Shaler Area School District postpones first day of school because of a recent shooting threat; suspect is in custody

(Photo of Daniel White Courtesy of The Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) Shaler Area School District in Allegheny County has postponed their first day of school for the 2025-2026 school year this morning  because of a shooting threat yesterdayThe first day of school for Shaler Area School District students was supposed to be tomorrow but will now be on Wednesday, August 20th, 2025. According to court documents, twenty-eight-year-old Daniel White showed up to resolve Crisis Services in the Homewood neighborhood of Pittsburgh on Sunday, threatening to kill and hurt two people and he also allegedly said at the center, “I am a murder, and I will kill everyone. I will shoot up schools, especially the ones with little white kids at Shaler Elementary.” Upon hearing a be on the lookout alert for White this morning, an Allegheny County sheriff deputy recognized the name of White because of him being involved with mental health court and this deputy was aware that White was both supposed to be in the courthouse and had to be due there this morning. White is the suspect of this threat and he was taken into custody this morning and he faces charges, which are three counts of terroristic threats.  According to authorities, White is not believed to have any connection to Shaler Area School District. Shaler Area School District Superintendent Bryan E. O’Black and Shaler Police Chief Sean Frank sent a letter to families this morning saying the orientation day for Shaler Area School District students in Grades K, 4, 7, and 9, which was supposed to be today, has been postponed until Tuesday. According to that same letter from O’Black and Frank, school leaders and local law enforcement will continue to keep families updated as more information becomes available.

The City of Aliquippa Police Department is looking to identify a female individual involved in a recent theft at the Fine Wine and Good Spirits Store in Aliquippa

(Photo Courtesy of the City of Aliquippa Police Department)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Aliquippa, PA) The City of Aliquippa Police Department is trying to identify a female suspect that was involved in a recent retail theft that occurred at the Fine Wine and Good Spirits store on Broadhead Road in Aliquippa. The City of Aliquippa Police Department became aware of a retail theft at that store on Broadhead Road that happened on July 24th2025 and the woman that they are trying to identify was wearing a dark Reebok shirt and has glasses on. The picture of this female suspect can be found below and if you or someone you know are able to identify her, call 724-378-8000.

The Community College of Beaver County appoints Dr. Katie Thomas as their Provost and Chief Academic Officer

(Photo of Dr. Katie Thomas Provided with Release Courtesy of the Community College of Beaver County)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Monaca, PA) According to a release from the Community College of Beaver County, CCBC recently announced the appointment of Dr. Katie Thomas as their Provost and Chief Academic Officer. Dr. Thomas was orignally hired by the Community College of Beaver County as a member of the faculty for the subject of English, but served most recently as the Community College of Beaver County’s Dean of the School of Professions and Transfer Studies, where the five pathways of business, criminal justice, education, liberal studies, and STEM through CCBC were overseen by her. The Community College of Beaver County scaled the Guided Pathways model under the leadership of Dr. Thomas, which led to growth in both retention and enrollment across those five programs and spearheaded accreditation and assessment at CCBC, which made an institution that was more driven by data. Dr. Thomas, who resides in Neshannock Township and is a lifelong resident of Lawrence County, has over 17 years of experience in innovation for academics, instruction and community college leadership leading into her new appointed position.

Cara Atkinson, the founder of the Club Hope Foundation, will be honored with the 2025 Jack and Nancy Flannery Y Salute Award for her selfless service to individuals fighting cancer in her community

(File Photo of the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Shenango Township, PA) The Lawrence County YMCA will honor Cara Atkinson, the CEO and founder of the Club Hope Foundation, a nonprofit organization in the Ellwood City area. The 2025 recipient of the Jack and Nancy Flannery Y Salute Award is Atkinson, and she will get her recognition at the Villa Banquet Center of New Castle on September 25th, 2025 starting with a reception at 5 p.m. and the program and dinner following at 6 p.m. The award gives recognition to the commitment of Atkinson to bringing compassion, hope and support that is vital to families and individuals affected by cancer throughout Lawrence County as well as beyond. Individuals that are honored by the Jack and Nancy Flannery Y Salute Award embody the core values of the YMCA, which are caring, honesty, respect and responsibility, while those individuals demonstrate service and leadership within the community that are selfless. Atkinson is a New Castle native who turned her cancer experience that was personal into a hopeful mission. What started as a high school club in 2008 has grown into the Club Hope Foundation since, a nonprofit organization that now has partners with over 30 schools, churches and daycares and gives assistance through support of over 20 cancer treatment centers across seven counties in Pennsylvania. Atkinson and her team provide meaningful connections, emotional support and resources, to those navigating a journey of cancer through initiatives such as Boxes of HOPE, the Golden Scars of HOPE photo project, and the Gavin Myers Rocking Horse Project. According to Atkinson, “I’m blessed more than I deserve. This award is shared with my family, volunteers, board members, and every warrior we’ve walked beside. There’s always hope.” Tickets for individuals are $75 and a table for ten people is $800 for the event on September 25th, 2025 to recognize Atkinson at the Villa Banquet Center of New Castle. You can call 724-658-4766, extension 217 to buy tickets for this event or to get more information about scholarship opportunities.

Howard A. “Bud” Waxler, Jr. (1936-2025)

Howard A. “Bud” Waxler Jr., 89, of New Sewickley Township, passed away on August 15th, 2025, in Heritage Valley Beaver. He was born in Zanesville, Ohio on May 5th, 1936, a son of the late Howard A. Sr., and Ruth Viola Mohr Waxler. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Nancy Davis Waxler, two sisters, Clara Lou Copsy and Viola Hill, and four brothers, Wayne, Ted, William and Chuck Waxler. He is survived by his wife, Catherine “Cathy” B. Senules Waxler, one daughter, Nancy Murtaugh of Center Township, three sons and a daughter-in-law, Lucas A. Waxler of Pittsburgh, Douglas E. and Georgia Waxler of Clinton and Darrin E. Waxler of Hookstown, two step-daughters, Tara V. Sherman and her husband Todd of Ambridge, and Veronica A. Slagle and her husband Gary, of Rimersburg, Pennsylvania, one sister, May Hill of Hopewell and one brother Gary Waxler of Hookstown, numerous grandchildren, several great-grandchildren as well as his nieces and nephews. Howard was a retired employee with Teledyne Pittsburgh Tool and Dye Company of Monaca. He was also a member of the New Sewickley Presbyterian Church, where he was a former trustee. He was a peacetime Army Veteran and was an Army Band leader when stationed in Germany. he was also known for his guitar playing as well as being an avid golfer and an avid motorcyclist. Friends will be received on Thursday August 21st, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m., with a service following at 7:15 p.m., at the William Murphy Funeral Home Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester, who was in charge of his arrangements. Officiating the service will be his pastor, Reverend Dr. Beth Weirman.

Donald J. Andrews (1942-2025)

Donald J. Andrews, 83, of Moon Township, passed away in Sewickley on August 15th, 2025. He was born in Washington, D.C., on May 23rd, 1942, a son of the late Boyd P. & Dorothy (Gebro) Andrews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Paul L. Andrews & Joseph B. Andrews. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Alice L. (Lostetter) Andrews, a daughter, Teresa Shomo (Milton), his granddaughters, Nicole Huynh (Calvin) and Allison Brown (Tyreek), four great grandchildren: Rileigh & Carson Huynh and Kaiden & Caleb Brown; as well as his sister, Mary A. Frye and his brother, Steve L. Andrews.

Donald can be described in so many ways, as a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, veteran, gardener and friend. He enlisted in the United States Air Force serving in California and Turkey. After returning stateside, he received his Bachelor’s Degree at Virginia Tech, later receiving a Master’s Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. He also enjoyed working with his hands and became a master carpenter and superintendent in the construction industry. He was also very involved in his carpenter’s union. He had a passion for gardening anytime of the day or night, at times he would be spotted in the dark of night with a head lamp to tend his garden so he would not have to deal with the heat of the day. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and family and his last adventure was an Alaskan cruise.

Family and friends will be received on Wednesday August 20th from 2-4 P.M. & 6-8 P.M. at the Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Moon Township, 1152 Coraopolis Heights Road, who was in charge of his arrangments. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, August 21st at 11:30 a.m. at Saint Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 1 Parish Place, Coraopolis. Interment and military honors will follow at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville.

Antonietta Cerilli DeSantis (1933-2025)

Antonietta Cerilli DeSantis, 92, passed on August 17th, 2025, in their family home. She had many challenges in her life but handled them with perseverance and grace. She was an inspiration to many, and her helpful kindness never ceased.
She was born on March 17th, 1933, in Supino, in the Provence of Frosinone of the Lazio Region of Italy, a daughter of the late Casimiro and Filomena Pietrandrea Cerilli, and the late Artemesia Boni, her stepmother. Antonietta has estranged paternal siblings, Valentino Antonio (Alberta Zuccaro) Cerilli of Michigan and estranged Nalena Cerilli of Supino, Italy. Antonietta lost her mother, Filomena, at the age of two to a mosquito bite. She was raised by the nuns of Supino, her late loving paternal grandmother, Luisa Giuseppina Tomei Cerilli (Nonna Peppina), her late maternal grandparents Mamma Rosa Schietroma and Filippo (Nonno Peppo) Pietrandrea whom she adored with a heavy heart.

Antonietta, as a young child, worked tirelessly in her father’s butcher shop. She enjoyed, loved interacting with people of Supino. Her legacy she left behind in Supino is still today talked about. Antonietta was the beloved wife of 52 years to the late husband Rocco who had returned to Supino to marry Antonietta on December 5th, 1955. She immigrated June 1956. She is thankful to her now heavenly long-time life-line sisters Mary D’Ottavio and Dorothy Dalesio who had helped Antonietta receive her US citizenship and shared good and bad life experiences throughout their lifetime together. Antonietta was bonded for life with Mary and with Dorothy.
Antonietta returned to Supino for the first time in June of 1977 because her father was gravely ill. Upon her immediate return to Supino, she saved her father’s life with her husband blood bank membership. Many who knew Antonietta always praised her for working hard like no one else in Supino and many were also very excited to see her again. She sponsored so many in Confirmation. She had more Patena’s and Cumara’s in every corner of Supino.
Since 1956, every October she joined a pilgrimage group to Our Lady of Lourdes in Euclid, Ohio. In the mid 60’s, Antonietta became a pilgrimage leader and was entrusted with the Blessed Mother Mary banner. The pilgrimage group continued every year up to 2016. She made and had so many genuine friends she was proud of, so proud, “I have lots of good friends.” Antonietta was always known for leading religious Italian hymns.
Antonietta was devoted to her pilgrimage trips, the Madonna and San Cataldo since childhood. She was honored in 2011 as Daughter of Supino by the Supinesi San Cataldo. She dreamed of San Cataldo during trouble times, and he guided her with courage. Antonietta is and will always be known as “the only master” at baking ciambelli, nobody could ever bake them like her. She enjoyed planting an abundance of flowers around the family home. Her husband Rocco enjoyed the passerby’s compliments and took great pride in her gardening. Antonietta continued growing her husband’s vegetable garden every year and when she could not herself, her daughter continued the family tradition.
Antonietta was a devoted, loving wife to her husband and children, very dedicated, while still providing for their wellbeing and higher education. Her guidance, love and patience were a constant source of strength, unconditional, endless love, and support for her family. Antonietta anchored the family together and surpassed many years of illnesses and hardships.
Antonietta is preceded in death by her husband, Rocco DeSantis on August 4th, 2007, whom she shared 52 years of love in sickness and in health together forever. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Marian, her son, Joseph, her estranged daughter, Joann and her estranged son, Richard, her grandchildren Anthony, Danielle, and Julia, her special friend, Sheri McWilliams, RN, MSN. She is also survived by her special loving nieces: Guiseppina (Pina) Cerilli Spaziani in Supino, Elouise (Alice) Bernola Skelly and Lora Corsi Coco in Michigan, dearly loved Zia Maria Boni, Cugini Marisa Pagani, Luigi Boni and Papinella and Alberto Arduini in Toronto, Canada, Filomena Simoni in Windsor, Amedeo and Linda Tomei, Gino and Domenca Paossi, Paolo and Laura Paluzzi in Montreal, Canada, Melania Martini in Supino Italy, Rosina Pietrandrea Compton in Michigan, Jane Cerilli, Camille Cerilli Stevenson, Felix and Maria Magnotta, Carla Tucci-Lytle Cordova, Rose Ann Boni, Luisa DeSantis, Erminia DeSantis Palmieri, Luigi Pietrandrea, and Romano Rossi; along with exceptional, devoted friends who were loving, respectful, and supportive, Rita Ceccarelli, James DeSantis, Enrico and Denise D’Ottavio Francani and her Eucharistic Minister, Dave Knight and loving friend, Ethel “Squeaky” Babinec, who Antonietta would call “Bella” has been a wonderful, heartfelt companion.
Antonietta was separated from her loyal forever childhood friend, Layah, to Argentina.
A Heartfelt thanks goes out to St. Titus Ministry of Caring and the elementary catholic school children for their beautiful handmade cards for the past years. Most importantly, thank you Dr. Michael Oliver and Racey B Keister, RN, for all your attention and exceptional care provided.
Antonietta requests love, respect, and embrace the saints who bless us with miracles every day and the children who have lost their mother in early childhood. Honor your mother and father. Her motto for a long marriage, she would always say, “Put up and shut up” and “it’s only one argument.”
Ti amo sempre mia mamma, bella sempre, sarai per sempre la tua macchia nei nostril cuori.
A million times I will miss you ~ A million times I will cry
If love alone could have saved you
You would have never died.
In life I loved you dearly, in death I love you still.
In my heart you hold a place ~ No other one can fill
The Golden gates stood open, God saw you needed rest.
He gently took you to a life ~ Of peace and happiness eternally.

A Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 19th from 3-7 p.m. at the ANTHONY MASTROFRANCESCO FUNERAL HOME INC., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where departing prayers will take place on Wednesday, August 20th at 9:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. at St. Titus Roman Catholic Church, 952 Franklin Avenue, Aliquippa. A service will also be held for Antonietta at Mt. Olivet Cemtery, 2186 Broadhead Road, Aliquippa on Wednesday, August 20th from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Warns Consumers to Discard Raw Milk from Sunshine Dairy Due to Possible Listeria Contamination

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) According to a release from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, that department is warning consumers to immediately discard Sunshine Dairy brand raw milk purchased between August 5th and August 15th of 2025 in Berks, Lebanon, and Schuylkill counties. Listeria monocytogenes were confirmed and found contaminating this raw milk after routine testing of milk samples from the dairy of it, which is required for raw milk sold in Pennsylvania. This milk was sold at the 9400 Old Route 22 farm and Swatty Creek Farms of Berks County, Shady Breeze Farm Corn-Crib of Lebanon County and The Farm Store of Schuylkill County in plastic gallon containers. However, the product got no illnesses attributed to it. Listeriosis can be caused by listeria monocytogenes and the illness of listeriosis has symptoms including diarrhea, fever, muscle aches and nausea. Pregnant women, adults with impaired immune systems, newborns and the elderly are the groups of people that listeriosis mainly affects. Miscarriage, premature delivery, stillbirth or serious infection of the newborn are results that can be caused by listeriosis in pregnant women. Anyone who got sick from consuming this raw milk from the Sunshine Dairy brand should consult their physician or physicians.

For more information about food safety and about drinking raw milk, visit these links below: 

Click here for more information about drinking raw milk: Raw Milk | Food Safety | CDC

Click here for more information about food safety Department of Agriculture | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Participation in High School Sports Hits Record High with Sizable Increase in 2024-25; Pennsylvania fourth in the country in participation of high school athletes in 2024-2025

PIAA logo

(File Photo of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Indianapolis, IN) Almost 200,000 more high school athletes competed in high school athletics in 2024-2025 compared to the previous season, which is a record high. Pennsylvania is currently fourth in the country in participation of high school athletes, with a total of 333,123 athletes participating this past season. The top three states in athlete participation that season in the order of one, two and three are Texas, California and Ohio, while the rest of the top ten states for that athlete participation in that order from five to ten are Illinois, New York, Florida, Michigan, New Jersey and Minnesota. Across 51 National Federation of High School Associations member state associations, student athletes totaling just over 8.62 million showed their participation in sports during high school in 2024-2025 in the United States. According to figures obtained from the 51 National Federation of High School member state associations, which includes the District of Columbia, 4,723,907 boys and 3,536,984 girls participated in high school sports in 2024-2025, which are both record-high numbers.

Trial for man who is accused of allegedly killing his girlfriend in an Aliquippa alley on August 17th, 2024 continues with present deliberations

(File Photo of Police Siren Lights)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) Deliberations are still underway presently in the trial of Jason Banks, Jr., who is accused of allegedly killing his girlfriend, twenty-year-old Treonna Washington in an Aliquippa alley on August 17th, 2024. Banks made a claim in the trial that his roommateShakeirs Foster, was the one who shot and killed Washington over a window that Washington broke. However, Foster was the person who testified in the trial that Banks shot and killed Washington because he was a witness with Banks and Washington in an alley on Reed Street in Aliquippa before Washington was killed. A witness testified at the beginning of the trial for Banks that a party occurred with Washington and some of her friends on August 16th2024 when Banks showed up at the apartment of Washington in Linmar Terrace in Aliquippa. Washington was found dead the next day in an alley. Today is the day when deliberations in the trial of Banks in Beaver County will continue.