Author: Beaver County Radio

American Red Cross asks you to TEST your smoke alarms as you TURN your clocks back this weekend

(File Photo of the American Red Cross Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Sunday, November 2nd is when daylight-saving time in 2025 ends, and the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania is encouraging Pennsylvanians to test their smoke alarms to make sure their devices are working as they turn their clocks back. According to a release from the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania, here are some tips for fire safety and smoke alarms and information for more assistance for either installing smoke alarms or if you cannot afford one:

Smoke Alarms

When turning your clocks back this weekend, test your smoke alarms and replace the batteries if needed. Visit redcross.org/fire by clicking here for more information, which includes an escape plan to create and practice with your family, or download the free Red Cross Emergency app by searching “American Red Cross” in app stores.

  • Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas.
  • Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. Components such as sensors can become less sensitive over time. Follow your alarm’s manufacturer instructions.
  • Practice your two-minute home fire escape plan. Make sure everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes — the amount of time you may have to escape a burning home before it’s too late.
  • Include at least two ways to get out of every room and select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or a landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone can meet.

If You Need Help

AAA Offers “Fall Back” Driving Tips as Daylight Saving Time Ends

(File Photo of someone texting while driving)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The end of Daylight Saving Time in 2025 is on Sunday, Novmber 2nd and motorists will receive challenges that could impact the safety of pedestrians even with the extra hour of sleep. A report from the National Sleep Foundation confirms that drivers that are sleep-deprived cause over 6,400 deaths and 50,000 debilitating injuries on American roadways each year. According to a release from AAA East Central, they recommend some tips for both motorists and pedestrians to prepare for potential problems associated with changes in sleep patterns, brighter morning commutes, and darker evening commutes:

Tips for motorists:

  • Get plenty of rest. Symptoms of drowsy driving can include having trouble keeping your eyes open, drifting from lanes, or not remembering the last few miles driven.
  • Watch for deer. November and December are peak months for deer-vehicle collisions. Don’t forget – your clock has changed, but theirs has not.
  • Get some shades. Wear high-quality sunglasses and adjust the car’s sun visors as needed to avoid glare in the morning.
  • Change driving habits. Reduce speeds and increase following distances, especially in more populated areas.
  • Ditch the distractions. This can include cell phones, infotainment systems, or clocks that need to be turned back an hour.
  • Use the headlights. This can make you more visible to pedestrians in the morning and evening.
  • Remember to yield. Pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks. Also, don’t pass vehicles stopped at crosswalks. Remember to yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks.

Tips for pedestrians:

  • Cross only at intersections or crosswalks. Look left, right and left again and only cross when it is clear. Do not jaywalk or cross between parked cars.
  • Use the sidewalk. If you have to walk on the road, be sure to walk facing traffic.
  • Dress brightly. Wear bright or reflective clothing if you are walking or biking near traffic at night. Consider carrying a flashlight.
  • Avoid distracted walking. This includes looking at your phone, wearing headphones, or listening to music.
  • Bike smartly. Bicycle lights are a must-have item for safe night riding, especially during the winter months when it gets darker earlier.

Daylight Saving Time of 2025 Ends: Turn Your Clocks Back One Hour!

(File Photo of Daylight Saving Time Picture Titled Don’t Forget to Fall Back)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) At 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 2nd, Daylight Saving Time of 2025 will end. That means that those in Beaver County and beyond need to turn their clocks back by one hour on Sunday, or “fall” back during this fall. Daylight Saving Time this year began back on March 9th, 2025, when people needed to “spring” their clocks forward by one hour in the spring.

AAA: There’s No “Trick” to their Tips for Halloween Safety

(File Photo of AAA East Central Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) According to a release from AAA East Central, they are advising parents and motorists to take some extra precautions on Halloween this year to keep everyone safe. Pedestrians and motorists are at risk during Halloween, which is also one of the most dangerous nights of the year for children consistently. A report from The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration confirms that the holiday is one of the top three days for pedestrian injuries and fatalities, and an estimation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows children are four times more likely to be struck by a motor vehicle than on any other day of the year. According to that same release from AAA East Central, here are some Halloween tips AAA East Central recommends for both motorists and trick-or-treaters:

Tips for Motorists on Halloween: 

  • Designate a sober driver in advance. Select a designated driver or ensure that a cab, a ride-share, or car service is available.  Never ride with a driver who has been drinking.
  • Consider an overnight stay.  If attending a party at a friend’s home, consider asking to stay overnight.
  • Do not let impaired guests drive. If hosting a party, remind guests to plan ahead and designate a sober driver, offer alcohol-free beverages, and do not allow impaired guests to drive.
  • Drive at least 5 mph below the posted speed limit.  According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, a pedestrian is more than twice as likely to be killed if they are hit by a car traveling at 35 mph, compared to 25 mph.
  • Look for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.  This particularly applies during popular trick-or-treating hours, from 5:30 – 9 p.m. Use extra caution when entering or exiting driveways or alleys.

Tips for Trick-or-Treaters:

  • Stay together.  AAA recommends that parents accompany young trick-or-treaters at least until the age of 12.
  • Choose costumes wisely. Choose costumes wisely.  Make sure your child is visible by selecting a light-colored costume, or by adding reflective tape.  Choose disguises that don’t obstruct vision and opt for non-toxic face paint instead of masks. Check and adjust the length of costumes to avoid tripping.
  • Review trick-or-treating precautions, including pedestrian and traffic safety rules.  Plan and discuss the route your trick-or-treaters will follow.  Teach children to stop only at well-lit houses and never to enter a stranger’s home or garage.
  • Always walk on sidewalks, if available.  If there are no sidewalks, walk as far to the left of the road as possible, facing traffic.  Give everyone a glow stick or flashlight to help them see and be seen by drivers.
  • Cross streets only at the corner, and never between parked cars or mid-block.  Look left, right, and left again, and be sure approaching cars come to a full stop before stepping into the roadway.

Olga S. Cavalier (1948-2025)

Olga S. Cavalier, 77, of Monaca, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 27, 2025, in a local skilled nursing facility after spending the past year receiving care.

She was born in Germany in 1948, a daughter of her loving Ukrainian parents, Walter and Sonia (Klaban) Sluzynsky. Olga immigrated with her parents to the United States at the tender age of two and found her family’s new roots in Aliquippa.

Olga was a proud graduate of Aliquippa High School, class of 1966. Her thirst for knowledge led her to further her education at Robert Morris University, laying the groundwork for a successful career. Olga devoted many years of service as a medical secretary at Sewickley Hospital, where she supported the medical records and pathology departments with unwavering dedication.

Her personal life was filled with love, though marked by the loss of her dear parents and her spouses, Joseph William Rusnak and Anthony Cavalier. Olga’s legacy continues through her beloved daughter Jen Rusnak, her caring sister Joanna (late Dana) Holland, her brother Steve (Connie) Sluzynsky and fiancee Robert Davidson. She was an aunt to Meghan Sluzynsky Dellas, Mark (Tammy) Holland, Christopher (Kate) Holland, and Steven Sluzynsky, and great aunt to William and Christopher Holland, along with her great-niece Grace Holland.

Olga’s passions extended beyond her professional endeavors. She was an avid sports fan, her enthusiasm spanning from the thrill of football at every level to the excitement of March Madness basketball. In her later years, Olga discovered a love for golf, embracing the sport with the same zeal she brought to all her pursuits.

Olga was a devout member of St. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Aliquippa and a member of the St. Helene Guild of the church. She was also a member of the Monaca American Legion Post 580 Auxiliary and the Beaver Valley Sportsman Club, where she formed many lasting friendships.

Friends will be received on Friday, Oct 31st from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where a Parastas service will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, October 31st, and where prayers will be offered on Saturday, November 1st at 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at St Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, 2001 Main Street, Aliquippa. Entombment will follow in Mt Olivet Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum, 2186 Broadhead Road, Aliquippa.

Memorial contributions may be made to in Olga’s name to St Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, 2001 Main Street, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Olga, please visit the floral store of Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services by clicking here.

Nancy Jane Caler (1929-2025)

Nancy Jane Caler, 95, formerly of Greene Township, Pennsylvania, passed away on October 25th, 2025. She was born on December 6th, 1929, a daughter of the late Mary Juanita and William Arthur McCoy. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, George Morgan Caler, her sisters, Alda Glover and Elizabeth Terwilliger and her daughter, Lori Jill (Robert) Zimmerman.

She is survived by her sisters, Marjorie Geisel and Edith Hughes, her children, George Jeffrey (Susan) Caler, Jerry Ray (Laura) Caler, Lona Jayne (David) Kapanka, 13 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.

Nancy loved the Lord, her family, and helping those in need. She was active in her church, hosted Bible studies in her home, volunteered faithfully in her community, and loved tending to her house, her bluebirds, her German Shepherds, her raspberries, and her roses. Her greatest blessings were her children, her “priceless” grandchildren, and “precious” great grandchildren.

Friends are invited to a viewing from 10 a.m. until the time of a funeral service at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 4th at First Presbyterian Church, 252 College Avenue, Beaver, with interment following at 2 p.m. at Mill Creek Hill Cemetery in Hookstown.

In lieu of flowers – to Samaritan’s Purse www.samaritanspurse.org, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, N.C. 28607.

Kathleen Diane McFarland (1970-2025)

Kathleen Diane McFarland, 55, of Beaver Falls, passed away on October 28th, 2025, at Allegheny Health Netowrk Wexford Hospital. She was born in Aliquippa on April 14th, 1970, a daughter of Robert “Cecil” Brunton and the late Virginia Donovan Brunton. In addition to her father, she is survived by her husband, David McFarland, her son, Ryan Brunton, her grandson, Logan Brunton, her brother, Robert Brunton, her sisters, Sue and Shari Brunton and her 2 dogs and 3 cats. Kathleen worked as a Beautician for many years and recently spent some time working for the Beaver County Humane Society Thrift Store. She enjoyed gardening, arts and crafts, and most of all, spending time with her grandson, Logan. There will be a memorial service on Sunday, November 2nd, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements. There will be a party following the service at Beaver Brewing Company, 1820 7th Avenue, Beaver Falls. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001 or AHN Cancer Institute.

Tracy A. (Davidson) Bland (1961-2025)

Tracy A. (Davidson) Bland, 64, of Aliquippa, passed away on October 27th, 2025. She was born on March 29th, 1961, a beloved daughter of the late Lola Davidson. In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by a son, Lamar Seymour, three sisters and two brothers. She is survived by her devoted husband of 31 years, Richard Bland Sr., her children, Laconia (Tina) and Latoya, her daughter-in-law, Deonha Seymour, her grandchildren: Laconia IV, Selena, Sedrick, Anthony, Lamar Jr., Damar, Amaree, McKye, Marquel, and Mekhi; as well as great-grandchildren, Geonna (GG), Kyro and Little Tracy.

Tracy proudly served her country as a soldier and leader in the United States Army. She cherished weekend drives with her husband, Richard. The two met during a dance at Fort Eustis, Virginia, where Richard first fell in love with Tracy’s children, deepening his love for her even more. Known for her honesty and strength, she was a straight shooter who always spoke the truth, offering words that people needed to hear, whether they were ready for them or not.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 4th, from 3-7 P.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements. Tracy’s burial will take place at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville, at a later date.

Police investigating incident of car getting stolen from a delivery driver near the University of Pittsburgh campus

(File Photo of Police Siren Lights)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Police are currently investigating an incident in which a delivery driver had his car stolen yesterday evening while dropping off food along Fifth Avenue in Oakland near Pitt’s campus. The report came in just before 6:30 p.m. The delivery driver told police he exited his car when two men in black hooded sweatshirts wearing black masks approached the vehicle. Police confirm one of the two men escaped in the stolen car and the other man left the scene on foot. Anyone with information should call either Pitt Police or Pittsburgh Police.

Robinson Resolution Recognizing 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps Adopted by the Pennsylvania Senate

(Photo of Senator Devlin Robinson’s U.S. Marine Corps Headshot Provided with Release Courtesy of the Senate Republican Communications Office)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) According to a release from the Senate Republican Communications office, the Pennsylvania Senate voted on Tuesday to adopt Senator Devlin Robinson’s resolution designating November 10th, 2025, as Marine Corps Day in Pennsylvania in honor of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States Marine Corps. This resolution commemorates the 250th anniversary of the establishment of the Marine Corps and reaffirms the deep historical connection that Pennsylvania has to its founding. A ceremony will also be hosted by Senator Robinson on November 18th, at 9 a.m. in the rotunda of the Pennsylvania Capitol building in Harrisburg to celebrate the 250th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps and will have guest speakers, historic Marine Corps artwork and the ceremonial cake cutting. A livestream of that event will be available at www.senatorrobinson.com which you can go to by clicking here.