Author: Beaver County Radio

Janet Mikush (1941-2026)

Janet Mikush, 84, passed away on May 18th, 2026.

She was born in Sewickley Hospital on July 30th, 1941, a beloved daughter of the late John and Irene Pirosko. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Eileen Pirosko and Donna McConnell, her in-laws, Andrew and Helen Mikush, and her brother-in-law, Andrew “Whitey” Mikush.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 62 years, Robert A. Mikush, her sons, Robert (Laura) Mikush and Bryan (Cindy) Mikush, her cherished grandchildren, Ryan Mikush and Amanda Mikush, her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Dave Carlson and Roberta Sciulli, along with many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.

Janet was a proud graduate of Ambridge Area High School with its Class of 1959. She later dedicated many years working as a secretary for Ambridge Area High School. She was a faithful and devoted member of Good Samaritan Church in Ambridge. She found joy in serving her community, especially while making pierogies at local churches. She also enjoyed playing poker and card games with her card club, bingo, and meeting her friends at McDonalds. Above all, she treasured time spent with her family and especially adored her grandchildren.

Family and friends will be received on Friday, May 22nd from 2-4 P.M. and from 5-8 P.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements. An additional visitation will take place on Saturday, May 23rd, from 9 A.M. until 11:30 A.M., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12 noon at Good Samaritan Church, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Economy Ambulance Service, 2060 Ridge Rd Extension, Ambridge, PA 15003 or Good Samaritan Church, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge, PA 15003.

Bruce R. Hammerle (1938-2026)

Bruce R. Hammerle, 87, of Beaver Falls, passed away on May 19th, 2026, at his home. He was born in Beaver Falls on May 20th, 1938, a son of the late Louis J. Hammerle and Pearle J. Leiper Hammerle. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers and five sisters. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Rita Biega Hammerle, his son, J. Bruce (Kelly) Hammerle, his daughter, Debra (Dr. Clay) Triplehorn, his grandchildren: Jared (Nicole) Triplehorn, Allison (Micah) Harvey, Dr. Nathan Hammerle and MiKayla (Jake) Lerandeau and his great granddaughter, Ava Grace Triplehorn.

Bruce proudly served in the United States Army before beginning a long and dedicated career with the United States Post Office, where he worked from April 2nd, 1960, until his retirement on January 3rd, 1995. He especially enjoyed delivering mail throughout the College Hill and Morado areas, where he became a familiar and friendly presence to many in the community. Following his retirement, he continued working by delivering airfreight for Skyline Motors from January of 1995 until August of 2002. He also devoted more than 20 years to delivering Meals on Wheels, finding great joy in helping others and visiting residents in local nursing homes. In his later years, he enjoyed spending time on the golf course, a pastime that brought him much happiness. He was a member of the Steffin Hill Presbyterian Church in Beaver Falls, where his mother and father were married. A visitation will be held on Friday, May 22nd, from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m. at Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements. Private interment will follow at Grandview Cemetery, 139 Norwood Drive, Beaver Falls.

CCBC Board of Trustees Unanimously Approves President Dr. Roger W. Davis’ Contract Through 2031

(Credit for Photo: Photo of CCBC President Roger W. Davis at CCBC’s 2026 Commencement Courtesy of Release Provided by CCBC)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Monaca, PA) The Community College of Beaver County Board of Trustees unanimously approved a contract extension for President Dr. Roger W. Davis through June 2031.

According to the college, Davis has overseen growth in enrollment, innovation initiatives and national recognition during his tenure.

College officials said the extension reflects CCBC’s focus on stability and continued development as the institution serves students in Beaver County and surrounding communities.

New Castle man not charged after suffering seizure, causing vehicle to crash in Lawrence County

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Lawrence County, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in New Castle reported that no charges were filed against a 32-year-old New Castle man following a crash in Lawrence County on May 3.

According to police, Alexander Harold was driving on Ellwood Road in Wayne Township at about 8:35 p.m. when he suffered a seizure and veered off the right travel lane.

Police said Harold’s vehicle struck a utility pole before coming to rest in a residential yard. There were no reported injuries.

Shapiro Administration and Feeding Pennsylvania Celebrate a Decade-Long Partnership with Farmers to Fight Food Insecurity in Our Communities through the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Commonwealth Media Services, Caption for Photo: Morgantown, PA. Russell Redding, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Agriculture speaks during Tuesday’s press conference at Weaver’s Orchard. Since 2016, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has worked through PASS to increase food security and reduce food waste, providing $31.9 million to Feeding Pennsylvania’s network of food banks to buy 38.3 million pounds of nutritious surplus food from Pennsylvania farmers. Sec. Redding along with the Weaver family at Weaver’s Orchard, and others celebrate the 10-year PASS partner-farmers, Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank and other charitable food system leaders who feed their neighbors across Pennsylvania through the program. May 19, 2026.

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Morgantown, PA) Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Feeding Pennsylvania celebrated a decade-long partnership at Weaver’s Orchard in Morgantown, Pennsylvania during a press conference yesterday.

Officials said the partnership has helped provide families in need with fresh food while creating a reliable market for Pennsylvania farmers’ surplus crops through the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System, or PASS.

Since 2016, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has provided $31.9 million through PASS to Feeding Pennsylvania’s network of food banks to purchase 38.3 million pounds of surplus food from Pennsylvania farmers.

According to state officials, PASS funding helps cover harvesting, processing, transportation and packaging costs for food that might otherwise go to waste.

Over the past decade, the partnership has helped provide more than 31.7 million meals to 7.9 million households across Pennsylvania.

Secretary of the Commonwealth Credits County Election Officials and Poll Workers for Safe and Secure 2026 Primary Election

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Commonwealth Media Services, Caption for Photo: An hour after polls closed, Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt said today’s midterm primary election ran smoothly with few issues reported by counties.)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) About an hour after polls closed yesterday, Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt said Pennsylvania’s primary election ran smoothly, with few issues reported by counties. 

Schmidt spoke at the Capitol Media Center in Harrisburg and stated: “Thanks to hundreds of county election officials and approximately 45,000 poll workers, Pennsylvania held another safe and secure election. Eligible voters cast their ballots at more than 9,000 precincts across our 67 counties.”

State officials also said more than 854,000 registered Pennsylvania voters requested mail ballots for the primary election. As of 8 p.m. yesterday, counties reported that about 77% of those ballots had been returned. 

Demand surges for Pennsylvania infant and toddler services as funding for vital support program falls short

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – Infant formula is stacked on a table during a baby formula drive to help with the shortage May 14, 2022, in Houston. President Joe Biden has invoked the Defense Production Act to speed production of infant formula and has authorized flights to import supply from overseas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)

(Reported by Danielle Smith, Keystone News Service)

(Harrisburg, PA) A vital support program for Pennsylvania’s youngest children is facing a serious funding crisis, raising concern about access to essential services. The Infant and Toddler Early Intervention Program serves more than 48-thousand children with developmental delays or risks statewide. Maggie Livelsberger with Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children says services range from physical, occupational, and speech therapy to nutrition and specialized instruction. She warns that a recent rate study shows the program is underfunded, straining providers and services.  Her organization is working with the Thriving P-A campaign to call on lawmakers to increase support for the early intervention program. In the budget for the next fiscal year, they’re hoping to see a 14-million-dollar increase in funding.

Donors urged to schedule blood donation appointments now

(File Photo of the American Red Cross)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) As Memorial Day approaches, the American Red Cross is encouraging people to schedule blood and platelet donation appointments to help hospitals maintain adequate supplies during the busy summer travel season.

The organization said having blood products readily available is especially important as millions of Americans travel and participate in outdoor activities over the holiday weekend.

With increased travel and recreation, including boating, swimming and camping, the risk of serious accidents can rise. The Red Cross said blood and platelet donations help hospitals respond to traumatic injuries and other medical emergencies requiring transfusions.

During Trauma Awareness Month, the organization is encouraging donors of all blood types to give blood or platelets to support patients in need.

According to a release from the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania, here is some more information about how to donate blood:

Book your time to give lifesaving blood or platelets now — To schedule, visit RedCrossBlood.org by clicking here, call 1-800-RED CROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

Those who come to give by May 31, 2026, will receive an oversized Red Cross beach towel, which you can find out more about by clicking here, while supplies last. 

All who come to give June 1-28, 2026, will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of two $7,500 gift cards. See RedCrossBlood.org/June by clicking here for details. 

How to donate blood 

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org by clicking here, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. 

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass by clicking here or use the Blood Donor App. 

Death of New Galilee man who got hit by a train in Lawrence County under investigation

(File Photo of a Police Siren Light)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Lawrence County, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in New Castle are investigating the death of a 38-year-old New Galilee man in Lawrence County.

According to police, James McIntosh was pronounced dead at the scene by the Lawrence County Coroner after an incident reported at about 12:26 a.m. near Haggerty Road and Walnut Lane in New Beaver Borough.

Investigators said McIntosh was found lying on the roadway near a railroad crossing wearing dark clothing as a train approached the area.

Police said the train operators activated the horn after noticing McIntosh sitting upright on the road, but the train struck him before it could stop.

The investigation remains ongoing pending interviews with train employees and people associated with McIntosh. Police said a family member positively identified the victim.

Iván Herrera’s 3-run, walk-off homer in the 10th inning lifts Cardinals past Pirates in a 9-6 victory

(File Photo: Source for Photo: St. Louis Cardinals’ Ivan Herrera celebrates after hitting a three-run walk-off home run to defeat the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 10th inning of a baseball game Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Iván Herrera hit a three-run, walk-off home run in the bottom of the 10th inning — one of four homers by St. Louis — as the Cardinals rallied to beat the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday night.

Herrera’s 410-foot shot off of Mason Montgomery (1-1) was his first career walk-off RBI. It is the fifth walk-off win of the season for St. Louis, which improved to 7-1 in extra-inning games.

JJ Wetherholt, Nolan Gorman and Alec Burleson also homered as the Cardinals improved to 5-0 this season against their Central Division rivals.

Gorman hit a pitch from Pirates reliever Evan Sisk 436 feet over the right-centerfield wall in the sixth inning to give the Cardinals a 5-4 lead. Burleson led off the eighth with a solo shot to add to the St. Louis lead.

Spencer Horwitz’s pinch-hit single off Riley O’Brien in the ninth capped a two-run rally by the Pirates, tying the game at 6.

George Soriano (2-0) pitched a perfect 10th inning for the win.

Cardinals starter Matthew Liberatore struck out a career-high nine, but allowed four runs in the fifth before being pulled after 4 2/3 innings. He gave up seven hits and walked two.

Wetherholt’s two-run homer off Pirates starter Mitch Keller broke a scoreless tie in the third. Three of Wetherholt’s nine career home runs have come against the Pirates.

Burleson singled to lead off the fourth and eventually scored on a Gorman double play, giving the Cardinals a 3-0 lead.

Brandon Lowe singled and scored on a wild pitch to spark a four-run Pirates rally in the fifth. Bryan Reynolds’ two-run double tied the game and Oneil Cruz’s RBI single gave Pittsburgh a 4-3 lead.

Keller allowed four runs in 5 2/3 innings for the Pirates. He gave up four hits, struck out three and walked one.

Up next

Pirates RHP Carmen Mlodzinski (3-3, 4.40 ERA) will face Cardinals RHP Michael McGreevy (3-2, 2.10) on Wednesday.