Author: Beaver County Radio

A man from Monaca dies and a man from Sewickley gets injured after a single-vehicle crash occurs on Constitution Boulevard in Darlington Township

(File Photo of a Police Siren Light)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Darlington Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Beaver report that fifty-eight-year-old Anthony Pantaleo of Monaca died yesterday at the scene of a single-vehicle crash that occurred on Constitution Boulevard that night. Pantaleo was driving south on State Route 51 near 3585 Constitution Boulevard in Darlington Township and did not have control of his vehicle and exited that road. Pantaleo hit an embankment, a fence, and a gas meter with his vehicle, which caused his vehicle to be overturned with its wheels facing up. Neither Pantaleo nor his passenger, sixty-three-year-old Harvey Marenic of Sewickley, had their seatbelt on at the time this crash occurred. According to police, Marenic was transported by Medic Rescue for further medical attention because of a suspected serious injury. 

AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report states that gas prices drop five cents in Western Pennsylvania this week as fall of 2025 is underway

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of AAA East Central)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Gas prices are five cents lower in Western Pennsylvania this week at about $3.42 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report. The national average for a regular gallon of gasoline is $3.18, a penny more than last week. The report states that at this time a year ago, the average price for a gallon of gas in Western Pennsylvania was around $3.50. The report also notes that the average price that you can expect for a gallon of unleaded gas here in Beaver County is $3.57. According to a release from AAA East Central and AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report, here are theaverage prices of unleaded self-serve gasoline this week in various Pennsylvania areas:

$3.378      Altoona
$3.570      Beaver
$3.587      Bradford
$3.066      Brookville
$3.500      Butler
$3.050      Clarion
$3.283      DuBois
$3.352      Erie
$3.332      Greensburg
$3.418      Indiana
$3.465      Jeannette
$3.486      Kittanning
$3.279      Latrobe
$3.363      Meadville
$3.524      Mercer
$3.441      New Castle
$3.473      New Kensington
$3.557      Oil City
$3.464      Pittsburgh
$3.393      Sharon
$3.538      Uniontown
$3.599      Warren
$3.497      Washington

Aliquippa man arrested for driving under the influence of drugs on the 1200 block of Saint Titus Alley in Aliquippa

(File Photo of Handcuffs)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Aliquippa, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Beaver report that twenty-three-year-old Romero Foster of Aliquippa was arrested on August 28th, 2025 for driving under the influence of drugs in Aliquippa that day. Foster was stopped by police for committing a vehicle code violation on the 1200 block of Saint Titus Alley. According to police, Foster was subsequently arrested for driving under the influence of a controlled substance and his charges are pending.

Shapiro Administration Continues Enhancing Safety and Traffic Flow with Roundabouts, Offers Public Educational Resources

(File Photo of the PennDOT logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) According to a release yesterday from PennDOT, PennDOT announced yesterday that roundabouts continue to provide safe, efficient travel across the Commonwealth. Findings in studies through 2024 with 20 years of crash data from roundabouts around Pennsylvania used confirmed that crashes decreased by 7 percent and crashes with injuries got reduced by 51 percent. 104 roundabouts across Pennsylvania have been built to improve the flow of traffic and/or decrease the severity of a crash and more than 30 additional roundabouts are in various stages of design and construction around Pennsylvania since 2005. According to that same release from PennDOT yesterday, here is some more information about roundabouts and some tips for safely driving on them:

  • Pennsylvania data reflects national studies that found changing two-way sign-controlled intersections to a single-lane roundabout reduced injury crashes by more than 80 percent. Likewise, changing a signalized intersection to single-lane or multilane roundabout reduced crashes with injuries by up to 78 percent.
  • The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) lists roundabouts as a “Proven Safety Countermeasure” that improves safety by reducing vehicle speeds by angling incoming traffic. The crashes that do occur tend to be sideswipe crashes with vehicles traveling at slower speeds rather than T-bone or head-on collisions. Additionally, eliminating left turns across opposing traffic results in dramatically fewer injuries.
  • In addition to safety improvement, roundabouts carry, on average, approximately 30 percent more vehicles during peak traffic than similar intersections. In off-peak hours, roundabouts cause almost no delay, compared to traffic signals.
  • As roundabouts are constructed around the state, it is important to know how to correctly navigate them.

Here are a few key things to remember when navigating a roundabout:

  • Slow down and be prepared to yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.
  • Circulating traffic has the right of way. Look left and check for approaching traffic. If there are multiple circulating lanes, yield to both before entering. Do not assume the vehicle in the inside lane will stay there.
  • Do not stop while in the circulatory roadway, and always use your right turn signal to indicate your exit.

More on roundabouts in Pennsylvania, including videos on navigating the intersections, how to use a truck apron and notable projects in the state can be found on the PennDOT Roundabout web page.Information about state infrastructure in Pennsylvania, including completed work and significant projects, is available online. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.pa.gov/DOTprojects.

Subscribe to local PennDOT news or statewide PennDOT news on the department’s website.

Find PennDOT news on X, Facebook and Instagram.

Shirley Jean Strobel (1935-2025)

Shirley Jean Strobel, 90, of New Sewickley Township, formerly of Economy Borough, passed away on September 21st, 2025, in New Sewickley Township at her daughter’s home. She was born in Duff City, Pennsylvania on April 2nd, 1935, a daughter of the late Robert E. and Eliza M. Ford Wolff. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert N. Strobel, one grand daughter, Michelle Kelly, a great grand daughter, Cheryl Strobel, two brothers, Eugene R. and Harold G. Wolff, three sisters, Gladys Lias, Louis Beck and Eliza Janosik and a sister in law, Shirley Rose. She is survived by a daughter and son in law, Linda and Charles Kelly of New Sewickley Township, two sons and one daughter in law, Barney N. Strobel of Conway, Alan S. and Karen Strobel of Rockmart, Georgia, three grandsons and their spouses: Bronson and Jodi Strobel of New Sewickley Township, Shawn Kelly of New Sewickley Township, Nicholas and Lauren Strobel of Buchanan, Georgia; along with one grand daughter and her spouse, Alyssa and A.J. Streetman of Rock Mart, Georgia, five great grandsons: Travis Strobel of New Sewickley Township, Adam Strobel and his spouse, Brook of New Brighton, Gabe Kelly of New Sewickley Township, Wyatt Strobel and Gatlin Strobel, both of Rock Mart, Georgia; as well as her great grand daughters, Bristol, Piper, Finley and Wrenley Strobel and a great great grand daughter Ellie Strobel, New Sewickley Township, one brother, Robert Wolff of Economy Borough, three sisters, Willa Varner of Oregon, Joyce Phillips of Buckhanon, West Virginia, Beverly Grant and her spouse, Larry of Economy Borough and numerous nieces and nephews. Shirley was a retired production assistant with Mailing Services of Pittsburgh. She was also a member of the former St. Matthews Lutheran Church of Economy Borough. Friends will be received on Thursday, September 25th from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in The William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where a service will be held on Friday, September 26th at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Rehoboth Lutheran Cemetery, Conway Walrose Road, Economy. Family wishes memorial contributions be made to Advance Hospice Care, 100 Ryan Court, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15206.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley, please click here to visit the floral store of the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc.

Pitt will retire Aaron Donald’s jersey number when the Panthers host Notre Dame on November 15th, 2025

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – Pittsburgh defensive lineman Aaron Donald (97) in action in an NCAA football game between Pittsburgh and North Carolina in Pittsburgh, on Nov. 16, 2013. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Aaron Donald’s No. 97 jersey is being retired by the University of Pittsburgh.

The school announced it will retire the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year’s jersey during its game against Notre Dame on Nov. 15.

Donald, a Pittsburgh-area native, starred for the Panthers from 2010-13. The defensive lineman won nearly every major award he was eligible for during his senior year in 2013, including the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, the Chuck Bednarik Award and the Outland Trophy, while being named an All-American and the ACC Defensive Player of the Year.

“Born and raised in Pittsburgh, I’m grateful to the University of Pittsburgh for taking a chance on me when so many others wouldn’t,” Donald said in a statement. “I accomplished more in my career than I ever dreamed of, and for that I’m truly blessed. To soon see my number hanging alongside other Pitt greats is an honor beyond measure.”

The then-St. Louis Rams made Donald the 13th overall pick in the 2014 draft. He spent a decade with the Rams and was an eight-time All-Pro and 10-time Pro Bowler during a career in which he helped the franchise win its second Super Bowl title following the 2021 season. Donald retired in March 2024.

This marks the 11th time in program history the Panthers will retire a jersey. Donald will join a group that includes Hall of Famers Dan Marino (No. 13) and Tony Dorsett (No. 33) and almost certain future Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald (No. 1).

A traffic shift on the ramp from westbound I-376 (Parkway West) to northbound I-79 toward Erie (Exit 64A) in Robinson Township of Allegheny County will begin, weather permitting

(File Photo of Road Work Ahead Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) PennDOT District 11 announced that today, weather permitting, a traffic shift on the ramp from westbound I-376 (Parkway West) to northbound I-79 toward Erie (Exit 64A) in Robinson Township of Allegheny County will begin. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day from today through Friday, September 26th, traffic on the ramp from westbound I-376 (Parkway West) to northbound I-79 toward Erie (Exit 64A) will be shifted onto the shoulder to let crews perform compression seal installation work in half-widths there. 

Atty. Peter P. Simoni (1930-2025)

Atty. Peter P. Simoni, 94, of Aliquippa, passed away on September 21st, 2025, at Heritage Valley Sewickley. He was born on November 27th, 1930, the youngest child of the late Luigi and Valterina (Refice) Simoni. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings: Albert (Bea) Simoni, Maria Simoni, Tillie (Slim) Morelli, Relly Simoni, Anthony (Sarah) Simoni, Ann Simoni, Joseph (Liz) Simoni and Mario Simoni.
Precocious and bright, Peter would often tag along with his older brothers to the library, reading as many books as he could. In addition to crediting the support of his family, Pete attributed his early success to his Principal Elizabeth Skeehan and later to teacher Caroline Theil. One of “The ’49’er’s”, he excelled both in and out of the classroom, graduating second in his high school class. He also played on the football team and was Sports Editor of the Quip Script. In years to follow he was often the Master of Ceremonies at many of the 1949 reunions. Peter was a 1953 honors graduate of Duquesne University who was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and served his country in the United States Army. Stationed at Fort Sill in Oklahoma, he coached the base football team to attain championship status. Returning to Aliquippa, Pete obtained his Juris Doctorate at the University of Pittsburgh in 1958. He was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in 1959 and  was elected to or asked to take part in many Pennsylvania Legislative and Democratic committees. He was proud to be a lifelong Democrat. In private practice, he would serve the community as Solicitor of the Aliquippa School Board, and as an Assistant District Attorney of Beaver County. He kept his Practice of Law for fifty years. His Italian heritage was center to his family life. He and his secretary, his sister, Ann, served many Italian families with legal matters in both Italy and the US. Honoring his roots and his Patrican parents, from his First Holy Communion to this year, Pete participated in eighty-three San Rocco Celebrations and processions. Along with other family members, he was a San Rocco statue carrier and later served as Parade Marshall. Growing up on Plan 7, all the Simoni children worked in the family store, “The League of Nations,” as he called it. Plan 7 instilled in him a great sense of community. Throughout the years, he belonged to many local clubs and community organizations and had the innate ability to bring people together. Peter always helped others, whether it was writing a school recommendation, finding someone a job, or providing legal assistance, he was always there. When neighbors threatened to put a stop to the San Rocco fireworks, Pete, then School Solicitor arranged for the fireworks to be set off from the football field. He was a devoted Aliquippa fan and lifelong sports enthusiast who announced High School games for WMBA. He was dear to the kids in the community as “Playground Pete”. He would play 5 on 5 with high school and college hoopsters with players from surrounding towns coming to Laughlin School for a game. He was not only a sports enthusiast because he loved history, good movies, Opera and the Broadway stage. His many trips to New York were among his fondest memories. From “Turandot” to “Barefoot in the Park”, he knew the actors, the performance and the theatre staging each production. His collection of movies is endless. Throughout the years, he remained engaged in current events and politics, relishing news from friends and associates, especially from longtime friend, Sharon Danovich Lupone and her husband, John. He remained interested in Quip basketball and football scores, and was kept informed of Beaver County’s news and events through Sharon’s faithful daily phone calls.
Friends and family will be received for a visitation on Wednesday, September 24th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 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 begin on Thursday, September 25th at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Titus Roman Catholic Church, 952 Franklin Avenue, Aliquippa, which is where he was both a lifetime member and served as an usher. He will be laid to rest at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 2186 Broadhead Road, Aliquippa, immediately following the service.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Atty. Peter P. Simoni please click here to visit the Sympathy Store of the Anthony MastroFrancesco Funeral Home, Inc.

Donna Marie (King) Semega (1948-2025)

Donna Marie (King) Semega, 77, formerly of Radcliff, Kentucky, passed away with her loving family by her side on September 21st, 2025. She was born on May 10th, 1948, a daughter of the late Walter and Elizabeth King. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving partner, Tim Cyrus and a brother, Butch King. She is survived by her devoted children: Lori (Ron) Mace, Denise Semega (John Flory), Nicole Freeman (Leonard Ishman) and L.J Semega (Erica Medin), ; as well as her six grandchildren: Bill Blonski (Sara Perciavalle), Rachel (Ryan) McKee, Tyler Freeman (Skylar Zavarella), Olivia (Nate) Hodges, Grace Semega and Madison Semega; along with five great-grandchildren: Alex and Caroline Blonski, Mia Zavarella, Kaylee and Hunter McKee. She is also survived by her two siblings and their spouses, Connie (Robert) McMichael and Michael (Lori) King and numerous nieces, nephews, and several dear friends. Donna had a deep love for reading and found joy in sewing, often creating items for those she cared about. She especially treasured spending time playing games with her family, making lasting memories with those she loved most. Donna was devoted to her grandchildren and was always present at their activities and sporting events, showing unwavering support and pride in all that they did. The family of Donna wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the E.R staff at Heritage Valley Beaver Hospital for the exceptional care provided to her.

Friends and family will be received for a visitation on Thursday, September 25th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. in the ANTHONY MASTROFRANCESCO FUNERAL HOME INC., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa, who was in charge of her arrangements.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Donna Marie (King) Semega please click here to visit the Sympathy Store of the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc.

Mary Agnes VanDyke (1941-2025)

Mary Agnes VanDyke, 84, of Baden, passed away on September 22nd, 2025, at Rochester Manor and Villa. She was born in Sewickley on August 3rd, 1941, a daughter of the late Nicholas and Veronica Mutz Modrack. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Kenneth L. VanDyke, two sisters, Norma McClain and Margaret Barnes, two sisters-in-law, Clara (John) Amoroso and Olive (Elden) Channell. She is survived by her two children, Kenneth A. (Leslie) VanDyke and Valerie (John) Stablow, two brothers-in-law, Walt (Eileen) VanDyke and Bill McClain and four grandchildren: Nicholas VanDyke, Christian VanDyke, Emma VanDyke and Anthony Cvitkovic. Mary lived a vibrant life where she touched countless lives with her caring nature and dedication to service. She served as a crossing guard for Phillips Street School and a member of the Baden Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. Her commitment to service did not stop there. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Mary was also a familiar face to many from the little stores throughout Baden.  Friends will be received on Thursday, September 25th from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 PM in the CORLESS-MATTER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, LLC, 1133 Church Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements. A service will also be held on Friday, Septmber 26th at 11 A.M. at Christ Lutheran Church, 399 State Street, Baden. Online Condolences may be shared at www.corlessfuneralhomes.com. Interment will be private at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester.