Author: Beaver County Radio

PennDOT gives tips to stay safe for Halloween

(Beaver County, PA) As those in Beaver County get ready for Halloween, PennDOT is giving tips for kids and adults to stay safe on October 31st. PennDOT advises drivers to be extra cautious in residential neighborhoods during trick-or-treating and if you are going to a Halloween party, plan ahead to get home on time. PennDOT also provides that parents should remind their children to be careful and look both ways before they cross the street, to always walk on sidewalks, cross at street corners, pay attention instead of looking at electronic devices, and to not dart across the road or cross between parked cars. For costumes, PennDOT considers adding reflective tape to costumes, carrying a flashlight, wearing glow sticks, and using face paint instead of masks, which obstructs vision. Pedestrians also need to make sure they are visible to drivers. 

Former Preisdent Trump to have rally in Latrobe

(Unity Township, PA) Former President Donald Trump will be having a rally at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe on Saturday. The doors will open at 2 p.m. and the Republican Presidential Nominee will speak starting at 6 p.m. The Trump campaign has capped tickets on a first-come, first served basis for two tickets a person, but other tickets for the Latrobe rally are free. This is the first rally for Former President Trump since he returned to Butler on October 5th, the same location where an assassination attempt on the presidential candidate was attempted. 

Source for Photo: Republican presidential candidate and former president, Donald Trump, speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Beaver County jury convicts man of killing transgender woman in her Aliquippa apartment

(Aliquippa, PA) A man was convicted by a Beaver County jury for killing a transgender woman in her Aliquippa apartment in 2021. On Wednesday, Darese Raines was found guilty of murdering Brandon Murray, known as B, inside a Linmar Terrace apartment. According to police, Murray identified as a woman. Beaver County District Attorney Nate Bible claimed that there was not a clear motive that was proven. According to Pennsylvania State Police, video evidence was found outside Murray’s apartment. Raines’ sentencing date has not yet been determined. 

Thomas C. McKelvey (1944-2024)

Thomas C. McKelvey, 80, a longtime resident of Rochester, passed away on October 15, 2024, in Heritage Valley, Beaver, after suffering a fall at his home. He was born in Beaver Falls on February 29, 1944, the son of the late George and Edith McKelvey. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Karen L. McKelvey, and his siblings: Buzzy McKelvey, Gloria Boyce, Rebecca Geisler, Laura Cable, and Betty Bross. He is survived by his children: Timothy (Rhonda) McKelvey, Laura (Gary) Van Newkirk, and twins Bonnie (Rick) Hissam and James McKelvey; his nine grandchildren: Jennifer McKelvey, Charles Barnard, Michelle (Mike) Lamenza, Mindy (Matt) Reider, Rickey Hissam, Samantha McKelvey, Gary Milliron, Liberty and Timothy McKelvey; his nine great-grandchildren: Asher Mallory, Kaya and Elysia Barnard, Juliana Gorius, Kobe and Bryant Kimble, Cameron and Caden Reider and Lucius Hissam, his loving sisters, Patricia Pander and Doreen Vidovich, his brothers, Butch McKelvey, Dennis McKelvey, and Jimmy McKelvey, his loving companion Pauline McKelvey, best friend, Ray Ward and faithful canine buddy, Heidi.

Thomas was a self-employed painter. His work not only brightened the homes of his clients but also the lives of those who knew him. Tom had a social nature and was a familiar face at the Rochester Owls and Rochester Saxons, where he enjoyed the camaraderie and, of course, a good beer.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

Richard B. Balderson, Sr. (1931-2024)

Richard B. Balderson, Sr., 92, of Zelienople Passavant Retirement Community, and formerly of Rochester, passed away on October 16, 2024 in Zelienople. He was born on December 3, 1931 in New Brighton, the son of the late Bruce and Mildred Evans Balderson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jane Hoffmeier Balderson, and two brothers, Carl and Frank Balderson. He is survived by three sons and two daughters-in-law, Richard B. Balderson, Jr., his companion, Marley Silverthorne of Center Township, Steven J. and Carol Balderson of Beaver, James C. and Vickie Balderson of Virginia Beach, Virginia, six grandchildren, Noel, Jake, Derek, Tiffany, Jennifer and Rick, seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Richard was a retired switchman with the former Bell Telephone Company, the Rochester Office. He was also a former Treasurer for the Bellco Federal Credit Union and was a member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rochester. He was a Navy veteran with the reserves and belonged to the Senior Golf League and was an avid golfer.  Friends will be received on Monday, October 21st from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. at the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester. Services will be held Tuesday, October 22nd at 11:00 A.M. in the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 393 Adams Street, Rochester. Officiating will be Rev. Frank A. Kantz. Entombment will be in Sylvania Hills Mausoleum. The family wishes memorial contributions be made to the Disabled American Veterans, 1000 Liberty Avenue #1606, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

Ann J. Green (1936-2024)

Ann J. Green, 88, of Aliquippa, passed away on October 15, 2024 in Lakeview Personal Care Home in Darlington. She was born in Cecil Township, Pennsylvania on June 29, 1936, a daughter of the late Frances and Wilbur Koonse. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Green, her stepson, Alan Green and numerous siblings. She is survived by her stepdaughter, Lisa & Marco Ferrara, stepdaughter-in-law, Tina Green, a granddaughter, Alicia Ferrara and a nephew, Richard & Debra Koonse Jr.

Ann was a retired first grade school teacher, teaching at St. James Elementary School in Sewickley. She enjoyed drawing, especially with chalk and pencil. She also loved flowers and gardening.  She was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Church, part of Mary Queen of Saints Parish.

According to Ann’s wishes, all services are private. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph, 1020 W State Street Baden, PA 15005.

James Corfield (1947-2024)

James Corfield, 77, of New Brighton, passed away on October 17, 2024, at Providence Care Center of Beaver Falls. He was born on September 30, 1947, the son of the late Frank Jr. and Margaret (Hardesty) Corfield. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Karen Krisa. He is survived by his wife, Helen (Krisa) Corfield, niece, Tammy Krisa, and nephew-in-law, John Rock.

James was a veteran in the United States Army, serving during the Vietnam era. He graduated from Penn State. He worked at ARS Coffee and Strayer Coin Bag. He also enjoyed playing the drums in several bands.

In accordance with James’ wishes, there will be no services.

The GABAUER HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 1133 Penn Avenue, New Brighton, is honored to be assisting James’ family through this very difficult time.

Boys and Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania hosting 50th anniversary concert in Moon Township

(Story reported by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano, Published on October 18, 2024, at 5:56 A.M.)

(Aliquippa, PA) The Boys and Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania are hosting their 50th anniversary concert. According to a news release from David Tobiczyk, the Vice President of Advancement for the Boys and Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania, on November 16, the club will host a concert in honor of the classic hit “Could It Be I’m Fallin in Love” written by Pittsburgh-are natives Mervin and Melvin Steals. The concert will be staged at the Moon Area High School Auditorium in Moon Township at 7 p.m. and will feature performances from the Tramps, Earl Young, the Bill Henry band, with headliner Russell Thompkins, Jr., who is the Stylistic’s lead singer. Emceeing the concert is three-time Super Bowl Champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers J.T. Thomas. Tobiczyk also confirms that all proceeds will support the mission of the Boys and Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania to advance the potential of greater Aliquippa local youth and these proceeds will also benefit BGCWPA’s Aliquippa Clubhouse. Tickets for the concert are now available at bgcwpa@aliquippaclubhouse.ludus.com.

WPIAL boys soccer playoffs set to kick off

(Beaver County, PA) The WPIAL boys soccer playoffs begin on Saturday. The WPIAL boys soccer championship game will take place at Highmark Stadium.

Class 3A 

  • No. 1 Moon Area Vs. No. 16 Belle Vernon or No. 17 West Mifflin Sat. Oct. 19, 6 p.m. at. Moon Area High School 
  • No. 8 West Allegheny Vs. No. 9 Hampton Sat. Oct. 19, 2 p.m. at West Allegheny High School 

Class 2A 

  • No. 8 Elizabeth Forward Vs. No. 9 Central Valley Mon. Oct. 21, 6:30 p.m. at Elizabeth Forward High School 
  • No. 4 Quaker Valley Vs. No. 13 Burrell Mon. Oct. 21, 6:30 p.m. at. Quaker Valley High School 
  • No. 3 Deer Lakes Vs. No. 14 Hopewell Mon. Oct. 21, 6:30 p.m. at. Deer Lakes High School 

Class A

  • No. 4 Beaver County Christian School Vs. No. 13 Riverview Sat. Oct. 19, 2 p.m. at. Moon Area High School 
  • No. 3 OLSH (Our Lady of Sacred Health) Vs. No. 14 Freedom Area Sat. Oct. 19, 4 p.m. at West Allegheny High School 
  • No. 6 Springdale Vs. No. 11 Sewickley Academy Sat. Oct. 19, 11 a.m. at. Franklin Regional High School 

Protesters demand Kellogg remove artificial colors from Froot Loops and other cereals

Kellogg’s Omaha manufacturing plant is shown Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, in Omaha, Neb. Kellogg’s announced on Tuesday it would be closing the Omaha manufacturing plant by end of 2026. (Nikos Frazier/Omaha World-Herald via AP)

Dozens of people rallied outside the Michigan headquarters of WK Kellogg Co. Tuesday, demanding that the company remove artificial dyes from its breakfast cereals in the U.S.

Kellogg, the maker of Froot Loops and Apple Jacks, announced nearly a decade ago that it would remove artificial colors and ingredients from its products by 2018.

The company has done that in other countries. In Canada, for example, Froot Loops are colored with concentrated carrot juice, watermelon juice and blueberry juice. But in the U.S., the cereal still contains artificial colors and BHT, a chemical preservative.

On Tuesday, activists said they were delivering petitions with more than 400,000 signatures asking WK Kellogg to remove artificial dyes and BHT from their cereals. Protesters said there was evidence that artificial dyes can contribute to behavioral issues in children.

“I’m here for all the mothers who struggle to feed their kids healthy food without added chemicals,” said Vani Hari, a food activist who previously pressured Kraft Heinz to remove artificial dyes from its macaroni and cheese.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says it has reviewed and evaluated the effects of color additives on children’s behavior but believes that most children have no adverse effects when consuming them.

Battle Creek, Michigan-based WK Kellogg became a separate company last year when its snack division was spun off to form Kellanova. Kellanova kept the company’s international cereal business; it now makes Froot Loops with natural dyes for markets like Australia and the United Kingdom.

WK Kellogg said Tuesday that its foods are safe and all of its ingredients comply with federal regulations.

“Today, more than 85% of our cereal sales contain no colors from artificial sources,” the company said in a statement. “We continuously innovate new cereals that do not contain colors from artificial sources across our biggest brands, offering a broad choice of nourishing foods for our consumers.”

Kellogg said it announced its plan to remove artificial colors and ingredients almost a decade ago because it believed customers were seeking foods with natural ingredients and would welcome the change. But the company said it found that consumer preferences differed widely across markets.

“For example, there is better reception to our cereal recipes that utilize natural-color alternatives within the Canadian market than in the U.S.,” the company said.

Still, Kellogg may have to reconsider. Last month, Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom of California signed a bill banning six food dyes from food served in the state’s public schools, making it the first state in the U.S. to take such a step.

California’s law bans four of the dyes now used in Froot Loops: Red Dye No. 40, Yellow Dye No. 5, Yellow Dye No. 6 and Blue Dye No. 1.