(File Photo of the Allegheny Health Network logo)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Pittsburgh, PA) According to a release from Allegheny Health Network, the company will kick off National Donate Life Month today at 10:30 a.m. with the first flag raising ceremony of their region to commemorate it. This event is being held at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh and will include honoring the staff and clinicians as well as stories of heroism and survival being told.
(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – Chester County, Pa., election workers process mail-in and absentee ballots at West Chester University in West Chester, Pa., Nov. 4, 2020. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Election boards in Pennsylvania’s 67 counties may not invalidate mail-in ballots simply because they lack accurate, handwritten dates on their exterior return envelopes, a federal judge ruled Monday.
The decision by U.S. District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter, the latest in a long-running legal dispute over what is a small percentage of votes cast in the state, was issued more than two months after the state Supreme Court announced it also would consider the issue.
Baxter wrote that most counties did not try to argue that the exterior dates, which are not used to show whether a ballot was received in time, serve an important state interest in regulating elections. The Republican National Committee and one county, Berks, did argue the dates help combat voting fraud, Baxter wrote.
“Absent from the record, however, is any evidence demonstrating how this requirement furthers that purported interest,” the judge wrote. The exterior envelope dating mandate violates the U.S. Constitution, she ruled, by impairing the right to vote under the First and Fourteenth amendments.
RNC spokesperson Abigail Jackson said it will appeal the decision, and Jeff Bukowski, Berks County’s lawyer, said he will discuss a potential appeal with the county commissioners. Jackson described the external envelope signature requirement as a commonsense safeguard.
The voter and groups that sued, including Democratic campaign organizations and a teachers’ union, called the exterior envelope dates “nothing more than a ‘compliance test’” to show how state voters “’can follow written instructions,’” Baxter said.
She ruled there is no state interest in requiring the signatures and noted that more than 10,000 votes statewide were invalidated as a result of the dating mandate in the 2022 election.
“Such disenfranchisement burdens the right to vote and there is no valid state interest to weigh this against,” Baxter wrote.
A decision by Baxter throwing out the envelope date mandate in a separate case was eventually reversed by the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, but it was decided on a different issue.
Lower courts have repeatedly deemed it unconstitutional or illegal to throw out such ballots. But higher courts — including the state Supreme Court most recently on Nov. 1 — have blocked those decisions from taking effect. New envelope designs have helped reduce the number of invalidated votes.
Esther Lamore King, 69, of Jamaica, passed away on March 19th, 2025, in UPMC Passavant.
The Sylvania Hills Baptist Church, 567 S R 1035, Rochester, held her services.
Esther will be buried in Jamaica.
The GABAUER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC, 1133 Penn Avenue, New Brighton, is honored to be assisting the King family.
(File Photo of the PennDOT logo)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Harrisburg, PA) PennDOT is looking for feedback from customers about its winter services as the winter season came to an end. The responses are all anonymous and participants have until April 28th to finish the survey. The sixteen questions are about how safe the roads were, how much time it took to pass the roads and the ratings of both services and the priorities of snow removal. The website for the online survey can be found below.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2025PDWinter
(File Photo of 2024 Boom on the Bridge Stage)
Beaver County, PA – March 31 – The much-anticipated Boom on the Bridge, Visit Beaver County’s addition to PUSH Beaver County’s Boom fireworks festival, is making an exciting move to Downtown Bridgewater! This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever, bringing thousands of visitors to experience an unforgettable celebration in a brand-new setting.
The past two years, Boom on the Bridge has been held on the Veterans Bridge with a footprint spanning Route 51 and Riverside Drive. “From the very beginning, our vision for Boom on the Bridge was to rotate locations every two to three years,” said Tony Caltury, Director of Beaver County Recreation and Tourism. “By doing so, we can bring the excitement of this event to different communities throughout the County, ensuring that more businesses, residents, and visitors can experience the festival’s positive impact.”
Beaver County Boom has been a staple of Beaver County’s summer festivities, attracting over 10,000 attendees for a full day of family-friendly fun. This year, Boom on the Bridge will unite with Bridgewater’s beloved annual Summerfest, merging two vibrant celebrations into one unforgettable event. By joining forces, an expanded festival experience offers more entertainment, activities, and increased connectivity to adjacent events throughout the County. The move to Downtown Bridgewater is a natural progression that brings the festival closer to the fireworks and Boom Headquarters, offers a fresh location with enhanced viewing areas for the award-winning Zambelli Fireworks display, and a vibrant atmosphere for festival goers to explore.
“The Borough of Bridgewater has been fantastic to work with, and their support has been instrumental in bringing this event to the heart of the community,” said Commissioner Daniel Camp. “Their commitment to making this a successful and welcoming experience for everyone is truly commendable.”
Visitors can enjoy the best of both events from a diverse lineup of live music, local food vendors, artisans, family activities, and of course, the annual, award-winning fireworks display over the river to cap off the night, ensuring a breathtaking display for all in attendance. Vendors who have previously participated in Bridgewater’s Summerfest, and other interested vendors should apply at www.boomonthebridge.com.
“We are thrilled to bring Boom on the Bridge to Downtown Bridgewater,” said Caltury. “This new location allows us to expand the event, involve more local businesses, and create an even more immersive experience for residents and visitors alike.”
Mark your calendars for June 28, 2025 and join us in Downtown Bridgewater for an unforgettable Boom on the Bridge! For more information, visit www.boomonthebridge.com.
(File Photo of Aliquippa Elementary School)
(Reported by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano)
(Aliquippa, PA) The pre-Kindergarten through 3rd grades at Aliquippa Elementary School need donations for their STEAM & Story Walk. The time to donate expires at the end of the day today and the money will purchase items which include camping gear for the sixteenth year of the event. The website to donate can be found using the link below:
Thomas Renzo, Sr., 58, passed away on March 26th, 2025. He was born on
May 12th, 1966. He was preceded in death by his parents, Beverly and Robert, his son, Nicholas and his siblings, Debbie(George) and Sherri. He is survived by his loving wife, Michelle Renzo, his children: Tommy(Katie), Alyssa, Dominic, Matthew, Brandon, Kristin(Jarod) and Kenny, his siblings, Robert, Dawn(Mike), brother in-law, Mike(Becky), sister in-law, Marilyn, his grandchildren: Alayah, Frankie, Amoir, Keimyn, Kyra, Shay, Ju’elz, Tristian and Alivia; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and numerous other relatives.
Thomas was a fighter in every sense of the word. He faced life’s challenges with determination, always putting his loved ones first and never backing down from what was right. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud grandfather and a loyal friend. His presence brought warmth, laughter, and wisdom to those around him.
He had a deep passion for riding his Harley Davidson, finding freedom on the open road and embracing the thrill of the ride. His love for motorcycles was a reflection of his spirit, which was bold, fearless, and full of life.
Above all, Thomas was a family man. He inspired them, instilling values of love, perseverance, and integrity. He cherished his role as a grandfather, embracing every moment with his grandchildren and making memories that will be treasured forever. His love for his family knew no bounds, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.
Thomas often said he wanted the world to know the name “Thomas Renzo,” not just as a name, but as a symbol of strength, success, and goodness. His family will continue to honor that wish, carrying his name forward with pride and purpose.
Friends will be received on Monday, March 31st from 3 p.m. until the time of a funeral Service at 6:30 p.m. in the Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Rochester, 502 Adams Street, Rochester, conducted by Pastor Bill Blume. A memorial gathering will be held at The Rochester Turners338 Pennsylvania Ave, Rochester, directly following the service.
Deloris R. Housholder, 96, of Daugherty Township, passed away on March 27th, 2025
at the Rochester Manor. She was born in New Sewickley Township on September 2nd, 1928, a daughter of the late Elmer J. and Flora Lutz Pflug. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Richard C. Householder, one granddaughter, Cheryl Strobel, one son-in-law, C. Frank Doyle, one sister, Alma Pflug, and four brothers, Russell, Clayton, Raymond and Merrill Pflug. She is survived by three daughters and two sons-in-law, Janet M. Doyle and Elva J. and Wayne Harley and Joy M. and Gale Zahn, seven grandchildren: Douglas and Danielle Harley, Jodi and Bronson Strobel, Jeri and Bryan Yeck, Thomas and Katherine Harley, Gena and Thad Tokar, Mark and Kelley Harley and Aaron Harley; as well as twelve great grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter and numerous nieces and nephews. Deloris worked for the former New Brighton Hospital as a Stenographer. Deloris was a homemaker and housewife during most of her adult life who spent a lot of her time working at the family farm. She was a lifetime member of St. John Burry’s Church of New Sewickley Township, where she was a former Sunday school teacher as well as a member of Faith Circle. She also traveled on many mission trips for them.
Friends will be received on Tuesday, April 1st , from 3-7 p.m. at the William Murphy Funeral Home Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester, and on Wednesday, April 2nd at St. John Burry’s Church from 10 a.m. until the time of a service at 11 a.m. Reverend Jim Richwine will officiate. Interment will follow in St. John Burry’s Cemetery. The family wishes for memorial contributions in lieu of flowers, be made to St. John Burry’s Church 1835 Route 68 Rochester, PA 15074. The family would like to thank the staff and caregivers at Rochester Manor and Vitas Hospice for the care and comfort provided to our mother.
(Photo Provided with Release)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Beaver, PA) According to a report from the Beaver Borough Police Department, an individual was arrested after spray painting antisemitic symbols on the side of a building in Beaver. According to a release, from the Beaver Borough Police Department, the incident was reported on Friday and the person was a contractor who painted the symbols after an argument involving business. The person was not local and confessed his crimes. The symbols have been taken off of the building and officers located a vehicle that was used by the suspect which led to the identification of the suspect. If you have any other details or questions regarding this incident, you can contact 724-775-0880.
(File Photo of Police Lights)
(Reported by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano)
(Aliquippa, PA) Aliquippa Police arrested six people last week in a span of four days. Sixty-five-year-old Gregory McFarland was arrested on Friday and faces filed charges of disorderly conduct and harassment. Thirty-four year-old Terrance Bennett was arrested on Thursday and faces filed charges of criminal trespass and criminal mischief. Forty-one-year-old Corey Tucker was apprehended on Thursday and is in the Beaver County Jail for public intoxication and four misdemeanor charges. Twenty-one-year-old Aaunisty Price was arrested on Wednesday and faces filed charges of stalking and harassment. The Beaver County Sheriff’s Department had warrants for thirty-five-year-old Chanae Humphries and thirty-nine-year-old Megan Platz. Both women were apprehended on Tuesday and are currently in the Beaver County Jail.