Author: Beaver County Radio

Pennsylvania State Police Report 747 Crashes, 535 DUI Arrests During 2025 Labor Day Weekend Enforcement

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Badge)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) According to a release from the Pennsylvania State Police, as part of its ongoing mission to protect Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) today released the results of its 2025 Labor Day weekend enforcement initiative. The PSP investigated 747 crashes that resulted in 129 injuries and six deaths from August 29th, 2025 to September 1st, 2025. In those crashes, impaired driving was a factor in 64 of them and two of those crashes were fatal. According to that same release from the Pennsylvania State Police, here are some other statistics from the the results of its 2025 Labor Day weekend enforcement initiative:

  • Troopers arrested 535 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and issued 24,182 citations, including, 6,860 for speeding, 776 for failing to wear a seatbelt and 147 for not securing children in safety seats.

Table 1: Labor Day Weekend Crash Statistics

Year Total Crashes Fatal Crashes People Killed Injury-Related Crashes DUI-Related Crashes DUI-Related Fatal Crashes
2025 (4 days) 747 6 6 129 64 2
2024 (4 days) 678 7 7 142 60 3

 

 

Table 2: Labor Day Weekend Enforcement Statistics

Year DUI Arrests Speeding Citations Child Seat Citations Seat Belt Citations Other Citations
2025 (4 days) 535 6,860 147 776 16,399
2024 (4 days) 500 7,356 129 855 16,322

 

These statistics do not include incidents to which other law enforcement agencies responded and cover only those incidents investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police. You can visit psp.pa.gov for more information on the Pennsylvania State Police.

Shapiro Administration Reminds Drivers of Importance of School Bus Safety, Highlights Need for School Bus Drivers in Pennsylvania

(Photo Courtesy of Commonwealth Media Services)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Duncannon, PA) Pennsylvania Department of Education Acting Secretary Dr. Carrie Rowe and the Pennsylvania School Bus Association visited Duncannon, Pennsylvania yesterday to present the role that bus drivers play across Pennsylvania and in their communities in which they are needed, to let drivers know about school bus safety, and that bus drivers need resources to make their jobs easier, along with touring the Rohrer bus facility. Rowe made remarks after this event yesterday and said that the bus drivers are the“first link in the education process” and are very important in their roles. Rowe also told a story to highlight how simple interactions and “hellos” from bus drivers can transform the whole experience of riding the bus to school for any student. Rowe was speaking with a female bus driver earlier this year in between an event that she was doing and this bus driver brought a stuffed animal puppy to a female kindergarten student one day on the bus that cried every day at the start of the school year. According to Rowe, this female bus driver she spoke to told that female kindergarten student that the stuffed animal puppy she brought for her “needed to go to school with the student so that the puppy can learn its ABCs.” Rowe confirmed that this female kindergarten student stopped crying immediately since that moment and interaction from this female bus driver and she has not cried heading to school ever since that kind gesture from this female bus driver.

Barbara Rose Messick (1950-2025)

Barbara Rose Messick, 74, of Fort Myers, Florida, formerly of New Brighton, passed away peacefully on September 2nd, 2025. She was born in New Brighton on September 23rd, 1950, a daughter of the late Ralph and Rose (Petuch) Sayre. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Richard “Butch” Messick, a grandson, Jay Dylan Spratt and a son-in-law, Jay Daniel Spratt in 2022.

Barb enjoyed spending time with her husband of 57 years, Richard (Rick) Messick, playing Pickleball, going to bingo with her friends and cheering on her beloved Pittsburgh Steelers at the clubhouse.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her daughters, Renee Messick and Richael Spratt, her grandchildren: Joshua (Nicole) Caminite, Ashley Menges, Allison Menges, Zachary (Leah) Spratt, and Jacob Spratt; as well as her great grand-children: Noah, Caden, and Emma Caminite, Rowan, Makai, Koa, Ryleigh, Jay, Adrien and Leo Spratt; along with her sisters, Beverly (Butch) Merriman and Betty Jo (Bill) Johnson, her brother-in-law, Bob (Bev) Messick and her loyal dog, Quincy.

A memorial service in Barbara’s honor will be held at at a later date at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of her arrangements.

Pennsylvania mother identified in 1971 cold case homicide in Howard County, Maryland

(File Photo of the U.S. Department of Justice Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Howard County, MD) According to police yesterday, the woman at the center of a 1971 cold case homicide in Howard County, Maryland was identified as a Pennsylvania mother. Howard County Police Chief Gregory Der confirms Sadie Belle Murray was identified and led her two adult children who are still living to be reunited. According to police records, Murray, who went by Sarah Belle Sharkey at the time of her death, was found unconscious in a field off Route 99 in Woodstock in July of 1971. Police also note that Murray, who was born on September 7th, 1924, died two months later after she got hospitalized stemming from an assault attack.

Regis M. Paxton (1936-2025)

Regis M. Paxton, 89, of Center Township, passed away on September 3rd, 2025, after a brief illness and a lifetime marked by unwavering dedication to family, hard work, and service to his community. He was born in Aliquippa on July 21st, 1936, a son of the late Lawrence and Marie Paxton, Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Regis Paxton, Jr., a sister, Charlotte Paxton and three brothers: Lawrence Paxton Jr, Wilbur Paxton, and Stanley Paxton. For 67 years, Regis was the beloved husband of Elaine (Pietrandrea) Paxton, a partnership that stood as a testament to enduring love and devotion.Regis was a loving father to his devoted daughter, Sherry Paxton and his son and daughter-in-law: Stephen (Kristin) Paxton. He was affectionately called “Papa Reg” by his two granddaughters, Kara and Sienna Paxton. Regis found an immense amount of joy and pride with his granddaughters, he touched their lives with wisdom, stories, and joy that will never be forgotten. He is also survived by a brother, Joseph Paxton, numerous nieces and nephews and his cherished cat Bud.He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather and will be forever missed.

Regis would witness tremendous change and heartache. He met life’s challenges with quiet strength and a gracious spirit. Over nearly nine decades, Regis built a legacy defined not by accolades, but with warmth, wisdom and love. Regis was a member of  Our Lady of Fatima Church of Aliquippa, part of Mary Queen of Saints Parish.

Born with an indomitable spirit, Regis spent his life providing for his loved ones. Over the years, he worked three jobs to ensure the comfort and well-being of his family. He began his career with J&L Steelworks in the Blooming Mill as a crane operator and later gained employment with Hussey Copper working as a material handler. Before deciding to retire, Regis worked at Mannheim Auto Auction for several years. Throughout his life, his work ethic was one of perseverance and selflessness in all that he did. Regis was a lifetime retired member of the Center Township Volunteer Fire Department and was deeply committed to the safety and welfare of his neighbors. His service was marked by courage, generosity, and a steadfast sense of civic duty to the community he served so faithfully.

Visitation will be on Monday, September 8th from 4-7 p.m. in the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home Inc. 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where departing prayers will be held on Tuesday, September 9th at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Fatima Church, 3005 Fatima Drive, Aliquippa. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 2186 Broadhead Road, Aliquippa.

In lieu of flowers the family respectfully requests that donations be made to Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Broadhead Road, Aliquippa PA 15001 or the Salvation Army. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Regis M. Paxton, please visit the link by clicking here.

Joseph A. Vitunic, Jr. (1948-2025)

Joseph A Vitunic, Jr., 77, of Carnegie, Pennsylvania, passed away on September 3rd, 2025. He was born in Pittsburgh on May 9th, 1948, in Pittsburgh, the son of the late Joseph and Ellen Vitunic. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Eliza. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Valerie Vitunic, his children Laura, with children, Jacob, Josh, Nathan, and Kate, Katie (Jason) with daughter, Grace, and Tim (Kristen) with sons. Alex, Zack, and Ethan; as well as his sisters:Linda (John), Janet (Larry), Carol (Keith) and Judy (Jim).

Joseph lived his life for the Lord in thought, word, and deed. Prayerful, intentional, servant-hearted, and generous, he followed his calling to leave engineering to start and pastor Church of the Savior in Ambridge, PA.  His devotion to Christ was bold, unashamed, consistent and his legacy, forged in eternal hope, lives on in the lives of many.

Nothing brought him greater joy than time with his family and treasured friends. He could be found in the stands at baseball, soccer, and volleyball games, or in the audience at plays and concerts, always cheering on those he loved. He prayed earnestly for his family and set before them an enduring example of love, care, and laughter.

He was known for his quick wit and his unmistakable laugh. He loved to joke, tease, and share humor with anyone he met, never taking himself too seriously but using joy to connect deeply with others.

Gifted athletically, academically, and professionally, he achieved much in life from excelling as a Division I athlete to earning an Ivy League education. If you met him, these would be the last things he would ever mention. His humility ran deeper than his accomplishments, and at his core he found his true identity in Christ.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, September 7th, from 1-5 PM, in the John Syka Funeral Home Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements and where prayers will be offered on Monday, September 8th at 10 A.M. and a funeral service will follow at 10:30 A.M. in St. Stephens Anglican Church, 405 Frederick Avenue, Sewickley. A Christian burial will follow in Sewickley Cemetery, 501 Hopkins Street, Sewickley. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse.

PennDOT and American Society of Civil Engineers Recognize Liberty Tunnels Ventilation System as a Historic Landmark

(File Photo of the PennDOT logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) According to a release from PennDOT District 11, (PennDOT) Secretary Mike Carroll was joined yesterday by regional and transportation-industry leaders for a dedication ceremony to recognize the Liberty Tunnels Ventilation System as an American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark (NHCEL) in the City of Pittsburgh. The ceremony was held yesterday because the newly installed plaque at the Liberty Tunnels Fan House dedicating it as an ASCE National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark was unveiled. The Liberty Tunnels opened to traffic for automobiles in January of 1924 as the first tunnel in America comprised of two parallel but separate tunnels with four lanes in total and at that time, it was the longest auto tunnel upon opening at over a mile in length. The program of the NHCEL recognizes historically significant national and international projects, structures, and sites for civil engineering. The only other ASCE NHCEL in the City of Pittsburgh and the only other existing NHCEL in Allegheny County is the Smithfield Street Bridge.

Styropek plastics plant facility in Potter Township facing decree of over $2.6 million for repeated pollution of Raccoon Creek and the Ohio River

(File Photo of the PennEnvironment Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Potter Township, PA) A possible state content decree that would order it to pay more than $2.6 million for repeated pollution of Raccoon Creek and the Ohio River is being faced by the owner of a former plastics plant in Monaca. The decree was filed on Wednesday by the Department of Environmental Protection, in conjunction with nonprofits Three Rivers Waterkeeper and PennEnvironment Inc., filed the decree Sept. 3 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania in Pittsburgh against BVPV Styrenics LLC and Styropek USA Inc. The consent decree that is proposed must be submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice for a review period of 45 days before it can be entered by the court and it may be viewed by requesting an informal file review through the website of the Department of Environmental Protection. If the decree is approved by the court, Styropek, which stopped operations at its Potter Township plant in January of 2025, would pay penalties and remediation costs and fund watershed rehabilitation and restoration projects as a requirement. Styropek would also pay $100,000 in civil penalties to the Department of Environmental Protection’s Clean Water Fund and $2.5 million for projects of environmental restoration in the Raccoon Creek and Ohio River watersheds. According to the Department of Environmental Protection, on October 18th, 2022, DEP inspectors observed plastic pellets on the ground at several locations at the Styropek facility in Potter Township. A follow-up survey revealed numerous pellets downstream of the facility’s outfalls along Raccoon Creek and the Ohio River on December 13th, 2022. DEP also issued Styropek a Notice of Violation for the unauthorized discharge of plastic pellets onto land and into Raccoon Creek ten days later on December 23rd, 2022.Styropek must take significant steps to stop future pollution under the proposed decree, which includes installing new turbidity curtains at the lagoons of the facility in Potter Township, implementing stricter monitoring and stormwater control procedures and upgrading wastewater treatment with cloth media filters and other improvements. According to the Beaver County Times, of the $2.5 million restoration funds:

  • $2 million would support the Raccoon Creek Plastic Remediation Fund, which will investigate and clean up polystyrene pellet pollution in the watershed’s sediment, water and banks. Styropek would be responsible for carrying out remediation under DEP oversight.
  • $500,000, along with any unspent remediation funds, would create the Raccoon Creek Benefit Fund, administered by the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds. This fund would support projects that restore, preserve, and protect water quality in the Raccoon Creek watershed and nearby areas of the Ohio River watershed.

Saxton & Stump Selects Historic Union Trust Building as Home to Its Pittsburgh Office

(File Photo of a Dollar Sign)

PITTSBURGH–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sep 4, 2025– Saxton & Stump is preparing to open its new office in downtown Pittsburgh’s landmark Union Trust Building, underscoring the firm’s long-term commitment to Western Pennsylvania and its expanding role in the region’s business and legal community.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250904407859/en/

Union Trust Building – Photo Courtesy of Robert Benson Photography

The law firm has been operating from temporary offices at One PPG Place since April while planning for a permanent location. The firm’s Union Trust Building office is expected to open in October once final interior improvements are complete.

“Opening our Pittsburgh office in the Union Trust Building is more than a location decision – it’s a statement of stability and partnership,” said Saxton & Stump CEO James W. Saxton, an Allegheny County native and graduate of Duquesne Law School. “This building reflects the character and vision of our firm and the caliber of talent we’re attracting – rooted in tradition, driven by innovation, and built for the future.”

The 12,000-square-foot office space is designed for growth, with the firm projecting to double its headcount in Pittsburgh within the next 18 months.

Located at 501 Grant St. in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh, the Union Trust Building is one of the city’s most architecturally significant landmarks. Originally commissioned by Henry Clay Frick in 1915, the Flemish-Gothic building was acquired by an affiliate of Boston-based developer The Davis Companies (Davis) in 2014. Davis completed a $100 million restoration of the building, which now serves as a modern hub for premier office, retail, and dining space.

The location places Saxton & Stump’s team within walking distance of city and federal courthouses and many of the firm’s clients.

The Pittsburgh office is now home to 12 professionals, including nine attorneys, serving clients in Construction, Construction Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Intellectual Property, Trucking and Commercial Transportation, and Senior Care groups. Nine of those professionals came aboard in 2025, including four attorneys from Burns White in April and two from Pietragallo Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti, LLP in June.

With the addition of its Union Trust Building office, Saxton & Stump now operates 10 offices across Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and New Jersey, including recent expansions in York County, Pa.

“This is just the beginning of our story in Pittsburgh,” Saxton said. “We’re here to grow, to serve, and to become part of the fabric of this region’s business and legal community.