Author: Beaver County Radio

Saundra Lee Leonard (Passed on April 27th, 2026)

Saundra Lee Leonard, 82, of Monaca, passed away after a lengthy battle with breast cancer on April 27th, 2026. Saundra (Sandy to most) was born and raised in Johnstown. Not long after earning a Master’s Degree in Music Education from IUP, she met the love of her life, John, and moved to Beaver County.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Elizabeth and Kelvan Straver, a brother, Kelvan Eugene Straver, and many aunts and uncles. She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, John Leonard, two children, Noel (Rich) Shadley and Kelvan (Carrie) Leonard, five grandchildren: Dustin (Jenna) Leonard, Gage (Avery) Shadley, Tori (Zach) Miller, Kaylee Leonard, and Morgan Leonard; as well as three great-grandchildren, Amora, Ronan, and Holden Miller.

Saundra loved traveling, camping, music, and spending time with friends and family. Her favorite places to travel were Aruba and Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where she would see her favorite Southern Gospel singers, The Gaither Vocal Band, perform many times. Yearly visits to Jumonville and a multitude of camping trips to Atwood Lake with her friends and family brought good times, lots of laughs, and a significant amount of mischief. She was the choir director at the United Methodist Church in Rochester for countless years, and always enjoyed showing off her exceptional skills on the piano.

Friends will be received on Monday, May 4th from 5-8 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where services will be held on Tuesday, May 5th at 10 a.m. with Pastor Allen officiating.

Justin Michael Hayes (Passed on April 28th, 2026)

Justin Hayes, 40, of Monaca, passed away peacefully at home on April 28th, 2026.

He was born in Altoona, a son of the late Jacalyn Hayes and Walter Hayes.

Justin married the love of his life, Shantelle Hayes, in Gallitzin on October 17th, 2020, a day that meant everything to him. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his mother-in-law, Lynn Dashner (Sam), his stepmother, Donna Hayes (Bernie), his grandmother, Rosie Karabinos, his sister, Katrina Burick (Adam), his brother, Randy Lee, along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, close friends, his gaming buddies, and his beloved cats. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Patricia and Walter Hayes, John and Stella Vocco and Michael Karabinos; along with his brothers, Scottie Lee and Shawn Hayes.

Justin was a graduate of Penn Cambria, Class of 2003, and a proud member of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades. He was a skilled painter and finisher who took pride in his work and the life he built with his hands. He loved being outdoors fishing, camping, and hiking whenever he could. He enjoyed gardening with his wife, always making sure her plants were cared for. He had a passion for video games and shared countless laughs and late nights with his gaming buddies. He was a huge Pittsburgh Penguins fan who rarely missed a chance to watch a game. He also had a creative spirit and found peace in painting and working on his home. More than anything, he will be remembered for being the absolute best hugger, his genuine smile, and the kindness he showed towards others. The deep love he had for his wife, family, and friends. He had a way of making people feel comfortable, understood, and cared for without needing to say much at all.

The memories he created, the love he gave, and the life he lived will continue on in the hearts of those who knew him. He was deeply loved, and his absence will be felt forever.

A celebration of Justin’s life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

Mary Geraldine Drylie (1926-2026)

Mary Geraldine Drylie, 99, of Beaver, passed away at home on April 26th, 2026.

She was born in New Brighton on June 11th, 1926, in New Brighton, a daughter of the late Joseph and Clara Zubaly. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert O. Drylie Jr., her son, Robert O. Drylie III, her brother, Joseph Zubaly and her sister, Jackie Majors. She is survived by her daughters, Denise Diehl and Susan Schuller, her grandchildren: Keith Diehl, Scott Diehl, Lacy Iacano and Greg Schuller; as well as her great-grandchildren, Addison Iacano and Samantha Diehl.

Mary and her husband, Bo, lived all over the United Sates, and traveled extensively in Europe. Her favorite time was antiquing every Sunday with her daughter. The family was beginning to plan her 100th birthday celebration, which she was so looking forward to.

In accordance with Mary’s wishes, a private family service will be held.

Professional arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, PA 15009.

Online condolences my be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

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

Donald Alfred Zaffaroni (1943-2026)

Donald Alfred Zaffaroni, 83, of Chippewa Township, passed peacefully on April 27th, 2026, at Beaver Valley Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center in Beaver Falls.

A chapel service with military honors will be held on Thursday, April 30th at 1 P.M. at Williamsburg Chapel of Beaver Falls Cemetery & Mausoleum with entombment to follow.

The GABAUER-LITTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, is honored to provide care and guidance to the Zaffaroni family and was the funeral home that was in charge of his arrangements.

Several Pennsylvania theme parks and roller coasters make USAToday 10Best 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Kennywood)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(West Mifflin, PA) Three Pennsylvania theme parks and four roller coasters in the state have made USA Today’s 10Best 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. These two top-ten lists of the best theme parks and roller coasters in the country were released yesterday. A panel of experts nominated their top picks and readers voted to decide the winners. The Best Theme Park for 2026 included Knoebels at No. 2, Kennywood at No. 4 and Hersheypark at No. 10. Knoebels in Elysburg was described on USA Today’s 10Best website as “the perfect mix for a relaxed yet thrilling day in the park.” The West Mifflin spectacle of Kennywood was selected for its history and its iconic rides including the JackRabbit, Racer and the Thunderbolt. Hershey’s chocolate-themed park was selected for its resume of 121 acres and over 70 rides. The Best Roller Coaster for 2026 included Phoenix at Knoebels at No. 1, Phantom’s Revenge at Kennywood at No. 2, Ravine Flyer II at Waldameer & Water World at No. 5 and Wildcat’s Revenge at Hersheypark at No. 10. The Phoenix topped this list because of its 45 mile per hour speeds as well as its panoramic views of the hills that surround it. Phantom’s Revenge got the runner-up spot for its scary transition that brings riders very close to the Thunderbolt and its second drop, which is 85 miles per hour and 232 feet. Ravine Flyer II is located in Erie and it has a big bridge to make it cross over Pennsylvania Route 832. It was also selected because of facts like it being the fastest and tallest wooden roller coaster in Pennsylvania. Wildcat’s Revenge has the world’s largest underflip inversion along with going to 140 feet, hitting 62 miles per hour, and taking riders through four inversions and an 82-degree drop.

Duquesne Light introduces improvements one year after derecho caused widespread outages in Western Pennsylvania

(File Photo of the Duquesne Light Company Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) A year after a powerful storm caused widespread damage and outages in Western Pennsylvania, utilities and city officials say they are better prepared for future severe weather. 

On April 29, 2025, a derecho with winds up to 90 mph left hundreds of thousands without power. 

Duquesne Light Company said it has since introduced new technology to improve communication with customers during outages, including expanded text messaging alerts. The utility also said it has strengthened its ability to restore service by increasing available personnel and deploying tools to more quickly locate downed power lines. 

Electric Vehicles Dominate This Year’s AAA Car Guide

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of AAA East Central)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) AAA has named the 2026 Lucid Gravity Touring as the overall winner and top midsize SUV in its 2026 Car Guide. 

AAA said all category winners this year were either electric or hybrid vehicles. 

Among other winners, the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro S Plus was named the top minivan, while the 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid Sport Touring was the only hybrid to win its category, taking top honors among small cars. 

According to a release from AAA East Central, here are the winners of its car guide this year:

Category Winners

Category Vehicle Name Powertrain
Small Cars Honda Civic Hybrid Sport Touring Hybrid
Midsize Cars BMW i4 eDrive40 Gran Coupe Electric
Large Cars Lucid Air Pure Electric
Pickups Chevrolet Silverado EV LT Extended Range Electric
Minivans Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro S Plus Electric
Small SUVs Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Electric
Midsize SUVs Lucid Gravity Touring Electric
Large SUVs Hyundai Ioniq 9 Performance Limited Electric

The  AAA Car Guide includes comprehensive reviews of each vehicle based on 14 criteria, including advanced safety features, braking, fuel efficiency, infotainment usability, performance handling and ride quality. These vehicles are placed, scored and tested, scored in one of 8 vehicle categories by the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center (ARC).

Pennsylvania House passes bills that would allow digital driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – In this Sept. 16, 2017, file photo, a person uses a smart phone in Chicago. Nearly all Americans agree that the rampant spread of misinformation is a problem. Most also think individual users, along with social media companies, bear a good deal of blame for the situation. That’s according to a new poll from The Pearson Institute and the Associated Press—NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. (AP Photo/File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) Pennsylvania is a step closer to allowing digital driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations after the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed two bills this week authorizing the technology. 

One measure, sponsored by Manuel Guzman of Berks County, would permit digital vehicle registration cards. A second bill, introduced by Ed Neilson of Philadelphia, would allow residents to use digital driver’s licenses or state identification cards. 

Both measures passed with bipartisan support.

Bank robbery under investigation in Lawrence County

(File Photo of Police Siren Lights)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Lawrence County, PA) A bank robbery is under investigation in Lawrence County. 

According to the Neshannock Township Police Department, the Huntington Bank on the 2600 block of Wilmington Road was robbed at about 9:42 a.m. yesterday. 

Police said the suspect fled before officers arrived. No injuries were reported. 

The FBI is assisting with the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call 724-656-9300 or 724-761-4445.

Kentucky couple facing charges in Cranberry Township for promoting prostitution during the 2026 NFL Draft

(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Cranberry Township, PA) A couple from Louisville, Kentucky is facing charges after authorities say they attempted to profit from prostitution during the 2026 NFL Draft. 

According to court documents, 22-year-old Barry D. Brumley and 31-year-old Hillary F. Sanders are charged in Cranberry Township. 

Investigators said an undercover detective found an online advertisement on April 23 that allegedly promoted prostitution and included explicit images of Sanders. The detective arranged a meeting in which Sanders agreed to engage in sex acts for money. 

Police said the meeting took place at an Extended Stay America Select Suites on Wisconsin Avenue. According to the complaint, Sanders accepted $300 from the undercover officer. 

Authorities reported finding multiple cell phones, approximately 50 condoms and a loaded handgun inside the room. 

Brumley was found in a vehicle in the parking lot and was also in possession of a loaded handgun, police said. Investigators said neither suspect had a valid concealed carry permit. 

According to investigators, Sanders told police the pair came to the area to make money from prostitution during the draft. 

Brumley faces felony charges including promoting prostitution and a firearms offense. Sanders faces felony charges of promoting prostitution and criminal use of a communication facility, along with misdemeanor charges including possession of an instrument of crime. 

Court records show Brumley is being held on $40,000 bail, while Sanders is being held on $50,000 bail. Both are in the Butler County Prison.