Cynthia L. Wallace (1958-2026)

Cynthia L. Wallace, 67, of Beaver Falls, formally of New Brighton, passed away on May 11th, 2026. She was born on June 2nd, 1958. She is survived by her daughter, Jackie Willis, her son, Brian Willis, her sister, Bonnie Wallace, 7 nephews and 1 niece.

Cynthia was Protestant by faith and was a retired care-giver with Blair’s Nursing Home.

A memorial service for Cynthia will take place at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester.

She will be interred in the Wallace Cemetery in New Brighton.

James M. “Jim” Clonan, Jr. (1948-2026)

James M. “Jim” Clonan Jr., 78, of Brighton Township, passed away peacefully on May 7th, 2026.

He was born in Pittsburgh on March 23rd, 1948, the beloved son of the late James M. Clonan Sr. and Virginia (Skiba) Clonan.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jill (Sisley) Clonan, whom he cherished deeply throughout their years together. He is survived by his children, Brian Clonan, Courtney (Matt) Dalessandro and Brooke (James) Meininger, his grandchildren: Adelle and Agnes Clonan, Devon (Amber) Cuda and Edie, Eliot and Kai Dalessandro; as well as Presley, Margot, Penny, and James Meininger; along with his beloved dog, “Chiweenie,” his breakfast club buddies, and his extended family and friends.

James was a proud United States veteran who served during the Vietnam War. He honorably served his country with courage and pride. Following his military service, he dedicated his life to caring for others as a registered nurse, a profession he carried out with kindness and compassion. He was also deeply proud of his Lawrenceville roots, his time as a Morningside Bulldog, an outstanding athlete in his younger days, and as an alumnus of Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh. He loved chatting and reminiscing, mostly about his kids’ antics, over a good cup of coffee. He was a captivating storyteller, an avid fisherman, and had a wonderful sense of humor. He carried life’s struggles heavily but remained steadfast and unwavering in his strong faith.

In accordance with James’ wishes, there will be no formal services. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

Inurnment will be private at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville.

The GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, was honored to care for James and his family during this difficult time.

These local ice cream shops will cool you down when the summer heats up

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Punks Ice Cream Shoppe, Posted on Facebook on May 10th, 2026, Photo of the Punks Ice Cream Shoppe Sign in Baden)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) Summer weather means it’s time for ice cream, and local shops are serving up everything from classic vanilla and chocolate to creative seasonal flavors. According to the Beaver County Times, here is a short list of shops to visit to satisfy your sweet tooth:

Pennsylvania legislators push package of electric affordability bills

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – Wind turbines stand in fields near Palm Springs, Calif, March 22, 2023. Electricity generated from renewables surpassed coal in the United States for the first time in 2022, the U.S. Energy Information Administration announced Monday, March 27, 2023. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, File)

(Reported by Danielle Smith, Keystone News Service)

(Harrisburg, PA) As electricity costs are expected to rise this summer, Democratic lawmakers in the Pennsylvania House are advancing a package of bills to lower energy costs. Lawmakers say one in five households in the state has difficulty paying monthly utility bills. Representative Elizabeth Fiedler, who chairs the House Energy Committee, says the six-bill package is designed to ease financial pressure on families. She points out these affordability bills would help people feel less financially strained.  Fiedler’s bill, House Bill 2223, has already passed unanimously. It would require utility companies to upgrade existing transmission lines before building new infrastructure, a move supporters say could prevent higher costs for customers.

New Castle woman charged after two-vehicle crash in Lawrence County

(File Photo of Police Siren Lights)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Lawrence County, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in New Castle reported that a 54-year-old New Castle woman was charged following a two-vehicle crash Tuesday in Lawrence County.

According to police, Lesley Kerr was turning left from East Maitland Lane onto Lakewood Neshannock Falls Road in Hickory Township at about 1:32 p.m. when her vehicle struck another car.

Police said the other vehicle was driven by John Pauline, 91, of New Castle, who was stopped at a stop sign at the time of the crash.

No injuries were reported.

PennDOT Honors Local Employees for Innovation

(File Photo of the PennDOT Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) PennDOT recognized employees this month with Innovation Awards honoring projects aimed at improving efficiency and operations across the department.

According to PennDOT, two employees from District 11 — which includes Allegheny, Beaver and Lawrence Counties — were among the award recipients.

PennDOT said the annual awards program recognizes employee-developed ideas and practices intended to improve department operations, safety and services.

Officials said recipients were honored during a department ceremony earlier this month.

PUC Releases Final Order Establishing First-of-Its-Kind Large Load Model Tariff Framework

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has issued a final order establishing a new tariff framework for large electricity users, including expanding data centers. 

According to the commission, the framework is intended to address growing electricity demand while limiting impacts on existing utility customers. 

The final order follows a vote during the commission’s April 30 public meeting adopting a modified framework for large-load customers after more than a year of hearings, stakeholder input, public comments and technical review. 

Jamaican National Sentenced to 4.5 Years in Prison for Role in International Lottery Scam Targeting Elderly

(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Tajay Singh, 29, of Montego Bay, Jamaica, has been sentenced to 54 months in federal prison for his role in a lottery scam that targeted elderly victims, according to U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti. 

Federal prosecutors said Singh, a resident of St. James Parish in Jamaica, was convicted of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud and money laundering. 

According to evidence presented in court, the scheme operated from January 2021 through October 2023. 

Investigators said conspirators contacted elderly victims and falsely told them they had won a lottery prize but first needed to pay taxes and fees to claim the winnings. 

After victims sent the money, prosecutors said, they never received any prize money. 

Authorities said the conspiracy used bank accounts opened in victims’ names, wire transfers, ATM withdrawals in Jamaica and purchases of physical goods to carry out and conceal the fraud scheme. 

Butler Felon Sentenced to Prison for Possession of Firearm

(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Robert Schatzman, 21, of Butler, has been sentenced to 20 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm, according to U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti. 

Federal prosecutors said law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Schatzman’s home in April 2025 and recovered a Glock pistol from an air vent in his bedroom. 

Authorities said Schatzman had previously been convicted of robbery in Lawrence County Court of Common Pleas, making it illegal under federal law for him to possess a firearm or ammunition. 

Chris Deluzio, Chris Murphy Introduce Bill to Kick Private Equity Out of Kids’ Sports and Stop the Ripoffs

(File Photo of Congressman Chris Deluzio)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Washington, D.C.) Congressman Chris Deluzio and U.S. Senator Chris Murphy introduced legislation Wednesday aimed at limiting the role of private equity firms in youth sports programs. 

The proposed “Let Kids Play Act” would prohibit private equity ownership in youth sports organizations, according to the lawmakers’ offices. 

U.S. Senator Cory Booker is co-leading the bill in the Senate. 

Supporters of the legislation said the measure is intended to address rising participation costs for youth sports programs.