Author: Beaver County Radio

Former DeAngelis Donuts building demolished

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published May 26, 2026 2:12 P.M.

(Rochester Township, Pa) Demolition of the former location of DeAngelis Donuts in Rochester got underway Tuesday morning. Over half of the building was reduced to rubble by noon.

The family owned shop decided to close permanently in 2024 following the passing of owner Richard DeAngelis.

The property was listed for sale following the closure and sat vacant for nearly 2 years.

We have not yet received official word on the future of the site, however property records show the property was purchased by a Pittsburgh based group who operates multiple Dunkin’ Donuts locations in the area.

VIDEO:

Scammers at large during a summer of large events in Pennsylvania, what you can do to protect yourself

(File Photo of a Scam Alert Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) As Pennsylvania prepares for a busy summer of large-scale events, including America250 celebrations, state police are warning residents to watch out for scams.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, major public events often attract scammers looking to steal money or personal information.

“Criminals like to use high-profile events like this to prey on innocent victims,” Major Serell C. Ulrich said. “Our goal is to protect people from thieves by alerting them about red flags to watch out for and connecting them with information that helps prevent them from falling victim.”

According to a report from WPXI, here is a list from troopers of things to be mindful of in order to avoid being scammed:

  • Ticket Scams: Criminals are likely to sell counterfeit tickets or fake digital tickets using social media or unofficial platforms. Only purchase tickets from verified platforms.
  • Accommodations Fraud: Be cautious of rentals, hotels, or travel packages at “too good to be true” prices. These may be scams that result in stolen deposits and compromised personal information.
  • Malware/Phishing: Social media may be used to send links to photos and videos of important event moments. The links may appear valid, but when clicked, malware is downloaded. There are legitimate websites and applications specifically designed for events that can be utilized to obtain the most up-to-date and accurate information.
  • QR Codes: Fraudulent QR codes may be placed in areas surrounding event venues to mislead unsuspecting attendees into believing the link is for legitimate sites to purchase merchandise, tickets, parking, meet and greet opportunities, or other goods. Check to determine whether the QR codes are stickers before you scan. This is a red flag that the code may be fraudulent. Always check the website’s URL after scanning a QR code and verify that the website looks official, including checking that there is an “s” at the end of the “http” portion of the site’s URL.
  • ATM Cash Traps/Skimming Devices: Use caution when using ATMs and points-of-sale terminals to withdraw funds or pay for items. These methods are easy ways for criminals to steal credit and debit card data, as well as cash. Avoid using standalone ATMS or ones that show signs of tampering. If the cash doesn’t dispense immediately, report it to local law enforcement.

Troopers urged residents to download apps only from authorized app stores, avoid buying tickets or merchandise from scalpers and refrain from clicking unfamiliar links or attachments.

Reps. Chris Deluzio and Summer Lee Introduce “Zombie Mine” Bills to Hold Coal Corporations Accountable for Cleanup

(File Photo of Congressman Chris Deluzio)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) and Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12) announced today the introduction of a three-bill package aimed at addressing unreclaimed “zombie mines” — abandoned or idle coal mines that can pollute waterways and pose public safety risks.

The legislative package includes Deluzio’s Bond Improvement and Reclamation Assurance Act, Lee’s Coal Cleanup Taxpayer Protection Act and the Stream Protection and Vegetation Restoration Act, introduced by Congressman Don Beyer (VA-08).

According to the lawmakers, the bills are designed to strengthen mining bond requirements, protect waterways and ensure land is properly reclaimed after mining operations end.

Deluzio and Lee introduced the legislation during a joint press conference at the First Mining of Pittsburgh Coal historical marker on Mount Washington alongside environmental advocates and community leaders from coalfield communities across Pennsylvania and Appalachia.

Canada Resident Charged with Six Counts of Sexually Exploiting a Minor

(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) A resident of Alberta, Canada, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges related to the sexual exploitation of children, U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. 

According to the indictment, Cyril Borle, 55, faces six federal charges, including three counts of producing child sexual abuse material and three counts of receiving child sexual abuse material. 

Prosecutors allege that on three occasions in early 2020, Borle persuaded a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of creating visual depictions of that conduct. The indictment also alleges Borle received those visual depictions. 

If convicted, Borle faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and could be fined up to $1.5 million, according to federal prosecutors. 

Authorities noted that any sentence would ultimately depend on the seriousness of the offenses and the defendant’s criminal history under federal sentencing guidelines. 

Alma Arlene “Peg” Canonaco (1933-2026)

Alma Arlene “Peg” Canonaco, 92, of South Beaver Township, passed away on May 24th, 2026, at Heritage Valley Health System – Beaver Campus.

She was born in Beaver Falls on October 20th, 1933, a daughter of the late Steve and Josephine West. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her children, Ken, Keith, and Bruce Humphrey and a sister, Merle. She is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Ralph Canonaco, her grandchildren: Chris, Aaron, Matt, Lauren, Nicole, and Keith; as well as eight great-grandchildren, her sisters, Dorothy, June, and Elsie, along with numerous extended family members, and friends.

Alma spent her life as a homemaker and was extremely fond of her grandchildren.  She enjoyed traveling with her husband and reading.

In accordance with Alma’s wishes, she will be cremated and no services are being planned.

The GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, was honored to provide care and guidance to Alma’s family during this time and was the funeral home that was in charge of her arrangements.

Joan Marie Lapic (1952-2026)

Joan Marie Lapic, 74, of New Brighton, passed away peacefully on May 23rd, 2026, at Cedar Hill Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Moon. She was born in New Castle on May 10th, 1952, a daughter of Agnes (O’Connor) and Carl Oswald. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her four children: Jeremiah (Ermida) Lapic, Jacob Lapic, Justin Lapic, and Jessica (Chris) Brown; as well as two brothers, Martin and Tom Oswald, her sister, Carleen Rainey and four beloved grandchildren, Connor, Aiden, Elise, and Sofia.

Joan graduated from New Castle High School with its Class of 1970 and earned a Bachelor’s degree from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with a double major in English and Environmental Studies. She began her career as a writer at several newspapers in Michigan before returning to Pennsylvania, where she continued working in journalism while spending every free moment on the river. She devoted her life to nurturing growth — in gardens, in people, and in the hearts of those around her. During her formative years, she explored the wilds of the upper Allegheny River around her father’s river cabin in Emlenton, which instilled in her a deep appreciation for nature. She later renewed her faith and embraced a strong belief in natural living, giving birth to all four of her children at home. She envisioned and helped build a passive solar home in the country, where she homeschooled her four children while mastering raised-bed gardening, beekeeping, raising small animals, growing orchids, and maintaining a greenhouse. She was also a Penn State Master Gardener and herb specialist, Joan volunteered at the local Grange and youth home before becoming the Therapeutic Horticulture Program Coordinator at Glade Run Lutheran Services. There, her lifetime of passions truly bloomed as she combined compassion, knowledge, and reverence for the natural world in her work as a therapist. She was a gifted herbalist and educator who found immense joy in plants, flowers, and the outdoors, and loved teaching others about their healing properties through presentations and hands-on learning. Through her work and gentle spirit, she inspired many to discover the beauty, comfort, and connection found in nature.

A memorial gathering will be held for friends and family on Friday, May 29th from 4 p.m. until the time of a Memorial Service at 6 p.m. at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc., 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of her arrangements.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joan Marie Lapic, please visit our flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Theresa Caputo phones into Beaver County Radio to discuss Rivers Casino show

SCOTT TADY

PITTSBURGH — Acclaimed medium and beloved TV personality Theresa Caputo will appear live at Rivers Casino Pittsburgh on June 19.

Known as the “Long Island Medium,” Caputo has made fans the world over for her hit television shows, her best-selling books, her widely-listened-to podcast and her live stage appearances.

Caputo was a phone-in guest Tuesday on The Beaver County Radio Morning Show, discussing how she brings first-hand spirit communication to her live audiences.

If you missed it, or want to relive or share what she said, here is that interview (just press play):

Tickets for her 8 p.m. Pittsburgh show are at etix.com, starting at $64.10 (plus applicable service charges). Purchasing a ticket does not guarantee a reading.

 

Pirates will decide on starting pitcher Jared Jones’ return after bullpen session

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Getty Images: Caption for Photo: Jared Jones is nearing his return to the Pirates’ roster after he underwent elbow surgery last year.)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The Pittsburgh Pirates are still awaiting the return of starting pitcher Jared Jones from the injured list. 

Jones is currently on the 60-day injured list, but is eligible to be activated at any time. His return would require the Pirates to make corresponding roster moves, including optioning a player to the minors to make space on the 26-man roster and clearing space on the 40-man roster. 

Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said on The Pirates Insider Show on 93.7 The Fan that Jones is scheduled to throw a bullpen session today and that the team will evaluate his status afterward. 

If Jones is activated, manager Don Kelly would need to decide how he fits into the team’s five-man rotation, which currently includes 2025 NL Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, Carmen Mlodzinski, Braxton Ashcraft and Bubba Chandler. 

Jones most recently made his fifth rehab start — and second with Triple-A Indianapolis — throwing 4 1/3 innings Saturday against Toledo. He allowed three earned runs on two hits, including a solo home run, while walking three and striking out six over 76 pitches. 

Timothy E. Ralston (1974-2026)

Timothy E. Ralston, 51, of Glenwillard, passed away on May 19th, 2026 at his residence. He was born in Burgettstown on September 11th, 1974, a son of Jane Smith Ralston and the late Elwood T. Ralston. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Laura Gable, two daughters, Lydia Gable and Meadow Ralston, his brother, Thomas R. Ralston and his in-laws, Richard Eberle and Kerrin Powers.

Timothy crafted a name as a remarkable chef, especially when it came to his chicken wings. However, he was more than just an expert in the kitchen. He loved the simple pleasures of life: fishing, spending time with his children, being with his family, and cheering on his favorite teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Pittsburgh Pirates. His love for wrestling was matched only by his passion for music. Friends will be received on Wednesday, May 27th from 2 P.M. until the time of service at 5:30 P.M. at the CORLESS-MATTER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, LLC, 1133 Church Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements.

Fire that spread to multiple buildings in New Castle considered “very suspcious”

(File Photo of a Fire Background)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(New Castle, PA) A fire that spread to multiple buildings in Lawrence County last night is under investigation, and officials say the cause is being treated as “very suspicious.”

The fire broke out shortly after 10 p.m. on North Mercer Street in New Castle. 

WPXI confirmed that no one was injured.

It primarily damaged Giovanni’s Salon and Spa, which had been closed for some time, as well as an adjacent building. Fire officials said damage to Hazel’s Restaurant was minimal, though the fire did reach the structure. 

New Castle Fire Chief Mike Kobbe said investigators consider the origin of the fire highly questionable. He said police detectives are actively investigating, and a state arson investigator is likely to be called in to assist. 

Kobbe also noted that New Castle has experienced arson cases in the past, including a series of roughly 20 fires between 2012 and 2013 that led to the formation of an arson task force and multiple arrests. 

“The only thing we know for certain is this is very suspicious,” Kobbe said.