Author: Beaver County Radio

I-376 Lane Restrictions Begin Thursday in Lawrence County

(File Photo of a Road Work Ahead Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Lawrence County, PA) PennDOT District 11 announced that lane restrictions on I-376 in Union and Neshannock townships in Lawrence County, will begin tomorrow, weather permitting. 

Starting that day, single-lane restrictions will occur on I-376 in each direction between the Michell Road (Exit 9) and State Street/Poland, Ohio/Route 224 (Exit 13) interchanges weekdays from 7 A.M. to 7 P.M., and on Saturdays during the same time as needed.

Crews will perform asphalt milling, paving, and line painting operations through the early part of November. 

Fortune survey: Sheetz is the 3rd best retail workplace in the country

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of (PRNewsFoto/SHEETZ, INC.), Caption for Photo: Sheetz logo.)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(New York City, NY) A new ranking from Fortune confirms that Sheetz is the third best retail workplace in the country.  

Fortune’s Best Places in Retail puts Sheetz only below Wegmans and Target. 

According to Sheetz, this ranking is its 11th straight year on the list. 

Sheetz employees said that they are encouraged to challenge the status quo and to try things that are new.

Fortune stated that Sheetz’s mentality of caring for others is “embodied from the top down.”

Sheetz is based in Altoona, Pennsylvania, and it employs over 30,000 people at over 850 stores in multiple states, which includes Pennsylvania, Michigan, Maryland, Ohio, North Carolina, and West Virginia. 

Another Allegheny County based workplace made the top ten of this list of Fortune’s best retail workplaces in the country, as DICK’S Sporting Goods, which is based in Coraopolis, was number seven on this list. 

Penguins forward Ben Kindel hospitalized in Utah after having medical emergency on team flight

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Penguins’ Ben Kindel (81) is defended by Winnipeg Jets’ Josh Morrissey (44) during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Pittsburgh, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Pittsburgh Penguins forward Ben Kindel was being evaluated at a Salt Lake City hospital on Tuesday after having a medical emergency on the team’s flight home from a four-game trip.

The club said the 19-year-old Kindel had an unspecified issue shortly after the team’s plane took off from the Salt Lake City airport on Tuesday.

The plane returned to the airport while Kindel was tended to on the flight by the team’s medical staff. He was taken by ambulance to the University of Utah hospital.

The team said Kindel was conscious, alert and stable.

Kindel, in his second season with the Penguins after being selected with the 11th overall pick in the 2025 draft, has two goals and two assists in nine games. He played 18 minutes, 53 seconds in a 5-4 loss to Utah on Monday night.

Attorney General Dave Sunday’s Bureau of Narcotics Investigation Charges Northwestern Pennsylvania Pharmacy Tech with Diverting Nearly 90,000 Oxycodone/Hydrocodone Pills

(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced charges against a northwestern Pennsylvania pharmacy technician for diverting nearly 90,000 prescription pills from her place of employment. 

Thirty-four-year-old Alyssa R. McDowell, is charged with several felony counts of obtaining a controlled substance by misrepresentation, theft by unlawful taking, and related misdemeanor charges.

McDowell surrendered yesterday morning and was arraigned, when her bail was set at $100,000 unsecured. 

According to the Office of Attorney General’s investigation, McDowell diverted nearly 90,000 prescription pills: Oxycodone and Hydrocodone, from Sheffield Pharmacy in Warren County between 2022 and 2026. 

Investigators allege that between January of 2022 and May of 2026, McDowell diverted 80,926 Oxycodone pills and 8,744 Hydrocodone pills.

McDowell ordered extra bottles and took them for herself, then altered paperwork in attempts to conceal the thefts. 

New Dunkin’ Donuts location opening soon in Rochester

(File Photo of an Open for Business Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Rochester, PA) A store with items like breakfast pastries and coffee is about to open at Rhode Island Avenue across from the Rochester-Monaca Bridge.

A Dunkin’ Donuts store which has been under construction on the property since May, is set to open Monday, October 26, according to signs on the building.  

This is occurring over two years after the DeAngelis Donuts in Rochester closed down.

That location had a well-known spinning doughnut sign.

This will be Dunkin’ Donuts’ fifth location in Beaver County, and the upcoming Rochester location joins the shops in Aliquippa, Chippewa Township, the Center Township Walmart, and New Brighton.

The New Brighton Dunkin’ Donuts location opened last year on the former Pizza Joe’s site that is located at the New Brighton-Beaver Falls Bridge. 

Scam going around from scammer who identifies on calls as “Sergeant Howard of the Beaver County Sheriff’s Office”

(File Photo of a Beaver County Sheriff’s Office Badge)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) The Beaver County Sheriff’s Office has been notified by numerous callers over the past few days that a person had called them and identified himself as Sergeant Howard of the Beaver County Sheriff’s Office.

That caller then advised that the call was being recorded and he was following up on a federal court subpoena in which the victim failed to show.

The scammer then told the victim that they need to report to the courthouse to immediately handle this issue.

Therfore, the scammer notes that they will need to pay a fine or they will be arrested on the spot.

The scammer then hangs up when they have agreed to come to the courthouse and calls them back to tell them that they will be tased and thrown on the floor.

They can pay in a variety of ways in which the actors will end up with the victim’s hard-earned money if they want to pay without coming into the building.

The scammer’s intention is to scare the victim, with one of these aforementioned lies, into paying the amount they have claimed is owed.

They are trying to access things like bank account information, credit card numbers, gift card numbers or a PayPal type account number.

Always call the agency the caller purports to be before you give anyone your personal information.

In this case, if the caller claims that the Beaver County Sheriff’s Office has a warrant for you, please call that office at 724-770-4602 or Beaver County Emergency Services at 724-775-0880. 

According to a release from the Beaver County Sheriff’s Office, here is a summary of how to safeguard you from becoming the victim of any scam:

1. Under no circumstances should a resident ever provide any personal information over the phone when receiving calls. If you have any question as to the legitimacy of the call, get the individuals name and position, hang up and then obtain legitimate contact information for the company/agency, through independent means,
and re-contact them. As in this case, if they say there is a warrant for your arrest in Beaver County, contact the Beaver County Sheriff’s Office.

2. NEVER provide credit card information, social security numbers, your date of birth, bank information, gift card numbers, etc. to anyone with whom you have not initiated the call.

3. Note any telephone number of the caller displayed on your caller ID. Beware, however, that many scammers “spoof” the numbers of a legitimate entity to make you think the call is from who they claim to be.

4. Document the conversation with the suspect.

5. Disconnect without providing any financial and/or personal information.

6. Criminals are able to access much of our personal information simply with the use of personal computers and
Web sites.

State Representative Rob Matzie: Nearly $400,000 in tax credits awarded to support Beaver County programs, services, economic development

(File Photo of State Representative Rob Matzie)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Ambridge, PA) State Representative Rob Matzie announced today that nearly $400,000 in newly awarded tax credits will leverage investments to strengthen Beaver County health, nutritional and family resources and support economic development.

According to Matzie, nearly $81,300 in tax credits will leverage community corporate partner investments to support Adagio Health, which provides health, nutrition and family support services for Beaver County and other families in the region.

Matzie also stated that in addition to the tax credits that support Adagio Health, $285,000 in tax credits were awarded to leverage investments that support economic development work by the Beaver Falls Community Development Corporation, and $26,000 in tax credits were awarded to leverage investments in Neighborhood North Museum of Play projects to expand accessible family and youth spaces in Beaver Falls.

The tax credits that support Adagio Health were awarded under the Charitable Food Program, and the tax credits supporting the projects in Beaver Falls were awarded under the Neighborhood Assistance Program.

Secretary of the Commonwealth Reminds Voters the Mail Ballot Application Deadline Is One Week Away

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – A polling judge, right, helps guide a voter’s ballot into a voting machine during the Pennsylvania primary election, at Mont Alto United Methodist Church in Alto, Pa., on May 17, 2022. Voter-by-voter electronic election records are not subject to public scrutiny, a Pennsylvania court ruled Monday, March 4, 2024, in a case that began with a request for those records by an election researcher whose work has fueled right-wing attacks on voting procedures. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt reminded registered Pennsylvania voters today who are planning to vote by mail ballot in the November 3rd general election that they must apply for their ballot online (click here to learn more) or in person (click here to learn more) by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27th.

The Department of State’s Elections Data page (click here) links to a downloadable Daily Mail Ballot Report, and this provides point-in-time data showing each county elections office’s statistics.

If voters either complete their mail ballot at home or at their county elections office, they should follow these easy steps, according to a release from the Pennsylvania Department of State, to ensure that their ballot can be counted:

  • Read all instructions enclosed with the ballot.
  • Fill out the ballot by following the instructions on how to mark selections. Check both sides of the ballot in case there are races listed on the second page.
  • Seal the ballot in the yellow secrecy envelope marked “official election ballot.”
  • Seal the yellow secrecy envelope in the pre-addressed outer return envelope.
  • Sign and date the outer return envelope.
  • Mail or hand deliver the completed ballot to their county elections office, or hand deliver the ballot to an officially designated satellite election office or drop box in their county. Under Pennsylvania law, a voter may hand deliver only their own ballot. The only exceptions are for voters with a disability who have designated someone in writing to deliver their ballot and for voters who need an emergency absentee ballot.

County elections offices must receive their completed mail ballots by 8 p.m. on Election Day, which is November 3rd. Mail ballots that are returned after that time, even if they are postmarked by 8 p.m. on November 3rd, will not count.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. through 8 p.m. on Election Day for voters who are registered that want to vote in person. They can vote if a voter is in line by 8 p.m.

Voters who got a mail ballot, but have not returned it may vote in person on November 3rd if they bring their mail ballot materials with them to be voided.

Voters who requested a mail ballot and did not get it, or do not have it to surrender it, may vote by a provisional ballot at their polling place.

The provisional ballot will be reviewed by their county’s board of elections after November 3rd to determine whether it can be counted.

Brandon Shafer (1979-2026)

Brandon Shafer, 47, passed away on October 16th, 2026. He was born on April 22nd, 1979, the son of Jeffrey Shafer and the late Luann Shafer.

In addition to his father, he is survived by his beloved wife of 25 years, Raelene and their four children: Riley, Sutton, Ashdon, and Aiden; as well as his step-mother, Beth Shafer; his brothers Aaron Shafer (Amy), and Clinton Shafer (Julie), his father-in-law and mother in-law, Carl and Bev Holsinger, his sister-in-law, Stephanie Mayle (Andrew) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and friends.

Brandon was a devoted husband and father and his family was the center of his world, and the love he had for them was evident in everything he did. He was a 1997 graduate of Freedom High School and was a proud 2001 graduate of the United States Naval Academy. He began his career serving the United States as a nuclear submarine officer in the U.S. Navy. He later earned a master’s degree in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University and went on to build an accomplished career spanning more than 25 years. Following leadership roles at GE Transportation, he became Regional Vice President of Transit Americas at Wabtec Corporation. Throughout his career, he was respected for his leadership, dedication, and genuine commitment to helping others succeed. Outside of his professional life, he poured his time and heart into coaching youth wrestling and football. He brought the same energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to coaching that he brought to everything he did. He believed sports were about more than winning and losing. They were an opportunity to build character, confidence, and lasting friendships. To the young athletes he coached, he was more than a coach. He was a mentor, a role model, and someone who believed in them, both on and off the field. To his friends, he was simply someone you always looked forward to being around. With an unwaveringly positive outlook on life and a wonderful sense of humor, he was never one to take himself too seriously. He loved a costume, never hesitated to grab the karaoke microphone, and was happiest when bringing people together for a good time. His warmth and enthusiasm were contagious, and he had a way of making everyone feel welcome and included. He showed up for the people in his life, and those fortunate enough to know him were better for it. He lived with love, laughter, and a genuine appreciation for the people around him. His sudden passing leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of his family, friends, and community. The love he shared, the joy that he brought, and the countless lives that he touched will remain a lasting part of his legacy.

There will be no viewing for Brandon. However, a memorial service will be held on Friday, October 23rd at 11 a.m. at Faith Community United Methodist Church, 341 Jefferson Street, Rochester.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc, 349 Adams Street, Rochester.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Brandon’s name to the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation to support the Naval Academy Fund to benefit of the Brigade of Midshipmen.

You can visit this website to donate: https://www.usna.com/give

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Brandon, please visit the floral store of the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Diane Yvonne (Miles) McCracken (1960-2026)

Diane Yvonne (Miles) McCracken, 66, passed away on October 17, 2026, in Hagerstown, Maryland, after a courageous battle with colon cancer.

She was born on October 25th, 1960, the beloved daughter of the late Adelbert “Bud” Miles and Rose Barton. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, George Michael McCracken.

She is survived by her children: her son, Brad (Malarie) McCracken, her daughter and caretaker, Pamela (Jason) McDonald, and her baby girl and other daughter, Kari-Lyn (Nevin) McCracken and her grandchildren, Grace, Anne-Kathryn, Magdalyn, Michael, and Stella McDonald. Stella was a special blessing who inspired Diane to keep fighting during her most difficult times. She is also survived by her niece, Crystal Miles, who she went on many adventures with, her best friend, Walter “Butch” (Dick) Miles, and his wife, Shirley, who was a sister to Diane and was at her bedside when Diane passed away, her in-laws, Frank (Mary) McCracken, troves of friends, family, nieces and nephews, and her pets, Cordelia and Aofie.

Diane often shared warm memories of her childhood with her cousins, Jeanine and Robin, and eventually, of her young adulthood adventures with her three best friends, Marcy, Cheryl, and “Cunningham.” After graduating from Center High School in 1978, she married George Michael McCracken and so began a lifetime of love, laughter, and mild inconveniences. Before moving to Maryland in 2023, she worked for the IBEW Local Union 712 and loved spending time with her bestie, Mindy. She was a kind and generous woman who adored her family and loved to door dash prepare meals for everyone to share together. She treasured the simple moments spent with loved ones and her home was a place for snacks, movies, and sarcasm. Movie nights often featured her favorites: The Haunted Mansion, Beetlejuice, Harry Potter, and Pet Sematary. She loved movie theater popcorn, Reese’s cups, and any baked good. One of her most treasured activities were taking her grandchildren on movie dates. Her grandchildren were the loves of her life, and she was dedicated to attending every game and theater performance- no matter how long and boring. She was incredibly creative and took pride in creating meticulous costumes and props for every Halloween. She loved autumn, trick-or-treating, and haunted houses- the not too spooky ones. She also loved riding the Harley with George and snuggling with any available baby. She also enjoyed listening to Facebook reels at the highest possible volume while everyone else sat quietly in the same room. Diane often attended St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Williamsport, Maryland, and faithfully volunteered alongside her daughter and granddaughters; time that surely is a heavenly treasure. She continually grew in her faith and loved to read and recite Psalm 23 for comfort.

Though she will be deeply missed, her memory will live on through her children, grandchildren, and the lives of those she has touched and inspired.

Friends will be received on Thursday, October 22nd from 3 p.m. until the time of a service at 7 p.m. at Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of her arrangements.