Author: Beaver County Radio

Congressmen Chris Deluzio and Andrew Garbarino Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Program to Help Local Law Enforcement Afford to Buy Bulletproof Vests

(File Photo of Congressman Chris Deluzio)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Washington, D.C.) According to a release from Congressman Chris Deluzio’s office, Deluzio (D-PA-17) and Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-NY-02) introduced the new Bipartisan Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program Expansion Act today. The introduction of this bill would increase the amount that can be reimbursed to states, units of local law enforcement and federally recognized Native American tribes when they participate in the Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) Program. Deluzio and a police chief in his district, the 17th Congressional District of Pennsylvania, had a meeting in which the Bipartisan Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program Expansion Act came about in which that 17th Congressional District of Pennsylvania police chief mentioned that the price of bulletproof vests for his police force were skyrocketing. According to that same release from Deluzio’s office, more specifically, the bill would: 

  • Increase the rate of reimbursement from 50% to 60% for states, units of local law enforcement, and federally recognized Native American tribes participating in the BVP Program 
  • Increase the authorization for the Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program to $60 million a year 

The introduction of the Bipartisan Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program Expansion Act got support from the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), The International Union of Police Associations (IUPA) and the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association. The Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program reimburses states, units of local government and federally recognized Indian tribes for up to 50 percent of the cost of body armor vests purchased for law enforcement officers after being created by the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 1998. Over 13,000 jurisdictions have participated in the Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program since 1999, with a total of $573 million in federal funds for the purchase of over 1.5 million body armor vests.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro says the United States of America must “turn the tide” against political violence and reject vengeance

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro pauses during a news conference at the governor’s official residence discussing the alleged arson that forced him, his family and guests to flee in the middle of the night on the Jewish holiday of Passover, Sunday, Apr. 13, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pa. (AP Photo/Marc Levy, File)

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Gov. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania said Tuesday that the nation must “turn the tide” against political violence and the belief that government can’t solve problems while also rejecting vengeance.

Shapiro, a Democrat, delivered the remarks as the keynote speech at the Eradicate Hate Global Summit in Pittsburgh, days after the assassination of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk.

Shapiro said political leaders must condemn all forms of political violence and reject the “rhetoric of vengeance.”

“It is all wrong, and it makes us all less safe. During moments like these, I believe we have a responsibility to be clear and unequivocal in calling out all forms of political violence, making clear it is all wrong,” Shapiro said. “That shouldn’t be hard to do.”

Violence must not be used as a pretext for more violence or to prosecute constitutionally protected speech, he said, saying that political violence not only injures or kills, but affects everyone because it terrorizes, silences and “tears at the fabric of American society.”

Shapiro has criticized President Donald Trump as using the “rhetoric of rage” in the wake of Kirk’s killing, and on Tuesday, he again referenced Trump, saying some people “in the dark corners of the internet, all the way to the Oval Office, want to cherry-pick which instances of political violence they want to condemn.”

In April, Shapiro and his family fled the governor’s official residence in the middle of the night after an alleged arsonist broke in and set it on fire in an attempt to kill Shapiro.

The governor, who is considered a potential White House contender in 2028’s presidential election, had been asleep with his wife, children and extended family after celebrating the Jewish holiday of Passover there.

In his remarks, Shapiro said too many people don’t believe government and the nation’s institutions can solve problems. Instead, they find refuge on the internet where their frustration is taken advantage of and used to foment hate, he said.

“It leads to a belief among some that the only way they can address their problems is through violence,” Shapiro said. “They find online those who glorify violence and urge it on.”

That, he said, “is dangerous for our democracy, and we need to turn the tide.”

The Eradicate Hate conference, in its fifth year, was started after a gunman attacked and killed 11 worshippers at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue in 2018 in the deadliest attack on Jews in U.S. history.

A new Dollar General store is opening in Hookstown

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of Dollar General)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Hookstown, PA) According to a release today from Dollar General, Dollar General has announced the opening of its store at 3428 State Route 18 in Hookstown and the grand opening event for this store will be on Saturday, September 20th, 2025 at 8 a.m. This Dollar General store opening in Hookstown will open for people to buy items that are essential for their household. In addition to the grand opening of this new Dollar General store in Hookstown, the first fifty adult customers at that new store will get $10 complimentary gift cards and the first 100 customers at that new store will get Dollar General tote bags. This new Dollar General store opening in Hookstown is expected to employ approximately six to ten people, depending on the individual needs of the store to make new jobs in the community of Hookstown. Dollar General plans to create new jobs in the Hookstown community as the store is expected to employ approximately six to ten people, depending on the individual needs of the store. You can also download the Dollar General app for hours of operation for either this new Dollar General that is opening in Hookstown or other Dollar General stores.

Candidates that are interested in either applying for positions that are available at this new Dollar General store opening in Hookstown or reviewing these positions can visit the link below:

Click here for more information on careers at Dollar General.

Citizen of Guatemala illegally residing in the United States sentenced to time in custody after pleading guilty to a charge of assaulting, resisting, or impeding a federal law enforcement officer

(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Acting United States Attorney Troy Revetti announced today that a citizen of Guatemala illegally residing in the United States pleaded guilty to
a charge of assaulting, resisting, or impeding a federal law enforcement officer and was sentenced to time served on his conviction. Thirty-three-year-old Juan Jose Antuche-Garcia was sentenced yesterday. According to information presented to the Court, Antuche-Garcia, a native and citizen of Guatemala, illegally entered the United States on September 3rd, 2023. An immigration judge ordered Antuche-Garcia to be removed from the United States after he got released on bond by immigration authorities but failed to appear before the immigration court in May of 2024 as directed. Antuche-Garcia was found by immigration authorities on Friday in the area of Robinson Township, Pennsylvania after officers of federal law enforcement tried to pull over a vehicle in which a passenger was the defendant. A traffic stop was initiated by federal law enforcement officers by activating both the sirens and emergency lighting on five vehicles that were not marked. The driver of that vehicle that these officers were trying to pull over rammed his vehicle into one of the vehicles of one of the federal enforcement officers instead of coming to a complete stop, which pinned a leg of an officer between the door frame and the door of his own vehicle. The rear seat passenger and the driver of the vehicle that was pulled over escaped apprehension. Antuche-Garcia was the front passenger of the vehicle and he also tried to escape by forcefully and repeatedly opening his door into the door of the vehicle behind which the leg of one of the officers was pinned, which caused that officer to get injured additionally. According to Revetti, Antuche-Garcia has been in custody since his arrest and will remain in custody pending his removal from the United States.

Man from Euclid, Ohio apprehended after causing a single-vehicle crash driving under the influence of drugs in Scott Township of Lawrence County

(File Photo of Handcuffs)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Lawrence County, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in New Castle report that twenty-six-year-old Theoplic Williams of Euclid, Ohio was apprehended early this morning for causing a single-vehicle crash driving under the influence of drugs in Scott Township of Lawrence County. Williams was found by Pennsylvania State Police in New Castle both possessing drugs and under the influence of drugs on Old Route 19 and Harlansburg Road, which was the location of the crash this morning that he caused. Williams was put in the Lawrence County Jail.

Woman from Beaver charged for causing a single-vehicle crash on the Aliquippa interchange on Westbound I-376 in Hopewell Township

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Badge)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Hopewell Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Beaver report that forty-six-year-old Erica Mickens of Beaver was charged after causing a single-vehicle crash yesterday in Hopewell Township. Mickens was driving on the Aliquippa interchange on Westbound I-376 when a determination was made on scene that she got distracted on that road, which caused her to hit a guide rail there after she left that road. According to police, Mickens did not get injured from this crash and was charged for “driving on roadways that were laned for traffic.” Both Herzog’s and the Hopewell Volunteer Fire Department assisted on the scene of this crash.

Joanne D’Itri Fantone (1955-2025)

Joanne D’Itri Fantone, 69, of Midland, passed away on September 13th, 2025 surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on December 3rd, 1955, a daughter of the late Joseph A. D’Itri and Mary Ann (Zuppe) D’Itri. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her infant brother, Patrick D’Itri. She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Frank Fantone, her children, and grandchildren, as well as her siblings: Anthony (Tammy Grim), Dominic (Ruth Postich), Mary Catherine (Patton), Joseph Jr. (Ranee Dishler), Salvador (Natalie Thompson), and Virginia (Alan Lopata). She is also survived by many nieces and nephews who adored her: Caitlin and Brianna D’Itri, Emily, Aaron, and Alex D’Itri, MaryAnn Patton, Megan, Morgan, and Joseph G. D’Itri, Katrine, Gabriel, and Anna D’Itri.Joanne was a lifelong resident of Midland and a proud graduate of Midland Lincoln High School, Class of 1974. She shared 46 wonderful years of marriage with her devoted husband, Frank Fantone. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, love, and family, raising three children, Laura (Bryan Baca), Mary (John Paul Dickey), and Michael (Angela Galik), and cherishing five grandchildren: Bee Dickey, Isabel Dickey, Ethan Baca, Max Fantone, and Madison Fantone. Joanne found her greatest joy in family gatherings, holidays, and especially their treasured vacations together.
Joanne was a woman of deep Catholic faith and service who was actively involved in her parish and the Girl Scouts, first as a scout herself and later as a dedicated leader with her daughters’ troops. Her commitment to service and community was matched only by her enthusiasm for life. She was a passionate Pittsburgh Steelers fan who rarely missed a game and attended many over the years, cheering with unwavering loyalty. She delighted in concerts and embraced a wide range of musical genres, and her love for the arts extended to the theater, where she found joy in live performances at the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center in Midland, among other venues, and enjoyed the storytelling they offered.
Joanne was known for her sharp wit and infectious sense of humor: she could light up a room with a well-timed quip and always knew how to make others laugh, even in difficult moments. Beneath her warmth was a woman of remarkable strength, who faced adversity with grace and determination. She was a champion of truth, never afraid to speak up for what she believed in, and a fierce ally to those in need. Her voice was steady, her heart generous, and her presence a source of comfort and courage to many.
She also found great joy behind the lens of a camera, capturing candid moments of family gatherings, holidays, and vacations with a keen eye and loving heart. Her photographs told stories of connection and joy, and she had a special gift for finding beauty in nature—from blooming flowers to quiet sunsets. Just as she preserved memories through photography, Joanne also expressed her love through baking, especially her intricately decorated cookies made for weddings, holidays, and birthdays. Each batch was crafted with care and creativity, becoming a sweet centerpiece of celebration and tradition. Through both her lens and her oven, Joanne left behind a legacy of warmth, artistry, and the world as she saw it: full of wonder, grace, and love. Joanne’s legacy is one of unwavering faith, fierce love for her family, and a joyful spirit that touched everyone she met. Her warmth, laughter, and devotion will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Family and friends will be received on Thursday, September 18th from 3-6 p.m. at the SCHWERHA-NOLL FUNERAL HOME, 629 Midland Avenue, Midland, who was in charge of his arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Blaise Roman Catholic Church, 772 Ohio Avenue, Midland, at 10:30am on Friday, September 19th. Burial will take place at Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

Margaret Stella Woolslayer (1933-2025)

Margaret Stella Woolslayer, 91, of West Creek in Stafford Township, New Jersey, formerly of Rochester, where she resided most of her life, passed away on September 9th, 2025, in Terrace of Seacrest Village in Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey. She was born in Aliquippa on September 10th, 1933, a daughter of the late Joseph and Margaret Hildebrand Williams. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Donald E. Woolslayer Sr., as well as eleven siblings and one grand-daughter, Sophie Hannah Woolslayer. She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Janet L. and Gerard McHugh, of West Creek, New Jersey, and Lori Ann and Philip Bock, of Hebron, Maryland, two sons and daughters-in-law, Donald E. Jr. and Heather Woolslayer, of Linwood, New Jersey, and Robert A. and Amanda Woolslayer, of Northampton, Pennsylvania, ten grandchildren, a sister, Dorothy Wilhelm of Cranberry Township, a sister-in-law, Evelyn Williams of San Diego, California, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was a retired cook who worked at Quigley Catholic High School of Baden. Margaret was a devout Catholic and faithfully attended mass for many years at St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church in Rochester, part of Our Lady Of The Valley Parish, where she was a Christian Mother. Once she moved to New Jersey, she became a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Barnegat. Throughout her years, Faith was central to Margaret’s life. Margaret cherished time with her grandchildren above all else. She loved to play games, build puzzles, and attend many of their extracurricular activities. She regularly attended BINGO at the local churches and loved to travel to Atlantic City and Las Vegas with her sisters which she did annually for many years. Margie was a talented cross stitcher who created numerous treasures for her family. She lovingly stitched detailed works of art such as “The Last Supper” for each of her children which are displayed in their dining rooms. Margaret’s love poured out in her kitchen as well. She was an avid baker who was locally famous for her Christmas cookies which she shared with family and friends across the country. Her Danish pastry apple pie and whoopie pies were a staple and enjoyed by many. She was a true Pittsburgher being a lifelong Penguins and Steelers fan proudly wearing the black and gold. The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 20th, at St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church, 632 Virginia Avenue, Rochester from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester. All arrangements are entrusted to William Murphy Funeral Home Inc. 349 Adams Street, Rochester.

Duquesne Light Company responds for changes it is making in response in regards to the April 29th, 2025 Western Pennsylvania storms that caused power outages

(File Photo of the Duquesne Light Compnay Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Yesterday, Duquesne Light Company responded for changes it is making in response in regards to the Western Pennsylvania storms that caused power outages to about more than 300,000 of its customers on April 29th, 2025. According to a letter yesterday from Duquesne Light Company Vice President and Chief Customer Officer Kristy Stone yesterday, one of the changes is that “Duquesne Light Company has begun providing additional training to trouble responders, damage assessors and field repair crews” to bring service back quicker to customers. It took around a week for service to be restored from the Western Pennsylvania storms on April 29th, 2025 that caused power outages. The full letter from Stone with all of the changes that Duquesne Light Company made recently in regards to these storms can be viewed at the link below:

Click here to see the changes Duquesne Light made in regards to these storms: Keeping Our Promises to Customers