Author: Beaver County Radio

Jon A. Dicks (1975-2026)

Jon A. Dicks, 50, of Beaver, passed away unexpectedly on January 14th, 2026.

He was born in East Liverpool, Ohio on February 14th, 1975, a son of Monica Aukscunas Dicks and the late James B. Dicks. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Jennifer Rice Dicks, his step-father, David Hapach, his brother, James N. (Melissa) Dicks, his sister, Shaine Dicks (Benjamin) Debevec and his nephew, Wyatt Dicks.

Jon was a boilermaker by trade.

Friends will be received on Friday, January 23rd from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jon A. Dicks, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Man seen in “viral” video using racial slurs at woman in Rostraver Township Walmart under investigation

(File Photo of Police Siren Lights)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Rostraver Township, PA) A man that was seen in a video using racial slurs at a woman at the Walmart in Rostraver Township is under investigation. According to a news release yesterday from Pennsylvania State Police, the original investigation of the “viral video” was handled by the Rostraver Township Police Department, but has since been referred to the state police’s Criminal Investigation Unit. In the video, a man with a cellphone went up to a woman shopping at Walmart, asking her personal questions about her finances and using racial slurs. The man used the insulting word that starts with the letter N as well as other racial slurs in the video. The woman who reported the incident to law enforcement is also an immigrant from Liberia who runs a grocery store in Charleroi. She told KDKA that she is willing to let the matter go, saying the man later came to her store and left an apology note.  Anyone with additional information regarding the case can contact the state police in Belle Vernon at 724-929-6262.   

Residential structure fire occurs in Whitaker Borough of Allegheny County

(File Photo of a Fire Background)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Pittsburgh reported via release today that a residential structure fire occurred in Allegheny County on Sunday. This happened in Whitaker Borough at approximately 10:36 a.m. in the 1300 block of River Road. Seven victims were affected and one adult man was transported via ambulance to a local hospital with suspected minor injuries for treatment. An investigation into this incident is ongoing and the State Police Troop B Fire Marshal is leading the investigation. Anyone with information about this incident should call PSP Pittsburgh at 412-299-1607.

Pittsburgh Police looking for man who slashed Israeli flag outside a home in the Mexican War Streets neighborhood

(Photos Below and Headline Photo Courtesy of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Pittsburgh Police are asking for help to identify a man they say used a knife to slash an Israeli flag outside a home in the city’s Mexican War Streets neighborhood. This incident happened along Buena Vista Street. According to police, a man with long hair is accused of driving a white pick-up truck and parking it near the home around 7 p.m. on the evening of Saturday, January 17th. Police said the man got out of the truck with a knife and slashed the flag before ruining it and leaving the area. Anyone that has information about this incident is asked to call Zone 1 at 412-323-7201 and ask for plainclothes detectives. His picture can also be found below:

Police: Wanted man apprehended after jumping out of window of house and being tased by officers in the Spring Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh

(File Photo of Handcuffs)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) A man is now in custody after police say he jumped out of a window to avoid them in the Spring Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Officers were called yesterday to the 2100 block of Rhine Street at 7:45 a.m. for reports of a domestic situation. According to police, a man who was involved had an existing arrest warrant and refused to open the door when they arrived and he jumped out of a window eventually at the house and ran away. Officers then followed him on foot and caught up with him at the intersection of Gershon Street and Royal Street 45 minutes later. Officers stated that the man was tased before he was taken into custody. He then received medical attention at a hospital before being moved to the Allegheny County Jail. The suspect is twenty-four-year-old Jason Owens of Duquesne. Owens was arraigned early this morning and he is also accused of kicking a doctor in the chest after he was taken into custody. 

Duquesne Light Company increasing staffing because of this week’s cold weather

(File Photo of the Duquesne Light Company Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Duquesne Light Company (DLC) is now increasing staffing due to the cold temperatures this week. DLC states that power outages are not expected but they still want customers to be prepared; therefore, they confirm that you should have all your important electronic devices charged ahead of time. DLC also encourages their customers to prepare an emergency kit with non-perishable food, medication and other essentials. An alternate source of heat can also be available if possible. 

Tom Young Talks about Following and Finding Your Star

(Brighton Twp., Pa.) Tune today at 10:05 AM, Tom Young from 1st Consultants, Inc. in Beaver will join Frank Sparks on “Driving in The Fastlane”.

This month Tom will discuss “Following and Finding your Star”.

You can participate in the show by calling 724-843-1888 or 724-774-1888. You can also ask your questions on Facebook Live.

Click the picture below on Tuesday’s showtime of 10:10 A.M. to be directed to the WBVP and WMBA Facebook page where the special multi media simulcast will be streamed on Facebook Live.

Give blood or platelets now to prevent a winter blood shortage and possibly win a trip to the Super Bowl

(File Photo of the American Red Cross Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania is now urging people in Pennsylvania to make an appointment to give blood or platelets this month because they are on a shortage of blood this winter.  Donors that have types O, A negative and B negative blood are especially needed and those who give between January 1st-25th, 2026 will be entered automatically for a chance to win a trip to Super Bowl LX (60) and an exciting experience for the event in Santa Clara, California this year. More information about this giveaway can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl by clicking here.

According to a release from the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania, here is more information about how you can make an appointment to donate blood or platelets:

How to donate blood

  • Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
  • Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

Local America250PA kickoff events getting ready to launch

(File Photo of the American Flag)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) This year is the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. Cassandra Coleman, the executive director of America250PA, will visit both Beaver and Lawrence counties on Sunday, January 25th to launch the local celebration. This involved the state of Pennsylvania putting on a commitment to visit all of its counties, which started on Friday. The Beaver County Courthouse’s meeting room in Beaver will host their kickoff event for America250PA this Sunday starting at 4:15 p.m. and the New Castle Public Library will host Lawrence County’s event for that celebration on the same day at 6:30 p.m. 

UPDATE: Police Say Victim Lied and Shot Himself Accidently In Beaver Falls Sunday Night Incident

(File Photo of Beaver Falls Police Crusier)

Story by Beaver County Radio Staff at 7:54 AM 1/20/26
(Beaver Falls, Pa.) Beaver County Radio’s Curtis Walsh originally reported that Beaver Falls Police were involved in an investigation on 5th Avenue between 17th Street and 18th Street in Beaver Falls Sunday night shortly after 11pm.
Beaver Falls Police Chief David Johnson issued an update via release late Monday that stated officers were dispatched to the area of 18th Street and 5th Ave. at 10 PM Sunday night for a report of a male being treated for a gunshot wound to the hand.  On arrival the victim stated to officers that an unknown person in a vehicle fired a single shot from the window of the vehicle and fled the area.
Through investigation it was determined that the victim lied to police and that he actually shot himself in the hand while playing with a loaded firearm. Chief Johnson said that the investigation is still ongoing and no other information is available at this time.