Author: Beaver County Radio

County schools support repairing New Horizon School

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published January 7, 2026 1:02 A.M.

(Center Township, Pa) Ongoing discussions over needed repairs to the New Horizon School continued Tuesday evening at the Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit meeting.

The Intermediate Unit invited Superintendents from all Beaver County school districts to take part in the discussion.

New Horizon, the only Beaver County school for special needs students, had to vacate their Brighton Township building after the discovery of mold.

The mold was initially discovered by staff in a kitchenette area. After a subsequent investigation into the rest of the facilty, mold was found in 64 rooms and other areas. Abspestos was found as well.

SiteLogic is handling the logistics of making the necessary repairs. They previously presented the board with multiple options to correct the issues, with the lowest cost being just over 8 million. They clarified Tuesday night that those were early estimates and the cost has increased due to the number of issues found in the building.

While they intially quoted the full project to be around 20 million dollars, they are now suggesting it can be done at around 15 million or less, depending on factors such as final amounts for bid contracts and the cutting of extra optional work such as adding new rooms, windows, restroom facilites, and dimming LED lights.

The secondary main expense in addition to gutting the walls and fixing the primary mold problem is the HVAC system.

Professionals who inspected the system determined it needed to be fully replaced.

The HVAC system is thought to be the cause of the mold, due to univentilator leaks and non-dehumidifying capabilities.

As the microphone was passed around to Superintendants and representatives of county schools, all of them made it clear that they support fixing New Horizon. Many stated that previous issues they had with the project only had to do with aspects of the project being unclear.

Western Beaver Superintendant Dr. Robert Postupac stated “Western Beaver is fully committed to helping New Horizon”.

New Brighton Superintendant Dr. Joseph Gaurino said “we fully support this, we are anxious to get this going and moving forward”.

Southside: “We have no interest in seeing new horizon close.”

Riverside: “We fully support it and have been committed for over 50 years”.

Midland: “We need to make sure we know we have done everything we can to minimize this problem from coming back”.

Freedom: “legislators need to help. Schools have been funded for football lights, we need money to help this school”.

Central Valley: “We are in full support of the project”.

Beaver: “we appreciate the colloratative nature and hopefully we can get it moving forward”.

Ambridge: “each child deserves a special place, and New horizon is for these children. I wouldn’t think of sending them anywhere else”.

Aliquippa: “we 100% support new horizon”.

Beaver Falls: “we always do what’s best for our kids. Beaver falls is fully committed”.

Hopewell: supports the project and “advocating for clear info about the renovation.”

Midway through the meeting, Beaver County Commissioner Chairman Dan Camp made an unexpected surprise announcement that the Beaver County Commissioners are committing one million dollars to the project.

The County will contribute $250,000 per year over the course of four years.

Camp told Beaver County Radio that the money will come from reserve funds and assured it will not affect taxpayers.

The approximately 40 people in attendance, as well as the board and district representatives applauded Camp following the announcement.

By the end of the nearly 4 hour meeting, all districts seemed to be in agreement of a resolution to pursue a fifteen million dollar loan to fix the school.

A final vote is expected to take place later this month at the next Intermediate Unit meeting.

New Horizon is currently temporarily housing their school in Midland at a cost of around $500,000.

Everyone involved aims to have work start as soon possible, hoping to have the school reopened for the start of the 2026-2027 school year.

Edward Stephen Buday (Passed on January 5th, 2026)

Edward Stephen Buday, 59, passed away unexpectedly at his Center Township residence on January 5th, 2026. He was born in Rochester, and was a son of the late Robert R and Linda Buday. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Cindy Buday and his brother, Robert Buday. He is survived by his second wife, Katherine “Kate” Sentak Buday, his children, Traci, Jonathon, and Charlie Buday, his grandchildren: Aiden, Elizabeth, Jensen, and Jocelyn, his stepmother, Karen Buday, his two sisters, Amy (Terry) Bliss and Rhonda Sherbine, his lifelong best friend, Jeff Connor of Rochester, who could always rely on his unwavering loyalty and support.

Edward’s life was one marked by dedication to his family, a passion for his work, and a boundless capacity for friendship. His formative years were spent alongside his siblings, including his late brother, Robert. He graduated from Rochester High School in the class of 1984. He found his calling as a maintenance person at Beaver Supermarket, where his hardworking nature and meticulous attention to detail was much appreciated. He loved his job and approached each task with the same level of care and precision that he applied to every aspect of his life. Those who knew him understood his passion for fixing things. He was the quintessential Mr. Fix It who was always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need. His skills in woodworking and his reputation as a jack of all trades meant that he was often sought after for advice and assistance. His perfectionism shone through in every project he undertook, whether it was a complex repair or a simple act of kindness. He had a variety of interests in life. In the past, he loved to hunt and fish and now enjoyed spending time at his favorite getaway, Cutty’s Sunset Camp Resort in Louisville, Ohio. His love for playing pool, listening to country music, and decorating for Halloween were well-known among his friends and family, and his love for Mexican cuisine was no secret, with many evenings spent enjoying meals at El Paso Mexican Restaurant. His affection for animals was evident in his companionship with his three dogs, Xena, Diesel, and Bailey.

Friends will be received on Friday, January 9th from 2-4 p.m. and 6 p.m. until the time of a service at 8 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVIES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of his arrangements.

Rosemarie C. D’Achille (1935-2026)

Rosemarie C. D’Achille, 90, of North Sewickley Township, passed away on January 5th, 2026. She was born in Beaver Falls on May 31st, 1935, the daughter of the late Leon S. Kaleta and Mary Kaleta Nicholson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Lorenzo “Larry” D’Achille, her brother, Leon “Bob” Kaleta, her sister-in-law, Barbara Kaleta, her brother-in-law, Guliano D’Achille and her sister-in-law, Dorothy D’Achille. She is survived by her three children and their spouses, Theresa (William) Bair, Ron (Shari) D’Achille and Sharon (Todd) Hyre, four grandchildren: Jenna (James) Johnston, Adam (Anne) D’Achille, Alan (Amanda) D’Achille and Breana Hyre; as well as her great grandchildren, Elliot and Micah D’Achille and Kristina and David D’Achille.

Rosemarie was a member of the former Saint Mary’s Church in Beaver Falls. She was active in the church, teaching CCD classes, and helping with many activities. In her later years, she attended Concord Church in Beaver Falls with her husband. She loved gardening and kept beautiful flower beds throughout the yard. She enjoyed going to the farms in Ohio to purchase fresh produce and Amish baked goods and always had a hearty meal prepared for her family. She valued the importance of family gatherings, whether it was celebrating a holiday, birthday, or having a picnic. Food was always the center in the D’Achille household. She liked playing cards and taking her son-in-laws’ nickels in a good card game.

Friends will be received on Friday, January 9th, from 10 a.m. until the time of a service at 12 noon at Concord Church, 285 Concord Church Road, Beaver Falls. Arrangements have been entrusted to Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls.

A special thanks goes out to Three Oaks Hospice of Beaver for their support and care for Rosemarie and to special friends, Karen and Faith, for their love and helping to care for her. In lieu of flowers, plant a tree for Rosemarie by clicking here.

Man hospitalized after getting pinned by a heavy machine inside a building in the Strip District of Pittsburgh

(File Photo: Caption for Photo: police car lights at night in city with selective focus and bokeh background blur, Credit for Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images/iStockphoto/z1b)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) A man was taken to a hospital after being pinned by a piece of industrial equipment inside a building in the Strip District neighborhood of Pittsburgh just before 9:10 a.m. this morning at the 100 block of 15th Street. Emergency crews found a man who had a heavy machine fall on him when they arrived at the scene. He was reported to be in stable condition. The extent of his injuries was not known immediately. According to a statement from Pittsburgh Public Safety, he was initially unresponsive, but was conscious and alert when he was taken to the hospital.

Penguins terminate contract of newly acquired defenseman Egor Zamula by putting him on waivers

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Matt Slocum/AP)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) According to PuckPedia, the Pittsburgh Penguins placed defenseman Egor Zamula on waivers yesterday for the purpose of terminating his contract. The Penguins suspended Zamula on Sunday because he did not report to their AHL affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins. The Penguins traded Philip Tomasino to the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday in exchange for the twenty-five-year-old Zamula. Zamula signed with the Flyers as an undrafted free agent in September of 2018 and had spent the last six seasons with them, earning 41 points and 33 assists in 168 NHL games with the Flyers.

Man from Miami, Florida charged after causing a three-vehicle crash in Allegheny County

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Collier Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Pittsburgh reported via release today that twenty-four-year-old Luis Llorens Mendoza of Miami, Florida was charged after causing a three-vehicle crash in Allegheny County on the evening of December 30th, 2025. Llorens Mendoza was driving on I-376 West Penn Lincoln Parkway in Collier Township at 5:12 p.m. and hit the vehicles of eighteen-year-old Sofia Knuaff of Zelienople and twenty-nine-year-old Mitchell Whitaker of Coraopolis. Knauff was the only driver that was injured with a suspected minor injury, but she was not transported. 

Zelienople man charged after causing a single-vehicle crash in Allegheny County

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Ross Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Pittsburgh reported via release today that seventy-two-year-old Richard Buccelli of Zelienople was charged after causing a single-vehicle crash in Allegheny County on Saturday morning. Buccelli was driving on I-279 South in Ross Township at about 9:11 a.m. and he lost control of his vehicle before driving through the off ramp and hitting a light pole. Buccelli was transported to Allegheny General Hospital for further evaluation of possible injuries. 

Coraopolis woman charged after causing a single-vehicle crash in Pittsburgh

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Pittsburgh reported via release today that twenty-year-old Samiyah Littlejohn of Coraopolis was charged after causing a single-vehicle crash in Pittsburgh on Saturday morning. Littlejohn was driving south on I-279 at 8:54 a.m. and lost control of her vehicle before hitting the guide rail and she was not injured. 

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has $30 million for his reelection bid, a new state record

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro watches warm ups before an NFL football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro set another campaign finance record for Pennsylvania with $30 million on hand as he seeks a second term this fall, his campaign said Tuesday.

Pennsylvania has emerged as the nation’s premier presidential battleground state, and Shapiro’s strong showing in the 2022 governor’s race elevated his profile within the Democratic Party, where he’s viewed as a potential 2028 White House contender.

In the general election, Shapiro, 52, is expected to face Stacy Garrity, the twice-elected state treasurer who has been endorsed by the state Republican Party. Garrity had yet to report campaign fundraising details as of Tuesday. The deadline to file campaign finance reports with the state is Jan. 31.

Shapiro isn’t expected to face a serious challenge in the May 19 primary election. The deadline to submit paperwork to get on the primary election ballot is March 10.

Shapiro’s $30 million dwarfs the previous state record for a candidate heading into an election year. Shapiro set the previous record, reporting $13.4 million at the start of 2022. Shapiro went on to smash the state campaign spending record that year, reporting that he spent more than $70 million on the race.

Valerie McElvy sworn in for first full term as the mayor of New Brighton

(Photo Courtesy of Valerie McElvy, Posted on Facebook on January 6th, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(New Brighton, PA) Valerie McElvy was sworn in yesterday evening for her first full-term as the mayor of New Brighton. She is succeeding the previous mayor who served in that position for eight years, the late Tom Albanese, who passed away on March 1st, 2024. McElvy is a life-long member of New Brighton who has served the community for over 45 years and she has also served on the board of the New Brighton Business District and on Borough Council.