Author: Beaver County Radio

Shapiro Administration Announces Opening of 2025-26 LIHEAP Season, Reminds Pennsylvanians of Moratorium on Shutoffs

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) According to a release today in Harrisburg from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), the DHS announced today that the 2025-26 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) season will begin taking applications tomorrow on Wednesday, December 3rd. The program that is federally funded to help eligible households pay their heating bills by sending payments directly to their utility company or fuel provider was delayed due to the federal government shutdown this year even though it normally opens in November every year. The 2025-26 LIHEAP season is scheduled to run tomorrow through April 10th, 2026. According to that same release from the Pennsylvania DHS, here is more information about these LIHEAP applications and some links to access these applications:

  • To protect Pennsylvanians during the delay, Governor Josh Shapiro worked with the Public Utility Commission (PUC) and utility providers to start the winter shutoff moratorium earlier on November 1st, 2025 (it usually begins in December each year). This ensured that Pennsylvanians who could not access LIHEAP in November because of the shutdown did not risk having their heat or electricity shut off as temperatures dropped.
  • LIHEAP is a federally funded DHS program that helps eligible households pay their heating bills by sending payments directly to their utility company or fuel provider. States receive LIHEAP funding through a federal block grant — these dollars were finally issued last week by the Trump Administration after the federal shutdown ended. Pennsylvania typically receives more than $215 million in LIHEAP funding each year, including $216 million in 2023 and $229 million in 2024.
  • “Pennsylvanians deserve the safety and health benefits that come from being able to heat their homes and keep themselves and their families warm through the winter,” said DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh. “LIHEAP helps hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians each year by providing cash and crisis grants directly to the eligible household’s utility company or heating fuel provider, and I am very glad that we are finally able to begin this important work. I encourage anyone who may need help with heating costs to apply for LIHEAP and keep your home safe through this winter.”
  • LIHEAP assistance does not need to be paid back and is available in the form of cash or crisis grants. The minimum 2025-26 LIHEAP cash grant is $200, and the maximum cash grant is $1,000. Individuals and households may receive one cash grant per LIHEAP season.
  • Separately, Pennsylvanians who qualify for a LIHEAP crisis grant will be eligible for a minimum grant of $25 and a maximum grant of $1,000. Individuals and households are eligible for a crisis grant if they meet the income guidelines and are in jeopardy of having their heating utility service terminated, have already had their heating utility service terminated, or who are out of or have less than two weeks’ worth of deliverable fuel, such as fuel oil, propane, coal, or wood. Households may apply for and be eligible for more than one crisis grant – up to the $1,000 maximum – if they experience more than one emergency per LIHEAP season.
  • LIHEAP benefits are applied for each year, so if an individual was approved or denied previously, DHS encourages them to apply again for the 2025-26 season. Individuals and families are financially eligible for LIHEAP if their incomes are at or below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Limit. For an individual, that is a gross income of $22,590 per year, and for a family of four, that is a gross income of $46,800 per year.
  • During the 2024-25 LIHEAP season, 292,867 households statewide received LIHEAP cash benefits, and these households received an average season benefit of $291. Approximately 128,222 households statewide received LIHEAP crisis benefits, and these households received an average payment of $523.
  • Pennsylvanians can apply for LIHEAP and other public assistance programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)  by clicking here at dhs.pa.gov/COMPASS or by calling 1-866-550-4355. Pennsylvanians do not need to know their own eligibility to apply.

Joan “Joann” Elizabeth McGuire (1936-2025)

Joan “Joann” Elizabeth McGuire, 89, of Vanport, passed away on November 25th, 2025.

She was born in Carnegie, Pennsylvania on October 17th, 1936, a daughter of the late Peter and Mary Shost Borghini.In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 63 years, Jack McGuire, her brother, Peter Borghini Jr. and her granddaughter, Abby Schmidt. She is survived by her daughters, Lynn (Mike) McGuire-Oizak and Mary (Scott) Rapp, her son, John (Betty) McGuire, her grandchildren: Derek, Sam and Rachel Schmidt, Kristy and Kelly Rapp, Katie (Ben) Fraudin, Brian and Kevin (Sarah) McGuire; as well as her great grandchildren: Rowan, Lucy, Hailey, Jack, Troy, Max and Isabella; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends.

Joan was a faithful and longtime member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church in Beaver. She enjoyed the company of her large extended family throughout her lifetime. She loved seeing her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was also known as an avid cook with a specialty in authentic Italian dishes and a vast array of homemade cookies. She also spent as much time as possible in the sun often while visiting with friends at the Beaver Pool. Although most recently living at Beaver Meadows, she was a long-time resident of Van Buren Homes.

Friends will be received on Thursday, December 4th, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of her arrangements, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1 p.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Church at 200 3rd Street, Beaver. A private entombment is to follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 100 Resurrection Road, Coraopolis, with her husband.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joan’s name at Our Lady of the Valley Parish, Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, 200 3rd Street, Beaver, PA 15009. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joan “Joann” Elizabeth McGuire, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Elizabeth “Bunny” Bloom Madden (1937-2025)

Elizabeth “Bunny” Bloom Madden, 88, of Beaver, passed away while surrounded by family on November 27th, 2025. She was born as the daughter of the late Bernard Oscar “Jed” Bloom and Ethel Mae Christmann Bloom in Rochester Hospital on November 24th, 1937. In addition to his parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Bard Bloom of Hastings, Michigan. She is survived by the love of her life and husband, Jerry Madden and three sons: Ted Linafelt (Diane Zawinski) of Swissvale, Pennsylvania, Tom Linafelt (Julia Shapiro) of Leawood, Kansas and Tod Linafelt (Becky Nelson Linafelt) of Takoma Park, Maryland and her stepsons Steve Madden (Karen) of Kent, Washington, and Jerry “Bo” Madden (Susie) of Westminster, Colorado.

She is also survived by four grandchildren: Zach Linafelt of Aliquippa, Jed and Sidney Linafelt of Leawood, Kansas and Eleanor Linafelt of Philadelphia.

Elizabeth grew up in Beaver, where Jed owned and operated Bloom’s Pharmacy on the southwest corner of Third Street and Wayne Avenue. In addition to being a deeply committed Christian and devoted mother, she will be remembered for the quick wit, fun-loving attitude and deep sense of loyalty that won her fast friends and lasting relationships wherever she went. She was a faithful parishioner of Park United Presbyterian Church in Beaver and Steffin Hill Presbyterian Church in Beaver Falls, where she served as an elder and was active in Bible study, prayer groups and other activities. She played saxophone in the Beaver Area Senior High marching band before graduating from there in 1955. Several childhood years in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania instilled in her a love of U.S. history, especially the Civil War. Her favorite pastimes included studying Civil War history and touring Gettysburg battlefields with her young boys on summer vacations. Following a career working as a sales associate at Hartung Shoes, an office manager at Anderson Appliances, and a dental assistant at the office of Dr. Nathan William Hurtt, she worked in her later years as a librarian at the Beaver Area Memorial Library. She raised three pre-teen boys at the family home on College Avenue from 1967 until 1975, when she married Beaver Falls native Jerry Madden. She and Jerry later lived on Wilson Avenue in Beaver and Woodbine Drive in Brighton Township.

A visitation will be held on Friday, December 5th, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Noll Funeral Home, 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of her arrangements. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 6th at 11 a.m. at Park United Presbyterian Church, 275 Commerce Street, Beaver. A private interment will follow at Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street.

Elizabeth’s love of animals was evident in the help she provided to a wide variety of animal support groups. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Beaver County Humane Society in her memory.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Elizabeth “Bunny” Bloom Madden, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Donald M. Dickinson (1937-2025)

Donald M. Dickinson, 88, of North Sewickley Township, passed away on November 29th, 2025, at Heritage Valley Beaver.

He was born on July 13th, 1937 and was preceded in death by his parents, David and Jean (Mellon) Dickinson, a stepson, Richard Steven Bender and his siblings. He is survived by his loving wife of 5 years, Judith (Long) Bender Dickinson, a daughter, Lori (Tom) Pastier along with some nieces, nephews, and friends.

Donald had worked for a number of years as a parts manager at McElwain Cadillac in Beaver Falls. He was a devoted member of the New Brighton congregation of Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. In his free time, his enjoyed being outdoors, mowing, and working around his property.

Friends will be received for a memorial visitation on Sunday, December 7th from 1:30 p.m. until the time of service at 2:30 p.m. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his honor may be directed to jw.org.

Angeline Marie Reno (1937-2025)

Angeline Marie Reno, 88, of Center Township, passed away peacefully at her home on November 30th, 2025.
She was born in Aliquippa on May 1st, 1937, a daughter of the late Vito and Laura (Liberatore) Maselli, Jr. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Carmel Reno, an infant sister, Rosemary and a brother, Vito Maselli. She is survived by her two sons, Louis and John Reno, her granddaughter, Desiree, her loving sisters: Annie Laurie Maryansky Letender and Tillie (AJ) Ciamelle, several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and two dear friends, Rene and Aggie. Angeline was a dedicated wife and mother, consistently ensuring that her family’s needs were met. She was faithful to God and was a member of Mary Queen of Saints Parish and St. Frances Cabrini Church in Aliquippa.
Later in her life, she proudly graduated from cosmetology school and upon graduation became an instructor.
Family and friends are welcome to attend a blessing service on Thursday, December 4th, 2025, at 11 a.m. until it ends at 11:30 a.m. at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 2186 Broadhead Road, Aliquippa. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Angeline Marie Reno please visit the Sympathy Store of the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Carol Nadine Kampian (Irey) (1965-2025)

Carol Nadine Kampian (Irey), 60, of Bridgewater, passed away peacefully in her home on November 25th, 2025 after a grueling 8-month battle with cancer.

She was born in Baltimore, Maryland on June 1st, 1965, the daugther of James Irey and Norma Miller. She is also survived by her husband, Rick Kampian, her daughter, Danielle (Jon), her stepdaughters, Ashley (Jordan) and Angela, her brother, Jimmy (Rhonda) and her grandchildren, Luke and Ariah.

Carol married Rick Kampian in June of 2018 in Beaver, after a loving 9-year relationship. She was a proud co-owner of Wildwood Boutique in historic downtown Beaver, PA. She enjoyed watching all the Pittsburgh sports teams play, gambling, camping, cleaning and most of all, spending time with her two beloved grandchildren: Luke and Ariah. Throughout her life, she held an unwavering faith in God.

Services will be held on Wednesday, December 3rd, with the wake taking place from 1p.m. until 4 p.m., with a funeral service following at the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of her arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

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

Rosemary Monaco Hill (1940-2025)

Rosemary Monaco Hill, 85, of Beaver, formerly of Falls Church, Virginia, and Midland passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, November 25, 2025.

She was born in East Liverpool, Ohio on April 12th, 1940, a daughter of the late Alfred R. and Mary E. Monaco, Sr. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin D. Hill, Sr. She is survived by her son, Edwin D. (Tina Modany) Hill, Jr. of Beaver Falls, her daughters, Michelle F. Hill Randall of Beaver, and Toni L. Hill pf Gibsonia, her brother, Alfred R. (Kay) Monaco, Jr., of Altoona, Wisconsin, her sister, Anna Marie Monaco Tomlinson of Midland and her grandchildren: Michael A. Randall of San Jose, California, Christopher E. (Maureen) Hill-Junke of Chicago, Illinois, Patrick A. Hill-Junke of Pittsburgh, Gabrielle Monaco of Gibsonia, Cassandra R. (Joshua) Hill Stoner of Beaver, and Edwin “EJ” Hill, III of Beaver Falls. Rosemary will also be dearly missed by many cousins and friends spread throughout the greater Pittsburgh, Virginia and Naples areas.

Rosemary was a devoted wife, loving mother, and proud grandmother. She was also a faithful member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and Saints Peter and Paul Church in Beaver.

Rosemary’s greatest joy was spending time with her family. She loved gathering everyone for family dinners, especially when her grandchildren were there. She also had a passion for gardening and took pride in the beautiful koi pond she created at her home in Virginia. Rosemary was grateful for the opportunity to travel with Ed during his years with the IBEW, and they were both happy to return to Beaver County and their extended family after retirement.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, December 2nd, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and again from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of her arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Church, 200 3rd Street, Beaver. Interment will follow at Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Rosemary’s name may be made to the United Way of Beaver County, 3582 Broadhead Road # 205, Monaca, PA 15061 or the Edwin D. Hill Charitable Trust.

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

Ronald L. Adkins (1964-2025)

Ronald L. Adkins, 61, of Beaver Falls, passed away peacefully on November 27th, 2025, with his family by his side.

He was born in Baltimore, Maryland on February 26th, 1964, a  son of the late Bobby and Loretta (Laffey) Adkins. He is survived by his children: Jennifer (Brian) Lauck, Janelle King, Heather (Andrew) Wooley, Ronald (Monique) Adkins, Stephanie (Jesse) Giles, Holly Adkins, Tiffany (Chad) Vandeborne, Josh Adkins, Ashley Adkins; as well as two brothers, Bob Adkins and Mike (Cindy) Adkins, two sisters, Becky McCaslin and Brenda Adkins, eleven grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

Ronald was a man who truly believed life was meant to be enjoyed who embraced each day with humor, warmth, and a joyful sense of mischief. He loved dancing, whether it was a crowded party or the middle of the living room, he never passed up a chance to move to the music. He was also known for being delightfully goofy, he had a gift for turning ordinary moments into unforgettable memories. His quick wit, infectious smile, and ability to make anyone laugh made him the life of every gathering. Friends and family could always count on him to brighten the room simply by walking into it. Above all, Ronald cherished his children and grandchildren. His family was his greatest pride and the foundation of his happiness. He poured his heart into every relationship, offering unwavering love, support, and encouragement. His presence made holidays richer, celebrations livelier, and everyday life more meaningful. He will be remembered not only for the joy he brought to others but for the way he made people feel seen, valued, and loved. His spirit will continue to dance in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him.

In accordance with Ronald’s wishes, no public visitation will held and a Celebration of Life gathering will be announced at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc., 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ronald L. Adkins, please visit the flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Governor Shapiro, Lt. Governor Davis, Child Care Workers, and Legislators Highlight New Child Care Recruitment & Retention Bonuses Secured in the 2025-26 Budget in Allegheny County

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of Governor Josh Shapiro’s Office)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Verona, PA) According to a release yesterday from Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s office, Governor Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis joined community leaders, child care workers and legislators yesterday at Riverview Children’s Center in Allegheny County to highlight investments for child care secured in the 2025-26 budget Governor Shapiro signed last month. These investments will help the state of Pennsylvania recruit and retain child care workers, expand the access to quality care, and ensure that more parents can stay in the workforce and provide for their families.

Luigi Mangione fights to exclude evidence from his trial in the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Luigi Mangione, center, appears in court for an evidence hearing, Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, in New York. (Steven Hirsch/New York Post via AP, Pool)

NEW YORK (AP) — Luigi Mangione watched stoically in court Monday as prosecutors played surveillance videos showing the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on a New York City sidewalk last year and Mangione’s arrest five days later at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania.

The videos, including footage from the restaurant previously unseen by the press or the public, kicked off a hearing on Mangione’s fight to bar evidence from his state murder trial, including the gun prosecutors say matches the one used in the Dec. 4, 2024, attack. Thompson was killed as he walked to a Manhattan hotel for his company’s annual investor conference.

Mangione, 27, pressed a finger to his lips and a thumb to his chin as he watched footage of two police officers approaching him as he ate breakfast at the McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, about 230 miles (about 370 kilometers) west of Manhattan.

He gripped a pen in his right hand, making a fist at times, as prosecutors played a 911 call from a McDonald’s manager relaying concerns from customers that Mangione looked like the suspect in Thompson’s killing. The manager said she searched online for photos of the suspect and that as Mangione sat in the restaurant, she could only see his eyebrows because he was wearing a beanie and a medical face mask.

Before he was flown to New York City to face murder charges, Mangione was held under constant watch in an otherwise empty special housing unit at a Pennsylvania state prison.

A correctional officer testified that the prison wanted to keep Mangione away from other inmates and staff who might leak information about him to the media. The officer testified that the facility’s superintendent told him that the prison “did not want an Epstein-style situation,” referring to Jeffrey Epstein’s suicide at a Manhattan federal jail in 2019.

Among the evidence Mangione’s defense team wants excluded are the 9 mm handgun and a notebook in which prosecutors say he described his intent to “wack” a health insurance executive. Both were found in a backpack Mangione had with him when arrested.

Mangione, the Ivy League-educated scion of a wealthy Maryland family, has pleaded not guilty to state and federal murder charges. The state charges carry the possibility of life in prison, while federal prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Neither trial has been scheduled. The next hearing in the federal case is scheduled for Jan. 9.

Defense wants to bar the gun and notebook from his trial

After getting state terrorism charges thrown out in September, Mangione’s lawyers are zeroing in on what they say was unconstitutional police conduct that threatens his right to a fair trial.

They contend that the Manhattan district attorney’s office should be prevented from showing the gun, notebook and other items to jurors because police didn’t have a search warrant.

They also want to suppress some of Mangione’s statements to police, such as when he allegedly said his name was Mark Rosario, because officers started asking questions before telling him he had a right to remain silent. Prosecutors say Mangione gave the same name while checking into a Manhattan hostel days before the killing.

The defense is also seeking to preclude statements Mangione made to law enforcement from the day of his arrest until he was moved to New York on Dec. 19. The correctional officer, Tomas Rivers, testified that Mangione talked to him about his travels to Asia, including witnessing a gang fight in Thailand, and discussed differences between private and nationalized health care.

At one point, Rivers said, Mangione asked him whether the news media was focused on him as a person or the crime that was committed. He also said Mangione told him he wanted to make a public statement.

Another correctional officer, Matthew Henry, said Mangione blurted out to him that at the time of his arrest, he had a backpack with foreign currency and a 3D-printed pistol. Mangione’s lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, was incredulous at Henry’s testimony that Mangione might have shared that information, unprompted.

Surveillance video showed a masked gunman shooting Thompson from behind.

Prosecutors say “delay,” “deny” and “depose” were written on the ammunition, mimicking a phrase used to describe how insurers avoid paying claims.

Eliminating the gun and notebook would be critical wins for Mangione’s defense and major setbacks for prosecutors, depriving them a possible murder weapon and evidence they say points to motive. Prosecutors have quoted extensively from Mangione’s writings in court filings, including his alleged praise for the late “Unabomber” Theodore Kaczynski.

Among other things, prosecutors say, Mangione mused about rebelling against “the deadly, greed fueled health insurance cartel” and wrote that killing an industry executive “conveys a greedy bastard that had it coming.”

An officer searching the backpack found with Mangione was heard in body camera footage saying she was checking to make sure there “wasn’t a bomb” in the bag. His lawyers argue that was an excuse “designed to cover up an illegal warrantless search of the backpack.”

Laws concerning how police interact with potential suspects before reading them their rights or obtaining search warrants are complex and often disputed in criminal cases.

Federal prosecutors, fighting a similar defense effort in that case, have said in court filings that police were justified in searching the backpack to make sure there were no dangerous items, and that his statements to officers were voluntary and were made before he was under arrest.

Pivotal pretrial hearing could last more than a week

Court officials say the hearing could last more than a week, meaning it would extend through Thursday’s anniversary of the killing. Defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo told a judge in an unrelated matter last week that Manhattan prosecutors had indicated they could call more than two dozen witnesses.

Mangione was allowed to wear normal clothing to court instead of a jail uniform. He entered the courtroom Monday in a gray suit and a button-down shirt with a checkered or tattersall pattern. Court officers removed his handcuffs to allow him to take notes.

NYPD Sgt. Chris McLaughlin testified about efforts to disseminate surveillance images of the suspect to news outlets and on social media in the hours and days after the shooting.

To illustrate the breadth of news coverage during the five-day search for the shooter, prosecutors played a surveillance video of the shooting, footage of police divers searching a pond in Central Park and Fox News clips that included images of the suspected shooter distributed by police.

A few dozen Mangione supporters watched the hearing from the back of the courtroom. One wore a green T-shirt that said: “Without a warrant, it’s not a search, it’s a violation.” Another woman held a doll of the Luigi video game character and had a smaller figurine of him clipped to her purse.