Senator Elder Vogel, Jr. Announces $10.3 Million to Expand High-Speed Broadband Access in 47th Senate District

(File Photo of Senator Elder Vogel, Jr.)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) According to a release from Senator Elder Vogel, Jr.’s office, Vogel announced yesterday that $10.3 million has been provisionally awarded to expand broadband access in the 47th Senate District. Internet providers who will be getting the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority awards are Amazon Kuiper, Armstrong Telecommunications, Inc, Comcast, CoreConnect, SpaceX and Verizon. The federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program is where this funding comes from and it is a representation of an effort that is historic to bring internet that is high-speed to each part of Pennsylvania. All projects stay subject to final federal approval and acceptance of the actual applicants as a provisional award.  

Pennsylvania state representative from Berks County getting legislation proposed that would require motorcycle riders to wear protective headgear, regardless of age or experience

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Alaska resident Mark Warren rides the a new Ural motorcycle he received as a gift from the Russian government in Anchorage, Alaska, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to the state for a summit meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. (Bill Roth/Anchorage Daily News via AP)

Noah Haswell, Beaver Couty Radio News

(Berks County, PA) A Pennsylvania state representative from Berks County is recently getting legislation proposed that would make a requirement for all riders of motorcycles to wear headgear that protects you, like a helmet or other protective headgear. Democratic Representative Manuel Guzman is making legislation for House Bill 1809 or the Universal Motorcycle Helmet Safety Act, regardless of your experience or age you are at when you are riding a motorcycle. In Pennsylvania currently, you have to wear a helmet while driving or riding a motorcycle unless you are 21 years old or older, have at least two years of experience riding a motorcycle or have completed a course in motorcycle safety. According to a co-sponsorship memo written on July 21st, 2025, the bill from Guzman would repeal those exemptions in order to afford “all Pennsylvanians … equal protection on the road — not just riders under 21.” The legislation that is proposed by Guzman would not apply to people that operate autocycles or fully enclosed motorcycles with three wheels.

Rapper Lil Nas X pleads not guilty to attacking police officers as he walked naked on Los Angeles street

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Lil Nas X, whose legal name is Montero Lamar Hill, is arraigned in court, next to his attorney Christy O’Connor, on four felony counts, including three counts of battery with injury on a police officer, Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, in Los Angeles. (Frederic J Brown/Pool Photo via AP)

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Lil Nas X was charged Monday with four felonies after police say he charged at them when they confronted him for walking naked down a Los Angeles street last week.

The musician, whose legal name is Montero Lamar Hill, pleaded not guilty in a court appearance to three counts of battery with injury on a police officer and one count of resisting an executive officer, the district attorney’s office said.

The charges were far more serious than initial reports that he was being investigated for a misdemeanor, and, with convictions, the counts could collectively bring a sentence of more than 10 years in prison for the singer and rapper whose “Old Town Road” was one of the biggest hit singles in history.

Police said officers found the 26-year-old walking naked on Ventura Boulevard, a major thoroughfare in the Studio City neighborhood, shortly before 6 a.m. Friday. They say he charged at the officers when confronted and was arrested.

The criminal complaint filed in court Monday includes few details, but says that for each of the three officers he “did unlawfully use force and violence and inflict an injury” on a person he “reasonably should have known” was a peace officer “engaged in the performance of a duty.”

Police, suspecting a possible overdose, took him to a hospital where he spent several hours before being taken to jail, where he has remained since.

After spending three days in jail, he was released on $75,000 bail, conditional on attending drug treatment.

A message to his attorneys was not immediately answered.

But one of them, Christy O’Connor, told a judge Lil Nas X has led a “remarkable” life that has included winning two Grammy awards.

“Assuming the allegations here are true, this is an absolute aberration in this person’s life,” O’Connor said in court, according to NBC. “Nothing like this has ever happened to him.”

The charges were first reported by TMZ.

Lil Nas X is set to return to court on Sept. 15 for his next pre-trial hearing.

The rapper and singer from Atlanta is best known for 2018’s country and hip-hop merging “Old Town Road,” which spent a record 19 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won him his Grammys.

Known for his genre-bending, innovating sounds and style, his first full studio album, 2021’s “Montero,” went to No. 2 on the Billboard album chart and was nominated for a Grammy for album of the year.

Two people still in the hospital after they got injured from a crash in Economy Borough that involved a bus that carried the Aliquippa Junior High School football team

(File Photo of Police Siren Lights)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Economy Borough, PA) Two people are still in the hospital after a bus crashed in Economy Borough on Saturday which carried the Aliquippa Junior High School football team, according to a source close to the investigation. One of the coaches of that team confirms one injured person of that crash has a spinal injury and is at the ICU of Allegheny General Hospital. The other injured person who is still in the hopsital after that crash is a fourteen-year-old girl who plays football for Aliquippa Junior High School. She is in critical but stable condition at UPMC Children’s Hospital. The bus that crashed in Economy Borough on Saturday crashed on Shaffer Road and the crash sent twenty-one children and the driver to the hospital and most of them have been discharged. The bus carrying the Aliquippa Junior High School football team was headed to a game against Pine Richland. According to another source close to the investigation, the bus was traveling around a bend and hit a hillside, causing it to briefly tip before landing upright. It also hit a utility pole which knocked down live wires. This crash is still under investigation.

Daniel C. Sabella (1949-2022)

Daniel C. Sabella,72, formerly of Monaca, passed away peacefully in Florida on September 16th, 2022. He was born on December 25th, 1949, a son of the late Sarah J. and Daniel E. Sabella. Family was the cornerstone of Dan’s life. He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara ‘Bobbi’ (Hanton) Sabella, who was his partner in all of life’s adventures. His legacy lives on through his two daughters, Margaret Ann Sabella-Roxon (Randy) of Lodi, California, and Amy E. Sabella-Malone (Kelly) of Seattle, Washington. He was a proud grandfather to five grandchildren: Damon, Cameron, Samantha, Caitlynn and Megan and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Judy (Al) Fitzgerald of Monaca, and his nephews, Joseph and Thomas Fitzgerald, with whom he shared a special bond.

Daniel was raised in Monaca and was a 1967 graduate from Monaca High School. Shortly after graduation, demonstrating a commitment to his country, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served honorably as a radarman aboard the U.S.S. Roosevelt, dedicating four years to the Navy before being honorably discharged in 1972.

Upon returning to civilian life, he was employed at J & L Steel Corp. and later continued his professional journey with Nova Chemical, from which he eventually retired. His post-retirement years were spent in sunny Florida, where he enjoyed the warmth and community.

Daniel’s life was rich with interests and hobbies that reflected his love for the outdoors and adventure. He was an avid fisherman, finding peace and excitement in the waters of Lake Arthur, Pymatuning, and the open waters of Lake Erie. He was a motorcycle enthusiast who cherished the moments spent riding with his wife, Bobbi, exploring the open roads together. His love for boating and golfing provided endless opportunities for bonding with his buddies and enjoying the sport he loved. A fan of all sports and particularly the Pittsburgh Steelers, Dan could often be found watching his favorite sports teams. Among his prized possessions were his collection of Eagle figurines.

Graveside services with military honors by the U.S. Navy will be held on Tuesday, September 16th, 2025 (the 3 year anniversary of his passing) at 1 p.m. at St John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, 1270 Chapel Road, Monaca. The Reverend James Sands will be the officiant.

The family has suggested memorial contributions be made, if desired to the Beaver County Cancer and Heart Association.

Arrangements have been entrusted to SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

William “Matt” Hornyack (1956-2025)

William “Matt” Hornyack, 69, passed away on August 22nd, 2025, following a short but courageous battle with mesothelioma. He was born in Sewickley on March 19th, 1956,  the son of the late Paul J., Jr. and Virginia Hornyack. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his uncle, James Hornyack and his pet, Sadie. He is survived by his loving wife, Lisa Hornyack, two brothers and a sister-in-law, Paul (Betty) of Beaver and Thomas of Ebensburg, Pennsylvania, two sisters-in-law, Terri Ellinwood of Beaver Falls and Rikki Karczewski of Chippewa and one brother-in-law, Mark Ellinwood of Beaver Falls, an aunt, Carol Hornyack, Sandy of Oregon, eleven nephews and nieces: Paul (Andrea Yanke), Melissa (Geoff) Cipkala of Charleston, Michael (Carly) Mamone, III, Alena (Justin Pratt), Ben Swearingen, Jessica (Nick) DeChicko, Kourtney (Matt Abel) McCutcheon, Lauren (Wesley) Libert, Michael and Matthew Karczewski and Kristina Crepp; as well as seventeen great-nephews and nieces: Joseph, Joshua, Dylan, Lucy, Violet and Virginia, Isabella, Luca and Lena, Haleigh, Zachary, Austin and Skylar, Lochlann, and Savanna, Garrett and Wyatt; along with numerous cousins.

William was a graduate of the 1974 class of New Brighton High School and attended Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology in Tulsa, Oklahoma following graduation. He began his service in the Navy in 1975 and spent at least six months on six aircraft carriers for eight years during peacetime in the Cold War Era. Following a number of jobs in the private sector, he was in the first class of hires for the TSA in Pittsburgh following 9/11. He then moved on to serve at the Butler VA retiring on September 30th, 2020 completing a total of 26 years in service to our country. He was a member of the former College Hill United Methodist Church where he and his wife were quite involved with preparing the multimedia portion of the worship services for a number of years. He loved flying rockets, drones and photography. At one time he was also quite active in flying radio-controlled airplanes. He was a member of the National Association of Rocketry and the Academy of Model Aeronautics. He particularly loved taking pictures of waterfalls, which he did with both his cameras and drones. He had the most wonderful laugh. You couldn’t be in a bad mood when William was around. He made friends wherever he was, whether standing in a grocery store line or with a waitress taking his order in a restaurant. William had a distinctive voice that people recognized sometimes after not seeing him for years, when they heard him talking in stores and many other places, would come to find him so they could visit with him. He had a heart of gold and his mission in life was to help others in any way he could. A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, September 5th from 10 A.M. until the time of a service at 11 A.M. at CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL SERVICES, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements. He will be dearly missed and forever loved.

William E. “Will” Hammer, Jr. (1951-2025)

William E. “Will” Hammer, Jr., 73, of Patterson Township, passed away on August 14th, 2025, at UPMC Shadyside Hospital of Pittsburgh, following a very brief battle with leukemia.

He was born on November 29th, 1951, a son of the late William Sr. and Corinne (Hopkins) Hammer. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepmother, Emogene Hammer. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl (Long) Hammer, his daughter, Erika (Jim Pendergraph) Kopsack, his granddaughter, Elayna Kopsack, his siblings: Corinne (Hank) Levine, Andrea (Neil) Clark, Victoria (Ron) Alberti; as well as his stepsiblings, Paula Crawford, Willa Miller, Tonda King, Jack Beyer; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. He will be sadly missed by his family, his friends and Sally, the cat.

William was a 1969 graduate of Beaver Falls High School who continually put great time and effort into organizing class reunions. “Once a tiger, always a tiger!” He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Air Force. In 1991, he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Robert Morris University. Although he had retired from marketing and advertising in the radio and TV industries, he most recently had been a dedicated member of the staff at a multimedia FM radio station in Ellwood City. He assisted with day-to-day operations and was preparing to host his own radio show where he could share his knowledge and love of music. He worked as a Patterson Township Commissioner with his focus on the Community Park Restoration Project, which was dear to his heart. For more than 25 years, he was vital in the planning, organizing, and serving of the annual Christmas day dinner at Beaver Falls High School. He was a man of faith, and this is just one of the many ways he served the Lord during his lifetime.

You couldn’t let William’s big presence fool you; he was just a big teddy bear.  He loved to make people laugh, especially with his movie quotes and sense of humor.  Will loved music, whether it was listening to his favorite playlists, playing the guitar, or singing karaoke with good friends. He loved traveling to the beach, especially to Cape May, New Jersey, for family vacations. Papa Will could be seen in the stands attending all of his granddaughter’s games, recitals, concerts, and more. He loved this more than anything else.

Friends will be received on Thursday, August 28th from 1-3 P.M. & 5-8 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 military honors will be held on Friday, August 29th at 11 A.M. followed by a blessing service.

Private interment will be in Beaver Falls Cemetery, 2045 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls.

The family would like to thank the staff at Heritage Valley Beaver and UPMC Shadyside Hospital for the wonderful care provided. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Will’s name to Patterson Township Community Park Restoration Project, Patterson Township, ATTN: Christin, 1600 19th Avenue, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

Richard J. Warren (1930-2025)

Richard J. Warren, 95, of Wheeling, West Virginia and formerly of Beaver Falls, passed away on August 25th, 2025. He was born in New Brighton on February 12th, 1930, a son of the late Walter and Henrietta Harsha Warren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Walter, his sister, Jeanne and his former wife, Mary Early. He is survived by his wife, Gladys Warren, his son, David of Chattanooga, Tennessee, his daughter, Diane (Ken) Huston, of South Beaver Township, five grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. Richard was a 1948 graduate of Beaver Falls High School who played football there. He was also a class treasurer at Beaver Falls High School for 3 years. He also served 4 years in the U.S. Navy and was a member of the Patterson Township. Volunteer Fire Deptartment. Richard was a former partner in Reno Bros. Inc and was Protestant by faith. After retirement, Richard spent many years working at the Wheeling Park Commission at Oglebay Park. There will be no public visitation for Richard. Professional services and arrangements were entrusted to CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL SERVICES, LLC 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls. Online condolences at www.corlessfuneralhomes.com.

Douglas Alan Gibson (1951-2025)

Douglas Alan Gibson, 67, of Beaver Falls passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer on August 21st, 2025.

He was born on November 15, 1951. He was preceded in death by his mother, Francis A. Gibson, his eldest son, Douglas A. Jr., his brother-in-law, Keyon Greene and numerous aunts and uncles. He is survived by his significant other, Charlene “Sandy” Ours and his girl, Hanna, two sons, Jesse and Brian Gibson, his beloved grandchildren: Lizzie, Brian Jr., Skylar, Amora, Anna, and Jacob; as well as his siblings, Delda Greene, Darla (Joe Martin) Gibson, Diane (Rich) Schriner and Dennis Gibson; along with many lifelong friends, Jack Johnson and Pam, Roger McCloud and Deb and Mike Musehn and a host of cherished nieces and nephews. Douglas was an avid fisherman and a specialty mechanic. He will be sincerely missed by many. The family will announce a celebration of life for Douglas at a later date. Professional services and arrangements were entrusted to CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL SERVICES, LLC – 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls.

Allegheny Health Network Names Dr. Richard Medford as their Chief Digital Information Officer

(Photo of Dr. Richard Medford Provided with Release Courtesy of Allegheny Health Network)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) According to a release from Allegheny Health Network, Allegheny Health Network announced yesterday the appointment of Dr. Richard Medford, MD, as the health system’s new Chief Digital Information Officer. Dr. Medford is nationally recognized for his work with artificial intelligence, clinical medicine and health information technology, and he is the first physician to earn the distinction in the United States of achieving both board certification and dual fellowship training in both clinical informatics and infectious diseases. Dr. Medford will closely collaborate with Dr. Alistair ErskineHighmark Health’s Chief Information Digital Officer and John GabrickAllegheny Health Network’s vice president of clinical information systems for digital and virtual health and other executive and clinical leaders, to drive health transformation that is digital, optimize workflows that are technology-enabled, support decision-making that is clinical, and enhance capabilities of telehealth and mobile care. Before getting appointed to his new position at Allegheny Health Network, Dr. Medford most previously served as the Chief Medical Informatics and Digital Health Officer and as a clinical associate professor at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University Health in Greenville, North Carolina.