during the first inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Friday, May 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Pirates rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment on Wednesday night with Double-A Altoona, the club said.

Griffin has been sidelined since May 31 with a right forearm strain. He made his major league debut with the Pirates on April 3 and was signed to a nine-year, $140-million contract five days later.

Griffin, 20, is hitting .270 with four home runs, 22 RBIs and 14 stolen bases in 51 games this season. The Pirates do not have a timetable for when Griffin will be activated from the injured list.

“We’re going to take it day by day and just see how he’s responding to everything,” Pirates manager Don Kelly said before Tuesday night’s game against Seattle. “Sounds like yesterday and today went well with the challenging throws on relays and stuff in the hole. Just get him back into game action and see how he’s doing with the arm, rhythm and timing of the at-bats. Look to get him back up here soon, hopefully.”

Further imaging on right-hander Jared Jones’ right elbow revealed no damage. Jones left Sunday’s game in the third inning after he was hit on the elbow by a line drive from Colorado’s JT Rumfield.

If Jones gets through a bullpen session without incident on Wednesday, he will start against Cincinnati on Saturday, the team said.

2026 Farmers Market Voucher Distribution Schedule Announced

(File Photo)

Story by Beaver County Radio Staff, 6/24/26 @7:29 AM

(Monaca, Pa.) The Beaver County Office on Aging has announced the 2026 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program Vouchers Distribution Schedule. Below is the schedule:
▪Friday, July 10 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Independence Township Community Center
104 School Road, Aliquippa
▪Monday, July 13 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Rochester River Front Park
Water Street, Rochester
▪Friday, July 17 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Midland School Gymnasium
901 Midland Ave., Midland
▪Monday, July 20 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Salvation Army
514 Franklin Ave., Aliquippa
▪Monday, July 27 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Pavilion at 8 th Street and Park Road
Ambridge
▪Friday, July 31 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Geneva College-Northwood Hall, lower lobby
3200 College Ave., Beaver Falls
▪Monday, August 3 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Circle of Friends New Brighton-Madonna Hall
1851 3 rd Ave., New Brighton
▪Friday, August 7 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Circle of Friends Conway
305 11 th St., Conway
▪Monday, Aug. 10 10 a.m.- 2p.m. Koppel Community Park
6 th Avenue and Arthur Street, Koppel

To be eligible you must be a Beaver County resident age 60 and over by December 31, 2026. The income limit is up to $29,526 for 1 person and up to $40,034 for 2
persons.
The Vouchers will be distributed at the designated start time by Circle of Friends.
The Farmers Market Voucher program is brought to you by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture in cooperation with the Beaver County Office on Aging.

Senate approves a war powers resolution in a rebuke to President Donald Trump over Iran conflict for the first time

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., speaks to reporters at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, June 23, 2026. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate for the first time approved a war powers resolution Tuesday seeking to block U.S. military action against Iran, as lawmakers warily watch President Donald Trump’s efforts to resolve a conflict that the administration launched on its own and now needs Congress to fund.

It was the 10th time the Senate has tried to stop the war, and the outcome, on a vote of 50-48, was a stunning turnaround from past efforts. While the resolution is largely symbolic, and does not carry the full force of law, it reflects the growing concerns from a number of Republican lawmakers in both the House and Senate over both the war and the deal Trump struck with Iran to end it. The House approved the resolution earlier this month.

Trump responded angrily Tuesday night on his Truth Social platform, calling the vote “poorly timed and meaningless” and saying it “provided aid and comfort” to Iran.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said, “Time after time, the vast majority of Senate Republicans sided with Trump and his war instead of the American people.”

Schumer said Americans have paid the price for “Trump’s historic blunder in Iran. It’ll go down in the history books as one of the worst foreign policy forays America has ever made.”

In the past, as many as four GOP senators have voted for the war powers resolutions, and they did so Tuesday — Republicans Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine, Rand Paul of Kentucky and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana. One Democrat, Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, voted against.

Trump bashed the four Republicans as losers, saying, “These senators have made my job more difficult.”

On this vote, the absence of two Republicans, including Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who was admitted to the hospital recently for an undisclosed matter, left the GOP without a full majority to halt the effort. Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pa., also missed the vote.

The vote comes as the Pentagon is seeking $80 billion from Congress mostly for the Iran war as it backfills munitions and stockpiles.