Joan Watson, 88, passed away peacefully at Good Samaritan Hospice in Wexford on June 23rd, 2025.
She was born in Ambridge on June 16th, 1937, a daughter of the late John and Anelia Halaico and the beloved wife of the late William Watson. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her two sisters, Helen Burnell and Genevieve Mutz. She is survived by her daughter, Becky Sperduti (Ron), her stepson, Bill Watson (Judy), several nieces and nephews and her precious granddog, Gabby.
Joan was an excellent cook and baker who loved making delicious food for family, friends and church events. Beyond her cooking skills, she was also an excellent seamstress. She loved reading mystery books and doing crossword puzzles in her spare time.
Her family extends their eternal gratitude to the exceptional team at Good Samaritan Hospice in Wexford. Their compassion, dedication, and unwavering support during Joan’s final journey were a true blessing. Her family is also deeply grateful for the professionalism and kindness of Economy Ambulance who assisted Joan on many occasions.
Her family respects Joan’s wishes that no service or gathering take place. Instead, they encourage loved ones to remember and celebrate the cherished moments. Services are private and arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.
Author: Beaver County Radio
Tammy J. Miller (1960-2025)
Tammy J. Miller, 65, formerly of Northwood, North Dakota, passed away on June 22nd, 2025 at her residence in Monaca.
She was born in Northwood, North Dakota, on June 8th, 1960, a daughter of the late Medard and Gladys (Olson) Schultz. Tammy is survived by her fiancé of 24 years, Robert Mizenko, a daughter, Barbra J. (Laura) Miller, a grandchild, Seth (Mia Scalamogna) Ellefson, her sisters: Thersa (Steve) Walker, Virginia Breeden, Janice Oswalt, Brenda (George) Robbie, Carol Sather and Jacky Jurasko; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Friends will be received on Wednesday, June 25th from 1 P.M. until the time of services at 4 P.M. in the GABAUER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., 1133 Penn Avenue, New Brighton. Pastor Sonny Blucher will officiate.
Central Pennsylvania man gets federal charges for allegedly posting social media threats to assassinate former Vice President Kamala Harris
(File Photo of a Gavel)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Washington, D.C.) A central Pennsylvania man recently got federal charges for allegedly posting social media threats to assassinate former Vice President Kamala Harris. Thirty-seven-year-old Steven A. Hartford acted during the 2024 presidential campaign and allegedly threatened her on some TikTok videos from the Daily Mail, which is a British news outlet. According to the indictment, Hartford, as “thealex13one13,” responded to a July 21st, 2024 video by commenting, “I will assassinate her if she runs for pres,” and he responded to another video as “thealex13one13” by posting “I will assassinate her.” According to a statement from the U.S. Department of Justice, Hartford could face up to ten years in prison in connection with the charges.
Hopewell School Board adopts 2025-2026 budget and makes some decisions at a recent meeting
(File Photo of the Hopewell Area School District Logo)
(Rpeorted by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano)
(Hopewell, PA) The Hopewell School Board adopted their 2025-2026 general fund budget of $49,510,675 on Tuesday night. Appropriations will be $49,827,340. Real estate tax millage will be about 12.61. Superintendent Dr. Jeff Beltz explained that the appropriations represent funding needed for capital improvements in the district. A resolution was adopted authorizing the chief county assessor to direct inspection of all properties where improvements were made after September 1st, 2024 that aren’t included in the tax duplicate to the treasurer. Coaches and fall coaching staffs got approved for the upcoming fall season. A one year sponsor-to sponsor agreement with the Private Industry Council for meals for a Head Start Classroom at Hopewell Elementary School from July 1st, 2025 to June 30th, 2026. The next meeting for the Hopewell School Board is scheduled for July 22nd, 2025 at 7 p.m.
American Red Cross urges people to donate blood or platelets through the middle of summer
(File Photo of the American Red Cross logo)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Pittsburgh, PA) The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania is asking people to donate either platelets or blood through the middle of summer. Type O blood is needed the most. Everyone who givesfrom July 1st-14, will get an exclusive pair of sunglasses with the Red Cross and goodr brands on them. Those who give by June 30th will get an email of a $15 Amazon gift card and be entered to win one of two gift cards worth $7,000. You can visit redcross.org for more information.
According to a release from the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania, you can make an appointment by choosing one of these options and they also provide some things to remember when donating blood: You can visit RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Former Monaca resident gets a prison sentence for obstructing justice and sexually exploiting a minor
(File Photo of Handcuffs)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Beaver County, PA) A former Monaca resident got a prison sentence for obstructing justice and sexually exploiting a minor. According to the Department of Justice, twenty-eight-year-old Nicholas Sittig got twenty years in prison, followed by ten years of supervised release on Monday. Investigators confirm Sittig persuaded a minor from California from August of 2023 and April of 2024 to make Snapchat messages that were sexually explicit and todestroy the evidence. Homeland Security Investigations agents identified another minor from the Eastern District of Pennsylvania that Sittig also sexually exploited. From December of 2023 to March of 2024, this Eastern District of Pennsylvania minor was sexually exploited by Sittig.
Central Valley School Board approves 2025-2026 budget and makes several motions at recent meeting
(File Photo of the Central Valley School District logo)
(Reported by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano)
(Monaca, PA) The Central Valley School Board approved their 2025-2026 budget on Monday night. The budget was worth $46,621,205. The millage is about 10.78, a 5% increase, of around .51 mills. Expenditures are expected to be $47,176,479. Several motions were also approved at the Central Valley School Board meeting on Monday night. It was announced at the meeting that eleven professional employees attained their tenure and received permanent contracts in the district. The boys soccer coach resigned effective on May 29th, 2025. Carina Pavlinch was granted an extended year contract from July 7th to July 17th, 2025 and will earn $18 an hour. Frye Transportation goes into the second year of their five-year contract on July 1st, 2025. Four special education teachers were hired effective August 19th, 2025. They are Adrian Anzelone, Elisabeth Dodson, Lisa Lindner and Zachary Rosa. Bridget Sweterlich and Amy Dronel were hired as school nurses, and their salaries will be $36,500 each for 3 year contracts. Brenda Stoyer, a school nurse resigned effective July 1st, 2025. Catherine Senior was hired as an elementary teacher effective August 19th, 2025. Jamie Economos was hired as a middle school secretary effective July 21st, 2025.
Senate approves legislation to strengthen Pennsylvania’s no-cost breast cancer screening law in Harrisburg
(File Photo: Background of a October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month Picture)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Harrisburg, PA) According to a release from the Senate Republican Communications Office, the Senate approved legislation Tuesday to strengthen Pennsylvania’s no-cost breast cancer screening law. This was in Harrisburg and will ensure fully covering diagnostic imaging, which will remove barriers of finance for patients. Senate Bill 88 ensures people who get abnormal results from screenings that are supplemental can get access now for diagnostic imaging that is necessary at no cost.
Pennsylvania House of Representatives unanimously passes bill to crack down on deed fraud from State Representative Chris Rabb and Representative Tim Bonner
(File Photo of the Seal of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Harrisburg, PA) According to a release from State Representative Chris Rabb’s office, Rabb announced his bipartisan bill passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives unanimously on Tuesday. This bill known as House Bill 1406 has the intention of grading theft involving property titles or deeds as a second-degree felony. Rabb worked on this bill with Representative Tim Bonner. The State Senate will now look over the bill for consideration.
Scam in which scammers pretend to be an employee from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by getting older Pennsylvanians to pay money out of their texts and emails is spreading in Pennsylvania
(File Photo of Scam Alert Background Photo)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Harrisburg, PA) A scam has been recently going around in which the Shapiro administration has been recently telling Pennsylvanians to avoid. A reported scam was identified when the scammer pretended to be an employee for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. They are assisted by a fake email to make older Pennsylvanians pay through an inheritance that is a fraud and licensed financial institutions. According to a release from the the Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID), Pennsylvania Department of Aging, Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities (DoBS), and the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), here are some ways to protect yourself from these scams:
- Don’t respond to suspicious emails or texts;
- Don’t trust messages about winning money or getting an inheritance from someone you do not know;
- Do not feel pressured to act quickly or in secrecy;
- Check email addresses. Scammers can spoof emails, sending an email that looks like it is from a trusted source. Official emails from Pennsylvania state agencies always end in @pa.gov;
- Watch out for fake websites. Official Pennsylvania Commonwealth websites end in pa.gov and will always display the Commonwealth logo with the text “Official website of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania” on the top left corner of a web page; and know that Pennsylvania agencies will not threaten immediate legal action or license suspension without proper notice.










