Voters will break 101-101 deadlock with special election for Pennsylvania House vacancy

(File Photo: Source for Photo: This combo of phots shows Republican state Rep. candidate Chuck Davis left, on Friday, March 14, 2025, in Clairton, Pa.; and Democrat state Rep. candidate Dan Goughnour in McKeesport, Pa., on Thursday, March 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Voters in a western Pennsylvania district will determine Tuesday if Democrats will hold onto a bare one-vote majority and keep control of the state House of Representatives.

The chamber has been tied at 101 to 101 since incumbent Rep. Matt Gergely, an Allegheny Democrat, died in January.

A Democratic win would keep Speaker Joanna McClinton of Philadelphia as the chamber’s presiding officer. But if Republicans pull off a win in the Democratic-leaning district, they will be able to replace McClinton and install their own members as committee chairs.

The race will provide a glimpse of voter sentiment in the state that Republican President Donald Trump won narrowly in November. Democratic nominee Kamala Harris easily won the state House district last year and a GOP flip would be a major upset.

The special election pits Democrat Dan Goughnour against Republican Chuck Davis. Goughnour is a police officer who supervises detectives and serves on the school board in McKeesport. Davis is a fire chief who also serves as president of the White Oak Borough Council.

There’s also a special election on Tuesday for a vacancy in the state Senate created when Sen. Ryan Aument, a Lancaster Republican, quit to take a job working for U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick. Republican Lancaster County Commissioner Josh Parsons is running against Democrat James Andrew Malone, the mayor of East Petersburg. No matter which candidate wins, the Republican majority in the state Senate will not change.

Beaver Falls High School will perform “Tuck Everlasting” this week for their 2025 high school musical

(File Photo of Beaver Falls Senior High School)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver Falls, PA) Beaver Falls High School will perform “Tuck Everlasting” this week as their 2025 high school musical. The story from the Natalie Babbitt novel follows a girl named Winnie Foster, an eleven-year-old who makes a life-changing decision after meeting the Tuck family who has the gift of living forever. Showtimes are at 7 p.m. on both Friday, March 28th and Saturday, March 29th and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 30th. Tickets that are reserved are worth $10. It costs $5 for student tickets and $8 for general admission tickets. You can either purchase tickets at the door of the high school or visit the link to below buy tickets online.

Click here to buy tickets online. Ludus – Beaver Falls High School Musical

Children not told to wear coats and tunnel repairs discussed at New Brighton School Board meeting

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published March 24, 2025 9:15 P.M.

(New Brighton, Pa) The New Brighton School Board heard the report on an audit of the district finances to start off their meeting Monday evening. It was revealed that the district has been doing well financially in recent years.

Superintendant Dr. Joseph Gaurino noted that Covid funding was helpful over the past few years but the district was wise not to use that money for regular recurring expenses. Some of that funding was instead used for building repairs such as for the HVAC systems.

Guarino also noted that their cafeteria fund has been profitable enough to fund cafeteria equipment replacement for the district without affecting the standard budget.

During the public comment section of the meeting, the board heard concerns from parents regarding safety and communication.

Middle school students recently walked to the high school to see a demonstration of the high school musical. One parent said that their child was endangered because they did not wear a coat for the walk and nobody from the district told them to do so.

The parent would like to see a policy put in place to ensure that children are properly dressed for weather conditions when going outdoors. It was also noted that children allegedly thought they were only going to the gym.

Another parent added that they also were not informed that the walk would be taking place. They said they would have expected to sign a permission slip to allow such an activity.

The board acknowledged the concerns but did not comment.

Also on the agenda was the approval of bids for a repair project on the district tunnel. The high school and elementary have a tunnel that connects them underground for multiple uses and in recent years has seen additional use for elementary student pick up.

The tunnel was inspected recently and it was revealed that it does not have any structural issues, although leaks have been an ongoing problem. HVAC and electrical issues are also to be repaired.

Most notably though, a more proper entrance and canopy will be installed on the outside entrance to the tunnel, where the elementary pick up takes place. A concrete stairway will also be removed from this area.

The project will cost around 2.1 million dollars and is set to start in early June.

Anita L. Mancinetti (1942-2025)

Anita Mancinetti, 82, passed away on March 23rd, 2025 at the Good Samaritan Hospice. She was born in Sewickley on June 13th, 1942, the third precious daughter of the late Samuel and Louise (Napolitan) Mancinetti. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Darrell Kennedy and her nephew, Mike Kennedy. She is survived by her sisters, Patricia Kosis (Don) of Tempe, Arizona, Mary Lou Kennedy of Raccoon Township and Leah Lesak (Gerald) of Ambridge, her nieces and nephews: Karen Hanson (Jim), Donna Kosis, Donald Kosis, Jr. (LaNelle) and Susan Onofrey, Jeffrey Kennedy (Joni), Timothy Kennedy(Dana) and Christopher Kennedy (Dijah), Matthew Lesak(Samantha) and Zachary Lesak, and many great nieces and nephews, many lifelong friends: Mary, Blanche, Donna, Carolyn and Ron, Marie, Rosemary, Marsha, Catherine, Mimi and Greg, Pat, Karen, and many others too numerous to mention. She resided in Ambridge for most of her life. As a child, Anita was determined in many ways. Once she set her mind to something, it was her way or the highway.

Anita attended St. Veronica Schools and graduated from the High School in 1960. Following graduation, she decided to attend Sewickley Valley Hospital School of Nursing (oops…wrong career choice.) After that experience, came her career in finance.  She worked at Andy Guard Plastics and from there moved on to Mellon Bank. Starting as a teller, she eventually worked her way up to the “Platform”. Anita was at Mellon for 30 years. During her entire time at Mellon, she balanced to the penny, more days than not!

Anita’s post Mellon career began as a volunteer for the Sisters of St. Joseph doing data entry. She was then hired to work in the finance office.  She was a member of St Veronica Catholic Church (now Good Samaritan) in Ambridge and a lifelong volunteer there. She started as a Sunday and Strawberry Festival Money Counter who served on both the Parish Finance and Parish Councils as well as a Eucharistic Minister and Folk Group Member. When the Ambridge parishes merged, Anita continued to volunteer wherever she was needed. After retiring, Anita traveled to visit friends and family (with a side trip to Vegas.)

She was an avid reader. In her “library” there were over two thousand novels of her favorite authors, all lined up alphabetically by author and date of publication. Before she passed, she invited her friends to select novels that they liked and enjoyed, telling them to bring a bag to “take some home.” She loved tennis, bowling, and racquetball until her illnesses prevented her from enjoying those activities. When the Pittsburgh Steelers played, wherever you were, you could hear her scream at the loss or cheer for the win. A good friend to all, Anita was an attendant in 9 plus weddings and she loved to dance.  Anita inherited her dad’s math and card playing skills: Bridge, Canasta, Pinochle, May I, 500, and Gin Rummy were her games, but she also enjoyed the challenge of Sudoku and backgammon. She baked, sparingly……her masterpieces included Italian Wine Cookies, Pizzelles and a delicious Lemon Cake.

The family is deeply grateful to her neighbor, June Musi for all of the care and many kindnesses she showed to Anita during her illness. Gratitude also goes out to Good Samaritan Hospice for the gentle and loving care afforded her in her last hours.

There will be no viewing. Her request is no flowers, but to treat yourself to something that makes you happy. If by chance you come across a $2 bill, think of her.

Family will greet mourners before the Mass of Christian Burial that will be held at St. Luke the Evangelist Parish, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge, with Fr. Michael Roche as the celebrant on a date to be determined.

Arrangements are entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Jack Preston Reich (1943-2025)

Jack Preston Reich, 81, a lifelong resident of Beaver, passed away at home after an extensive fight with Multiple Myeloma on March 23rd, 2025.

He was born on August 24, 1943, a son of the late Grover and Mabel Reich. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Carol Sue (Fike) Reich, grandmother, Florence Frank and grandfather, Milton Stroupe. He is survived by his brother, David (Martha) Reich, three loving daughters, Lindy (John) Crnovic, Jackie Reich and Debbie (Randy) Alexander, three grandchildren, Michael Preston Lang, Anthony Sims and Adeline (Jon Conley) Cobb, a nephew, Edward Reich, a niece, Ashley Reich, a great-grandson, Jack Conley and his loving kitty, Callie.

Jack graduated in 1961 from Beaver Area High School. Jack served in the United States Navy on the USS Sangri – La (CVS 38) from 1962 through 1968. He earned a National Defense Service Medal and a Good Conduct Medal. He retired after 46 years of dedicated service from Eaton-Cutler Hammer-Westinghouse in Vanport.

In accordance with Jack’s wishes, there will be no services. Professional arrangements have been entrusted to Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

The family would like to say a special thank you to the Hillman Cancer Center (Dr. Rossetti), AHN Cancer Center (Dr. Haq and team), AHN Palliative Care team and AHN Hospice team.

If desired, memorial donations in Jack’s name may be made to the Hillman Cancer Center, Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (mmrf.org) or the Beaver County Humane Society.

 

Denise Marie (Wayne) Duplechian (1959-2025)

Denise Marie (Wayne) Duplechian, 66, of Hopewell Township, formerly of Hermitage, Pennsylvania passed away after a battle with cancer on March 21st, 2025.
She was born in Sharon, Pennsylvania on January 23, 1959. She was preceded in death by her mother, Dolores (Messere) Wayne, her grandparents, Louis and Antoinetta Messere, and her beloved dog, Blue. She is survived by her father, David Wayne, a loving sister, Brenda Van Wyhe, a cherished niece, Mackenzie Van Wyhe, her aunt and uncle, Donna and Edward John Gallagher, cousins Kathy Walko and Ed Gallagher and his wife, Carol. Denise was a graduate of Hickory High School. She worked previously in the Shenango Valley at the A&W Restaurant and D’Onofrio’s Food Center. In the Pittsburgh area, she was a former manager at Sam’s Club for many years and most recently worked at Mortgage Connect.

She was an avid Steelers fan who enjoyed traveling, going to concerts and the casino and spending time with neighbors and friends on her deck. Denise made lifelong friends wherever she went and was a favorite of many.

In accordance with Denise’s request, there were no services, but there will be a celebration of her life to be scheduled in the near future. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.

Gladys Marie (Mutkus) McGuire (1937-2025)

Gladys Marie (Mutkus) McGuire, 88, of Aliquippa, passed away unexpectedly on March 21st, 2025.

She was born in Aliquippa on January 20th, 1937, a daughter of the late John and Helene (Pushinsky) Mutkus.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald McGuire, her twin sister, Gloria, who died as an infant, a brother and sister-in-law, John (Janie) Mutkus and a son-in-law, Mark Serecin. She is survived by her loving children and grandchildren, a son, John McGuire, a daughter, Kimberlee Serecin and two grandchildren who Gladys adored, Blake Serecin and Markee Serecin and her special grand dogs: Mya, Skylar, Gilligan and Cash.

Gladys was a devoted mother and grandmother who brought joy to her cherished family.

They will forever remember those times each of them shared with her playing bingo or taking a trip to the casino.

Gladys was a wonderful baker. She would share her special treats with her family and friends, and everything she baked was scrumptious. Her kitchen was always filled with the delightful aroma of freshly baked cookies, cakes, and pies, which she lovingly prepared for gatherings and celebrations. Her culinary skills were admired by all and her recipes became cherished family heirlooms passed down to her family.

In accordance with Gladys’ wishes, all services were private. She was laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery of Aliquippa. Arrangements were entrusted to the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.

Nicholas F. Semonik (1945-2025)

Nicholas F. Semonik, 79, of Baden, passed away on March 23rd, 2025 in Concordia Villa St. Joseph.  He was born in Sewickley on July 20th, 1945, the son of the late Nicholas and Frances (Jarnecic) Semonik of Economy Borough. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Margaret F. (Peterson) Semonik of Baden and his son, Christopher N. Semonik of Moon Township.

Nicholas was a graduate of Ambridge High School. He was a U.S. Army Veteran who served during the Vietnam War. He worked for LTV Steel for 35 years up until his retirement. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing and hunting. He was also a member of the Baden Legion and a lifetime member of the Ambridge District Sportsmen’s Association.

Family and friends are welcome to gather for a visitation on Wednesday, March 26th from 2-6 P.M. in the John Syka Funeral Home, 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, where a funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 27th at 10 A.M. with Father Marc Wisnosky, Officiating.  Interment will follow in the Economy Cemetery.

Nicholas J. DeCanio (1969-2025)

Nicholas J. DeCanio, 55, of Ambridge, passed away peacefully on March 22nd, 2025, at Heritage Valley Sewickley Hospital. He was born on September 8th, 1969, the son of Gayle L. Price, her husband, William “Bill” Price, and the late Nicholas P. DeCanio.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his five children: Zachory, Tighlor, Sheylor, Teeghon and Foxxdon DeCanio, his sister, Victoria (Keith) Young, his grandchildren, Obelisk DeCanio, London DeCanio, Apollo DeCanio and Mercury DeCanio; as well as his nephew, Brandon (Jessica) Conley.

Nicholas was a free-spirited soul who embraced the hippie lifestyle and expressed himself through his artistic talents, especially drawing. His love for music, particularly The Grateful Dead, was a constant source of joy. He also cherished the time spent with friends.

A celebration of  life for Nicholas will be held at a later date. Services and arrangements are entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Beaver County Chamber Monday Memo: 3/24/25

You are invited to register for our Congressional Breakfast featuring the Honorable Chris Deluzio. Thank you to our Presenting Sponsors, Heritage Valley Health System and Shell Polymers Monaca!

Date: Thursday, April 17, 2025

Time:

7:30 AM Registration & Breakfast

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Event

Location: Seven Oaks Country Club

132 Lisbon Rd., Beaver, PA 15009

Fees:

BCCC Member: $35 | Non-Member: $50

Sponsorship Opportunities:

Gold – $1,000

– 4 tickets

– Company logo featured at coffee station

– Company logo included in all event marketing

– Opportunity to provide promo items for all participants

Silver – $550

– 2 tickets to event

– Company logo included in all event marketing

– Company logo featured at registration table

Bronze – $250

– Company name included on Chamber website

Interested in a sponsorship? Contact Molly at msuehr@bcchamber.com

REGISTER  HERE: Congressional Breakfast
View Full Event Calendar

Important Survey: Deadline April 30, 2025

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is now accepting public comments for its 12-Year Transportation Program through April 30, 2025. Your input is crucial to help prioritize transportation projects for 2027 and beyond. Take the Transportation survey today to pinpoint transportation issues, suggest solutions, and make a difference in your community.

Start the survey now:

https://ow.ly/wUTG50VjOSi

We have launched new ways to partner in 2025!

 

The BCCC is excited to announce our Yearlong Partnership initiative. These unique yearlong partnership opportunities are an investment into the Chamber’s ability to lead and advocate for impactful change. Please consider a Yearlong Partnership as a Bridges ($5,000), Rivers ($10,000), or Legacy ($15,000+) level.

 

Interested in learning more?

Contact Lance Grable, Chamber President, here.

 

As always, you can sponsor any of our events throughout the year. Check out our 2025 Event Sponsorship Guide here.

View all event photos

Submit your member news to msuehr@bcchamber.com

Any opinion and other statement contained in Member News below in no way reflects the views and beliefs of the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce, its staff or Board of Directors.

The BASF Monaca Site won the inaugural ED NAtion EHS Cup of Excellence Trophy. The site also was the winner of the Best Occupational Safety & Industrial Hygiene Improvement. The ED NAtion program is organized by the North American Dispersions & Resins Business and involves all Manufacturing, R&D and office locations for the division. The programs goal is to improve safety culture through sharing safety stories and continuous learning.

 

On Monday, March 17th, Denise Hartmann (Senior VP for the North American Dispersions), along with Julie De Keyser (VP of Operations for North America) presented the awards at the Monaca Site. Site employee’s celebrated the occasion with Taco Food Truck.

FREE FAMILY EVENT: March 29th

Provident Charter School West invites you and your family to a Health & Wellness Fair on Saturday, March 29, 2025. This event will take place from 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM.

Location: 200 Quigley Drive, Baden, PA 15005

For more information call 412.709.5160

Beaver Meadows 10th Anniversary Celebration on April 1st from 2 – 4PM

You’re invited to join the community for this celebration at Beaver Meadows Living Assistance on April 1, 2025 from 2:00PM – 4:00PM at 5130 Tuscarawas Rd., Beaver, PA 15009. There will be refreshments and entertainment provided.

RSVP to Jill Miller by calling 724.495.1600 or email JeMiller@StBarnabasHealthSystem.com

Ambridge Regional Chamber of Commerce April Meeting

Beaver County Chamber of Commerce members are invited to join the ARCC for their April Monthly Member Meeting on Tuesday, April 1st from 5:30PM – 7:30pM at Beaver County Radio, located at 4301 Dutch Ridge Rd., Beaver, PA.

Midland Innovation + Technology Charter School OPEN HOUSE on 4/2

Parents and families are invited to tour MIT Charter School, meet industry professionals, connect with community partners, and chat with the dedicated school staff.

April 2nd from 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Learn more at https://www.mitcharterschool.org

Get REAL ID Ready on April 3rd

You’re invited to attend Senator Elder Vogel’s community information session on April 3, 2025 from 2:00PM – 4:00PM. This will take place at Big Knob Grange (336 GRange Rd., Rochester, PA 15074). There will be a PennDot representative at the event who will be speaking. For more information contact Senator Elder Vogel, Jr.’s office by calling 724.774.0444.

Interested in starting your own Small Business?

The Chamber will be hosting this event at our office, organized by the Duquesne University Small Business Development Center.

April 9, 2025

11:00AM – 1:00PM

BCCC Office: 1000 3rd St., Suite 2A, Beaver, PA 15009

Register Here

Talk About Business Workshop & Luncheon on April 22nd

The Ambridge Regional Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Business Workshop & Luncheon on April 22, 2025 from 9AM – 1PM at Fermata Brewing Co. on Merchant Street in Ambridge.

Registration is Required, Click Here.

Cost: $30 Members | $40 Non-Members

Lunch & Professional Headshot included in ticket price.

Stay Within the Legal Limits: Alcohol at Nonprofit Events

Vendors who sell alcohol at community events are required to have a Special Occassion License from PLCB. Make sure you are in compliance with state laws.

Speaker: Jamie Jones, Retired Chief State Police, Liquor Control Board.

Date: April 29, 2025

Time: 6PM – 7:30PM

Location: Chippewa Twp., Fire Hall

More information click here.

Annual Open House & Expo: Carpenters Technical Centers

The Pittsburgh EAS Carpenters Technical Center invites you to their Annual Open House nad Carpentry SKills Expo on May 3, 2025 from 8:00AM – 3:30PM.

REGISTER HERE

  • Competitions
  • Demonstrations
  • Information Sessions held at 9AM and 12PM
  • Vendor DIsplays
  • All Welcomed: Kid’s Korner, Food & Prizes

Alternative Methods Cancer Night

Not sure about traditional cancer treatment methods? Curious about the alternative options out there? Are you looking for natural ways to heal? Or do you just want to learn from industry experts? This event is perfect for you!

Date: March 27, 2025

Time: 6PM – 8PM

Venue: YMCA Commons Questions: Email Here

Text Link

In need of a product or service? Head to our full membership directory available on our website,

where you will find a trusted partner to do

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Beaver County Chamber of Commerce

724.775.3944

1000 3rd Street, Suite 2A

Beaver, PA 15009

www.bcchamber.com