Author: Beaver County Radio

PennDOT opens new Drivers License Center in Berks County

(File Photo of PennDOT logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Exeter Township, PA) PennDOT announced on December 19th, 2024 that a new PennDOT Driver’s License Center was opened in Berks County, Pennsylvania to provide transactions for both identifications and driver’s licenses. According to PennDOT secretary Mike Carroll, this center is one of only fifteen across the state of Pennsylvania to leave with a real ID. Carroll also confirmed that May 7th, 2025 is the deadline in which people need to receive a real ID by before traveling. If you do not have a passport along with the real ID, you can not travel at an airport.

PennDOT announces drainage improvement work weather permitting on Darlington Road on Thursday through mid-January

(File Photo: Caption for Photo: PennDOT, PSP, PTC, Construction Industry Highlight National Work Zone Awareness Week)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) PennDOT District 11 announced that on a part of Darlington Road, drainage improvement work will occur weather permitting on Thursday, January 2nd. 

From 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. through mid-January, single-lane alternating traffic will take place on Darlington Road between Parr Avenue and Beaver Street. Crews from A. Liberoni, Inc. will work to repair drainage in the area while flaggers will also guide drivers through the work zone. 

Beaver Valley Choral Society announces trial rehearsals from January through March in New Brighton

(File Photo of the Beaver Valley Choral Society logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(New Brighton, PA) The Beaver Valley Choral Society invites you to attend their trial rehearsals, which begin on Monday, January 6th and Monday January 13th at 7 p.m. at the New Brighton Methodist Church. The rehearsals will continue in that church through the month of March on Mondays beginning at 7 p.m. You do not need to audition or to be a member of the Beaver Valley Choral Society to participate. The young chorus for second through eighth grade will start their rehearsals at the same location on Monday, January 6th. Details will soon be announced regarding rehearsals for members of the Beaver Valley Choral Society.

 

Beaver Falls Police Department releases a statement after a homicide occurred in Beaver Falls

(File Photo of Police Lights)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News, Published on 1/1/2025 at 8:02 A.M., Updated on 1/2/2025 at 8:00 A.M.)

(Beaver Falls, PA) A homicide was ruled the cause of death for a man that was murdered in Beaver Falls on Monday afternoon. The victim was identified by the Beaver County Coroner as forty-eight-year-old Eric Mason, who was shot in the head. Chief David Johnson of the Beaver Falls Police Department sent a press release on Tuesday to address the incident of a person being shot to death in Beaver Falls on Monday afternoon. According to Johnson, police were dispatched to the 200 block of 11th Street at around 2:40 p.m. for the concern of a male victim. The identity of the dead victim is not available yet and no danger was indicated to the community. Johnson states that the Beaver County Detective Bureau and detectives from the Beaver Falls Police Department are part of the investigation. That is all the details we have at this time, and we will have updates as soon as they are available.

Court of Pennsylvania sides with the state after Fulton County’s handling of voting machines after 2020 election

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – Thomas Breth, front, a lawyer for Fulton County, Pa., stands with other county officials and explains that the state Supreme Court had just put their voting machine inspection on hold before it started in McConnellsburg, Pa., Friday, Jan. 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Marc Levy, File)

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A Pennsylvania court on Tuesday ruled 6-1 that the secretary of state has the authority to direct counties not to allow “unauthorized third party access” to voting machines or risk having those machines decertified and unable to be deployed for elections.

The Commonwealth Court said the Department of State does not have to reimburse counties when they decertify machines, a defeat for Fulton County in a dispute that arose after two Republican county commissioners permitted Wake Technology Services Inc. to examine and obtain data from Dominion voting machines in 2021.

That led the state elections agency to issue a directive against such third-party access based on concerns it could compromise security. Fulton’s machines were decertified as a result of the Wake TSI examination and the secretary of state was sued by the county as well as Republican county commissioners Randy Bunch and Stuart Ulsh.

Fulton had argued it had broad authority over the voting machines, while the secretary of state said that “would mean that every county board of elections can do whatever it wants” with electronic voting systems under their authority to inspect elections, “an absurd and unreasonable result,” wrote Judge Renee Cohn Jubelirer for the majority.

She said a 1937 state election law gave county election boards broad power, but state lawmakers amended it “to give the secretary an important role in ensuring statewide consistency and safety” regarding electronic voting systems. The state and local power balance over elections and voting equipment, the majority said, helps “protect and provide for free and fair and secure elections.”

“There is no conflict between those provisions, and it is entirely possible — indeed necessary — for county boards of elections to fulfill their powers and duties while heeding the secretary’s report and directives,” Jubelirer wrote for the majority.

The Department of State issued a statement saying it was pleased with the decision and that the adminstration of Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro “is committed to ensuring the free and secure administration of elections, and today’s decision recognizes that the secretary is empowered to keep voting systems secure from unauthorized third-parties seeking to undermine confidence in Pennsylvania’s elections.”

The Fulton County board, through chief clerk Stacey Shives, declined comment about the decision. Messages seeking comment were left Tuesday for Fulton County’s lawyers, Tom Carroll and Jim Stein.

The officials in Fulton, a 15,000 population county in rural central Pennsylvania, brought in Wake TSI and allowed another outside inspection as part of an effort to find the sort of election fraud that then-President Donald Trump falsely claimed existed after his 2020 reelection loss. Fulton heavily supported Trump in all three of his presidential campaigns. Ulsh is no longer an elected county commissioner.

Fulton replaced the voting machines, which were impounded by the court during the dispute over allowing others to access them.

President-elect Donald Trump will attend Former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – Former President Jimmy Carter teaches Sunday School class at Maranatha Baptist Church in his hometown on Aug. 23, 2015, in Plains, Ga. (AP Photo/David Goldman, File)

PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump said Tuesday that he’s planning to attend the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter.

Asked about it as he walked into a New Year’s Eve party at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, Trump responded, “I’ll be there.” Pressed on whether he’d spoken to members of Carter’s family, Trump said he’d rather not say.

Funeral services honoring Carter, who died Sunday at age 100, will be held in Georgia and Washington, beginning Jan. 4 and concluding Jan. 9.

Trump was a frequent and fierce critic of Carter on the campaign trail ahead of November’s election, using the rising inflation rates of the 1970s to unfavorably compare President Joe Biden to Carter and his administration.

But the president-elect was gracious about the former president in posts on his social media site after Carter’s death Sunday, writing that the nation “owed him a debt of gratitude.”

“While I strongly disagreed with him philosophically and politically, I also realized that he truly loved and respected our Country, and all it stands for,” Trump wrote of Carter. “He worked hard to make America a better place, and for that I give him my highest respect.”

Wearing a tuxedo as he entered the festivities, Trump took a few minutes of questions from reporters on various topics. He was asked about the possibility of a ceasefire in Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza, but said only, “We’re going to see what happens.”

The president-elect added of hostages seized more than a year ago by Hamas, “I’ll put it this way: They better let the hostages come back soon.”

Trump also said he thought 2025 would be a “great year” and “we’re going to do fantastically well as a country.”

“There’s a whole light over the whole world, not just our country. They’re a lot of happy people,” Trump said of recent weeks.

Asked about his resolutions for the new year, Trump said, “I just want everybody to be happy, healthy and well.”

Trump later took the stage to briefly address the crowd ringing in the new year at Mar-a-Lago and promised “to do a great job as your president.”

Biden, for his part, spent New Year’s Eve celebrating the wedding of his niece Missy Owens in Greenville, Delaware, followed by the reception in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Biden and first lady Jill Biden cut short their traditional holiday trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands to attend the ceremony.

Darrell Eugene Johnson (1952-2024)

Darrell Eugene Johnson, 72, of New Brighton, passed away on December 26th, 2024 surrounded by his family.

He was born in New Brighton on February 15th, 1952, a son of the late Eugene and Geraldine Johnson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife and “one in a million” Melanie Ann, his brothers Randall, Robert and Douglas and his father-in-law and mother-in-law Jerold and Margaret Nestor. He is survived by his son Josh and Jessica Johnson of Gorham, Maine, daughter Lindsay Johnson of New Brighton, two grandsons Toren Jace and Tycen William, sisters Yvonne (Bunny)Stinson of Round Rock, Texas, Kimberly (Tom) McKelvey of Beaver Falls and Kelly (Karl) Martin of Pinehurst, North Carolina, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Kevin and Natalie Nestor of Fort Worth, Texas and many nieces and nephews. Darrell proudly served as the godfather of Elizabeth (Matthew) Turner and Isaiah Aaron Usselman. He is also survived by lifelong friends Jimmy and Andi Usselman and Tim Bable.

Darrell was a graduate of Beaver Falls High School Class of 1970. He worked at Standard Steel in West Mayfield before retirement. He was a faithful member of the Beaver Falls Christian Assembly and Tabernacle Baptist Church in Beaver Falls. He was a member of the Lions Club in Beaver Falls. One of his greatest joys was being able to coach youth sports in New Brighton.

Throughout his life, Darrell’s faith grew stronger, providing comfort and direction. He was a testament to the enduring power of Christian beliefs. He embraced all people with open arms, never judging anyone and offering support and encouragement to those in need.

Friends will be received on Monday, January 6th, 2025 from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. at Pathway Church, 239 Braun Rd, Beaver Falls, where a service will be held Tuesday, January 7th, 2025 at 10 AM.  Rev. Dale Russo and Rev. Dwight Banks will officiate.

Professional services were handled by Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls.

The Johnson family would like to thank the staff at Rochester Manor and Advanced Hospice for the love, care and compassion they gave to Darrell.  A special thanks to Mia, who’s unwavering dedication and compassionate care brought immeasurable joy and comfort to Darrell during his final days.  Their bond was a source of great joy and comfort for Darrell and his family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made, if desired, to Beaver Falls Christian Assembly, 814 Lincoln Place Beaver Falls, PA 15010 or Tabernacle Baptist Church 630 3rd Avenue Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

Cheryl Lynne Greiner (1956-2024)

Cheryl Lynne Greiner, 68, of Chippewa Township, passed away on December 24th, 2024 after a four-year long battle with cancer.

She was born in Youngwood, Pennsylvania on June 27th, 1956, the daughter of Joan Henderson and the late James Henderson. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband David Greiner, brother Jim Henderson, sons Michael and Matthew Greiner, her beloved bonus daughters Nicole Greiner (Michael) and Cate Connor (Matthew) and grandchildren Wylder, Tillman and Leif Greiner. Cheryl and her brother James “Jimmy” Henderson attended and graduated Hempfield High School.  Following High School, Cheryl went on to study early childhood education at Seton Hill University.

In 1979, Cheryl met the love of her life, David M. Greiner (a younger man), in Baden, PA.  Later married in 1985, Cheryl and Dave went on to have two sons, Michael and Matthew Greiner and established their family home in Chippewa.

Cheryl’s love of children led her to teaching at Mt. Olive Christian Preschool in Chippewa for over 20 years, touching the lives of countless children in the Beaver County region.  She loved seeing her “Preschool kids” grow and mature in the community.  During the Christmas season, Cheryl and Dave still display the hundreds of gifts and memorabilia accrued over the years gifted to her by her loving preschool students.

After Cheryl finished teaching, she started her most important job yet and was promoted to “Meme G”, the grandmother of 3 beautiful grandchildren, Wylder, Tillman and Leif.  In addition to being the ultimate grandmother, Cheryl loved spending time in her flower beds and was unofficially nicknamed the neighborhood green thumb.  Cheryl also enjoyed making delicious Sunday dinners for her loving husband, children, and grandchildren. During moments of quiet time, you could find Cheryl relaxing by turning the pages of a great book. Cheryl was always full of love, positive energy, and a beautiful smile.

Meme has always been a faithful servant of our Lord, Jesus Christ. In these last years of trials, her faith has only strengthened. She departed this world with a full life and a full heart.

A church service will be held at Chippewa United Methodist Church, 2545 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls, on Saturday, January 11th, 2025 at 11 a.m.  A celebration of life will follow at the Church’s Fellowship Hall at the conclusion of the church service at 12 noon. Cheryl expressed her wishes for everyone who has shared a moment in time with her to attend the church service and celebration of life!

A big thank you goes to the staff and the fellow warriors at the Hillman Cancer Center, Cheryl’s friends, and her beloved family!

In lieu of flowers, Cheryl and family requests donations be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Gabauer-Funeral Homes.

Fracking permits challenged by Pennsylvania group

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE—In this file photo from March 12, 2020, work continues at a shale gas well drilling site in St. Mary’s, Pa. Pennsylvania attorney general Josh Shapiro is scheduled to release results on Thursday June 25, 2020 of a grand jury investigation into natural gas hydraulic fracturing. The fracking process has raised environmental concerns while turning the state into a major energy producer. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File)

(Reported by Danielle Smith of Keystone News Service)

(Penn Township, PA) A nonprofit group is challenging permits for the construction and operation of fracking wells in western Pennsylvania’s Penn Township. A hearing set for January 15th will examine whether the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection lawfully issued drilling permits to Apex Energy. Attorney Lisa Johnson, who represents the group Protect P-T, short for ‘Penn-Trafford,’ says it’s been a years-long fight to block the Drakulic Well project, for its proximity to homes and an elementary school. Johnson says the case underscores the importance of Pennsylvania’s Environmental Rights Amendment, which protects citizens’ rights to clean air and pure water. In 2023, the state partnered with CNX Resources, which acquired Apex Energy, to boost transparency in fracking, including chemical disclosures and expanded no-drill zones near homes, schools and hospitals, to better address health and environmental concerns.

Coroner called to South Beaver residence, sources say 2 dead

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published December 31, 2024 5:30 P.M.

(South Beaver Township, Pa) The coroner was called to a residence on Gill Drive in South Beaver Township Tuesday afternoon.

Sources say two people were found dead in a garage as a result of gunshot wounds, although authorities have not yet made an official statement to Beaver County Radio.

State Police and investigators remained on scene as of 4:45pm.

We have no further details at this time.

Updated by Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News, Updated on January 2nd, 2025 at 8:14 A.M.

A male and a female died at the scene at a Gill Drive garage and were found before 3 p.m. on Tuesday. The female died from multiple gunshot wounds and the
male died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.  Out of respect to the families, we are not reporting the names of the dead individuals. Pennsylvania State Police are continuing to investigate this incident. This is a developing story, and we will have updates as soon as they are available.