Author: Beaver County Radio

Man connected to shooting in Ambridge last July charged with attempted homicide

(File Photo of Police Lights)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Ambridge, PA) A man received a charge for attempted homicide after being connected to a shooting in Ambridge that happened last July. Authorities traveled to the 800 block of 11th Street and two suspects fired shots multiple times as the victim left in a vehicle in the parking lot of an apartment complex. The male victim left after an argument with his girlfriend. Police identified one of the suspects as Brandon Taylor, and a report confirms that Taylor was aiming for the person that drove up before the victim. Taylor was taken into custody by officials on Thursday and faces multiple charges including the attempted homicide charge.

AAA East Central’s gas price report states that gas prices in Western Pennsylvania drop by three cents this week

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – In this Monday, Sept. 16, 2019, file photo, a woman pumps gas at a convenience store in Pittsburgh. Industry analyst Trilby Lundberg of the Lundberg Survey said Sunday, March 15, 2020, that gas prices could continue to fall as demand shrinks amid the coronavirus pandemic. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Gas prices are three cents lower this week at around $3.37 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s gas price report. The report states that at this time last year, the average price for a gallon of gas in Western Pennsylvania was around $3.75. The report also notes that the average price that you can expect for a gallon of unleaded gas here in Beaver County is around $3.53. According to AAA East Central’s gas price report, here are the average prices of unleaded self-serve gasoline in various areas of Pennsylvania:

$3.251      Altoona
$3.526      Beaver
$3.568      Bradford
$3.244      Brookville
$3.315      Butler
$3.326      Clarion
$3.085      DuBois
$3.345      Erie
$3.357      Greensburg
$3.404      Indiana
$3.316      Jeannette
$3.502      Kittanning
$3.393      Latrobe
$3.382      Meadville
$3.436      Mercer
$3.244      New Castle
$3.291      New Kensington
$3.496      Oil City
$3.466      Pittsburgh
$3.224      Sharon
$3.505      Uniontown
$3.557      Warren
$3.362      Washington

Voters will break 101-101 deadlock with special election for Pennsylvania House vacancy

(File Photo: Source for Photo: This combo of phots shows Republican state Rep. candidate Chuck Davis left, on Friday, March 14, 2025, in Clairton, Pa.; and Democrat state Rep. candidate Dan Goughnour in McKeesport, Pa., on Thursday, March 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Voters in a western Pennsylvania district will determine Tuesday if Democrats will hold onto a bare one-vote majority and keep control of the state House of Representatives.

The chamber has been tied at 101 to 101 since incumbent Rep. Matt Gergely, an Allegheny Democrat, died in January.

A Democratic win would keep Speaker Joanna McClinton of Philadelphia as the chamber’s presiding officer. But if Republicans pull off a win in the Democratic-leaning district, they will be able to replace McClinton and install their own members as committee chairs.

The race will provide a glimpse of voter sentiment in the state that Republican President Donald Trump won narrowly in November. Democratic nominee Kamala Harris easily won the state House district last year and a GOP flip would be a major upset.

The special election pits Democrat Dan Goughnour against Republican Chuck Davis. Goughnour is a police officer who supervises detectives and serves on the school board in McKeesport. Davis is a fire chief who also serves as president of the White Oak Borough Council.

There’s also a special election on Tuesday for a vacancy in the state Senate created when Sen. Ryan Aument, a Lancaster Republican, quit to take a job working for U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick. Republican Lancaster County Commissioner Josh Parsons is running against Democrat James Andrew Malone, the mayor of East Petersburg. No matter which candidate wins, the Republican majority in the state Senate will not change.

Beaver Falls High School will perform “Tuck Everlasting” this week for their 2025 high school musical

(File Photo of Beaver Falls Senior High School)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver Falls, PA) Beaver Falls High School will perform “Tuck Everlasting” this week as their 2025 high school musical. The story from the Natalie Babbitt novel follows a girl named Winnie Foster, an eleven-year-old who makes a life-changing decision after meeting the Tuck family who has the gift of living forever. Showtimes are at 7 p.m. on both Friday, March 28th and Saturday, March 29th and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 30th. Tickets that are reserved are worth $10. It costs $5 for student tickets and $8 for general admission tickets. You can either purchase tickets at the door of the high school or visit the link to below buy tickets online.

Click here to buy tickets online. Ludus – Beaver Falls High School Musical

Children not told to wear coats and tunnel repairs discussed at New Brighton School Board meeting

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published March 24, 2025 9:15 P.M.

(New Brighton, Pa) The New Brighton School Board heard the report on an audit of the district finances to start off their meeting Monday evening. It was revealed that the district has been doing well financially in recent years.

Superintendant Dr. Joseph Gaurino noted that Covid funding was helpful over the past few years but the district was wise not to use that money for regular recurring expenses. Some of that funding was instead used for building repairs such as for the HVAC systems.

Guarino also noted that their cafeteria fund has been profitable enough to fund cafeteria equipment replacement for the district without affecting the standard budget.

During the public comment section of the meeting, the board heard concerns from parents regarding safety and communication.

Middle school students recently walked to the high school to see a demonstration of the high school musical. One parent said that their child was endangered because they did not wear a coat for the walk and nobody from the district told them to do so.

The parent would like to see a policy put in place to ensure that children are properly dressed for weather conditions when going outdoors. It was also noted that children allegedly thought they were only going to the gym.

Another parent added that they also were not informed that the walk would be taking place. They said they would have expected to sign a permission slip to allow such an activity.

The board acknowledged the concerns but did not comment.

Also on the agenda was the approval of bids for a repair project on the district tunnel. The high school and elementary have a tunnel that connects them underground for multiple uses and in recent years has seen additional use for elementary student pick up.

The tunnel was inspected recently and it was revealed that it does not have any structural issues, although leaks have been an ongoing problem. HVAC and electrical issues are also to be repaired.

Most notably though, a more proper entrance and canopy will be installed on the outside entrance to the tunnel, where the elementary pick up takes place. A concrete stairway will also be removed from this area.

The project will cost around 2.1 million dollars and is set to start in early June.

Anita L. Mancinetti (1942-2025)

Anita Mancinetti, 82, passed away on March 23rd, 2025 at the Good Samaritan Hospice. She was born in Sewickley on June 13th, 1942, the third precious daughter of the late Samuel and Louise (Napolitan) Mancinetti. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Darrell Kennedy and her nephew, Mike Kennedy. She is survived by her sisters, Patricia Kosis (Don) of Tempe, Arizona, Mary Lou Kennedy of Raccoon Township and Leah Lesak (Gerald) of Ambridge, her nieces and nephews: Karen Hanson (Jim), Donna Kosis, Donald Kosis, Jr. (LaNelle) and Susan Onofrey, Jeffrey Kennedy (Joni), Timothy Kennedy(Dana) and Christopher Kennedy (Dijah), Matthew Lesak(Samantha) and Zachary Lesak, and many great nieces and nephews, many lifelong friends: Mary, Blanche, Donna, Carolyn and Ron, Marie, Rosemary, Marsha, Catherine, Mimi and Greg, Pat, Karen, and many others too numerous to mention. She resided in Ambridge for most of her life. As a child, Anita was determined in many ways. Once she set her mind to something, it was her way or the highway.

Anita attended St. Veronica Schools and graduated from the High School in 1960. Following graduation, she decided to attend Sewickley Valley Hospital School of Nursing (oops…wrong career choice.) After that experience, came her career in finance.  She worked at Andy Guard Plastics and from there moved on to Mellon Bank. Starting as a teller, she eventually worked her way up to the “Platform”. Anita was at Mellon for 30 years. During her entire time at Mellon, she balanced to the penny, more days than not!

Anita’s post Mellon career began as a volunteer for the Sisters of St. Joseph doing data entry. She was then hired to work in the finance office.  She was a member of St Veronica Catholic Church (now Good Samaritan) in Ambridge and a lifelong volunteer there. She started as a Sunday and Strawberry Festival Money Counter who served on both the Parish Finance and Parish Councils as well as a Eucharistic Minister and Folk Group Member. When the Ambridge parishes merged, Anita continued to volunteer wherever she was needed. After retiring, Anita traveled to visit friends and family (with a side trip to Vegas.)

She was an avid reader. In her “library” there were over two thousand novels of her favorite authors, all lined up alphabetically by author and date of publication. Before she passed, she invited her friends to select novels that they liked and enjoyed, telling them to bring a bag to “take some home.” She loved tennis, bowling, and racquetball until her illnesses prevented her from enjoying those activities. When the Pittsburgh Steelers played, wherever you were, you could hear her scream at the loss or cheer for the win. A good friend to all, Anita was an attendant in 9 plus weddings and she loved to dance.  Anita inherited her dad’s math and card playing skills: Bridge, Canasta, Pinochle, May I, 500, and Gin Rummy were her games, but she also enjoyed the challenge of Sudoku and backgammon. She baked, sparingly……her masterpieces included Italian Wine Cookies, Pizzelles and a delicious Lemon Cake.

The family is deeply grateful to her neighbor, June Musi for all of the care and many kindnesses she showed to Anita during her illness. Gratitude also goes out to Good Samaritan Hospice for the gentle and loving care afforded her in her last hours.

There will be no viewing. Her request is no flowers, but to treat yourself to something that makes you happy. If by chance you come across a $2 bill, think of her.

Family will greet mourners before the Mass of Christian Burial that will be held at St. Luke the Evangelist Parish, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge, with Fr. Michael Roche as the celebrant on a date to be determined.

Arrangements are entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Jack Preston Reich (1943-2025)

Jack Preston Reich, 81, a lifelong resident of Beaver, passed away at home after an extensive fight with Multiple Myeloma on March 23rd, 2025.

He was born on August 24, 1943, a son of the late Grover and Mabel Reich. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Carol Sue (Fike) Reich, grandmother, Florence Frank and grandfather, Milton Stroupe. He is survived by his brother, David (Martha) Reich, three loving daughters, Lindy (John) Crnovic, Jackie Reich and Debbie (Randy) Alexander, three grandchildren, Michael Preston Lang, Anthony Sims and Adeline (Jon Conley) Cobb, a nephew, Edward Reich, a niece, Ashley Reich, a great-grandson, Jack Conley and his loving kitty, Callie.

Jack graduated in 1961 from Beaver Area High School. Jack served in the United States Navy on the USS Sangri – La (CVS 38) from 1962 through 1968. He earned a National Defense Service Medal and a Good Conduct Medal. He retired after 46 years of dedicated service from Eaton-Cutler Hammer-Westinghouse in Vanport.

In accordance with Jack’s wishes, there will be no services. Professional arrangements have been entrusted to Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

The family would like to say a special thank you to the Hillman Cancer Center (Dr. Rossetti), AHN Cancer Center (Dr. Haq and team), AHN Palliative Care team and AHN Hospice team.

If desired, memorial donations in Jack’s name may be made to the Hillman Cancer Center, Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (mmrf.org) or the Beaver County Humane Society.

 

Denise Marie (Wayne) Duplechian (1959-2025)

Denise Marie (Wayne) Duplechian, 66, of Hopewell Township, formerly of Hermitage, Pennsylvania passed away after a battle with cancer on March 21st, 2025.
She was born in Sharon, Pennsylvania on January 23, 1959. She was preceded in death by her mother, Dolores (Messere) Wayne, her grandparents, Louis and Antoinetta Messere, and her beloved dog, Blue. She is survived by her father, David Wayne, a loving sister, Brenda Van Wyhe, a cherished niece, Mackenzie Van Wyhe, her aunt and uncle, Donna and Edward John Gallagher, cousins Kathy Walko and Ed Gallagher and his wife, Carol. Denise was a graduate of Hickory High School. She worked previously in the Shenango Valley at the A&W Restaurant and D’Onofrio’s Food Center. In the Pittsburgh area, she was a former manager at Sam’s Club for many years and most recently worked at Mortgage Connect.

She was an avid Steelers fan who enjoyed traveling, going to concerts and the casino and spending time with neighbors and friends on her deck. Denise made lifelong friends wherever she went and was a favorite of many.

In accordance with Denise’s request, there were no services, but there will be a celebration of her life to be scheduled in the near future. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.

Gladys Marie (Mutkus) McGuire (1937-2025)

Gladys Marie (Mutkus) McGuire, 88, of Aliquippa, passed away unexpectedly on March 21st, 2025.

She was born in Aliquippa on January 20th, 1937, a daughter of the late John and Helene (Pushinsky) Mutkus.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald McGuire, her twin sister, Gloria, who died as an infant, a brother and sister-in-law, John (Janie) Mutkus and a son-in-law, Mark Serecin. She is survived by her loving children and grandchildren, a son, John McGuire, a daughter, Kimberlee Serecin and two grandchildren who Gladys adored, Blake Serecin and Markee Serecin and her special grand dogs: Mya, Skylar, Gilligan and Cash.

Gladys was a devoted mother and grandmother who brought joy to her cherished family.

They will forever remember those times each of them shared with her playing bingo or taking a trip to the casino.

Gladys was a wonderful baker. She would share her special treats with her family and friends, and everything she baked was scrumptious. Her kitchen was always filled with the delightful aroma of freshly baked cookies, cakes, and pies, which she lovingly prepared for gatherings and celebrations. Her culinary skills were admired by all and her recipes became cherished family heirlooms passed down to her family.

In accordance with Gladys’ wishes, all services were private. She was laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery of Aliquippa. Arrangements were entrusted to the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.

Nicholas F. Semonik (1945-2025)

Nicholas F. Semonik, 79, of Baden, passed away on March 23rd, 2025 in Concordia Villa St. Joseph.  He was born in Sewickley on July 20th, 1945, the son of the late Nicholas and Frances (Jarnecic) Semonik of Economy Borough. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Margaret F. (Peterson) Semonik of Baden and his son, Christopher N. Semonik of Moon Township.

Nicholas was a graduate of Ambridge High School. He was a U.S. Army Veteran who served during the Vietnam War. He worked for LTV Steel for 35 years up until his retirement. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing and hunting. He was also a member of the Baden Legion and a lifetime member of the Ambridge District Sportsmen’s Association.

Family and friends are welcome to gather for a visitation on Wednesday, March 26th from 2-6 P.M. in the John Syka Funeral Home, 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, where a funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 27th at 10 A.M. with Father Marc Wisnosky, Officiating.  Interment will follow in the Economy Cemetery.