Author: Beaver County Radio

Allegheny County’s policy for paid parental leave signed into law

(Caption for Photo: Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato signs the legislation for the new countywide family and sick leave policy, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026 at the Allegheny County Health Department, Downtown. Credit for Photo: Courtesy of Alexandra Wimley, Post-Gazette))

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) A policy for paid parental leave in Allegheny County was signed by Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato into law yesterday and it will go into effect in one year. 

This legislation calls for businesses that have 15 or more employees to provide 12 weeks of paid parental leave. 

Allegheny County becomes the first county in the state of Pennsylvania to pass paid parental leave and it is now the first county in the country to mandate a paid parental leave independently. 

Silovs, Penguins blank Panthers 4-0 to spoil Florida goalie Cooper Black’s record-setting NHL debut

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Arturs Silovs (37) reaches to block a shot-attempt by Florida Panthers’ Sam Reinhart (13) with Penguins’ Spencer Stastney (24) defending during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Pittsburgh, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh’s Arturs Silovs stopped 25 shots to spoil the history-making debut of Florida counterpart Cooper Black as the Penguins beat the Panthers 4-0 on Thursday.

Black, who at 6-foot-9 became the tallest goalie ever to appear in an NHL regular season game, made 18 saves but it wasn’t enough to stop the Panthers from dropping their second game in as many nights.

Nick Robertson scored twice for Pittsburgh. Hendrix Lapierre and Evgeni Malkin both finished with a goal and an assist as the Penguins shook off a miserable Western Conference road trip in which they were badly outplayed in losses to Chicago, Colorado, Vegas and Utah.

The trip ended with 19-year-old forward Ben Kindel collapsing on Tuesday during the flight back to Pittsburgh. Kindel spent the night in a Salt Lake City hospital for observation and returned to the Penguins’ facility on Thursday. The team placed him on injured reserve but is hopeful may be able to return to practice as early as next week.

Pittsburgh coach Dan Muse shuffled his lines in hopes of a spark, and the Penguins responded by solving the towering Black, a 25-year-old from Michigan, three times.

Black, called up from Florida’s AHL affiliate in Charlotte recently after Jacob Markstrom sustained a shoulder injury, was sharp early as the Panthers struggled to find their legs a night after an emotionally charged loss in Ottawa.

Lapierre doubled Pittsburgh’s lead at the game’s halfway point after taking a pretty feed on the rush from Ville Koivunen and Malkin’s third goal in four games was more than enough for Silovs, who was only sporadically challenged while picking up his second shutout of the season and fourth of his career.

Up next

Panthers: Continue their four-game road trip on Sunday in Chicago.

Penguins: Host Nashville on Saturday.

Two men accused of alleged dogfighting ring in Aliquippa headed to trial

(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Aliquippa, PA) Two men who are accused of abusing almost two dozen dogs in an alleged dogfighting ring will head to trial. 

Ronald Kidder and Rahman Terry were charged after police found 23 dogs that were left alone in a home in Aliquippa during a snowstorm earlier this year. 

They faced a judge for the first time yesterday. 

According to police paperwork, officers were called to the 100 block of Penn Street on January 25th, 2026 for reports of multiple dogs left out in freezing temperatures. 

Investigators confirmed that some of the dogs that police seized were found tied up outside in the snow without adequate shelter, food, or water.

Two of the dogs were puppies that were found in what police stated was a dog fighting pit in the home. 

Police also noted that some of the dogs had serious injuries. 

The cases against both Kidder and Terry will head to trial. 

Fire occurs at a house in Industry

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Gavin Thunberg)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Industry, PA) Industry Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to the 100 block of Cole Street yesterday at around 8:40 p.m. for a caller reporting that the house across the street was on fire.

Multiple calls came in reporting that the fire was fully involved and that it was unknown if the home was occupied.  

Firefighters worked to strategically control the fire and they worked on extensive overhaul until after 1 A.M.

There were no reported injuries. 

Wampum man arrested becomes suspect of shooting in Beaver Falls; is suspect of another shooting in New Brighton

(File Photo of a Beaver Falls Police Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver Falls, PA) A shooting incident occurred in Beaver Falls on Tuesday.

City of Beaver Falls police officers were dispatched to the McDonald’s restaurant on 7th Avenue at approximately 2:45 p.m. because they received a report of a loud bang, which was believed to have possibly been a gunshot. 

Officers talked with a caller that reported that there may have been a bullet hole in the sign of the restaurant, which was then confirmed as a strike with a bullet to this sign. 

After an interview and investigation occurred, twenty-six-year-old Benjamin Sanderbeck of Wampum was charged by Beaver Falls Police with aggravated assault, criminal mischief, discharge of a firearm into an occupied structure, and recklessly endangering another person. 

Sanderbeck is the same suspect who was accused of a shooting in New Brighton on Tuesday in which a single gun shot hit a vehicle that was going south on 5th Avenue and he owned the vehicle where the gun shot came from. 

Members of both New Brighton Police and the Pennsylvania State Police New Castle Barracks executed a search warrant on Wednesday on the suspected vehicle at Sanderbeck’s residence on Newport Road in Wampum. 

A subsequent interview led New Brighton police to file separate charges against Sanderbeck for criminal mischief, discharging a firearm into an occupied structure, propulsion of missiles into an occupied vehicle, and recklessly endangering another person. 

Sanderbeck was arrested and was taken to the Beaver County Jail after the shooting in New Brighton. 

According to a release from the City of Beaver Falls Police Department, there is no indication of a further threat to the community regarding this incident. 

Lenore “Tootsie” Ann Sutton (1962-2026)

Lenore “Tootsie” Ann Sutton, 64, of Economy Borough, passed away peacefully on October 13th, 2026, at UPMC Passavant – McCandless.

She was born in Pittsburgh on January 19th, 1962, a daughter of the late Francis and Lenore Zovko.

Lenore worked as a server at Eat’n Park for nearly 25 years and was a member of Good Samaritan Catholic Church in Ambridge. She was a hardworking woman with a big heart, a quick wit, and a personality that could fill any room. She was funny, stubborn, fiercely loyal, and never afraid to speak her mind. Those who knew her knew exactly where they stood with her, but they also knew just how deeply she cared. She enjoyed trips to the casino, playing Candy Crush with her sister, cooking for her family, and much to everyone’s amusement, winning the family fantasy football league. No matter where she was going, she was never leaving the house without her lipstick. However, above everything else, she loved her family. They were her greatest pride, her greatest joy, and the center of her world. She spent her life putting the people she loved before herself, working hard to make sure they were cared for and never went without. Whether it was a holiday gathering, a birthday dinner, or a family vacation to the Outer Banks, she had a way of making even the simplest moments feel special. She spent Sundays cheering on the Steelers with Deb and Jim were another cherished tradition, filled with laughter, good company, and memories that will live on. Becoming “Mimi” to her grandchildren brought her a happiness that was impossible to miss. She loved them beyond words and treasured every moment she spent with them. She will be remembered not only for her kindness and generosity, but for her humor, her strength, and the love she gave so freely. She had a way of making people laugh, making them feel loved, and making a house feel like home. Her absence will be felt in countless little moments, but the love she poured into her family will remain with them always.

She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 45 years, Daniel Sutton, Sr., her children, Daniel Jr. (Heidi) Sutton, Jeffery Sutton, and Matthew (Darcie) Sutton, her beloved grandchildren: Mackenzie, Colin, Charlee, and Aubree Lenore; as well as her brother, Francis “Bub” (Jayme) Zovko, her sister, Linda Villafuerte, her sister-in-law, Deb (Jim) Dabiero, along with many extended family members and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, PJ Zovko.

In accordance with Lenore’s wishes, there will be no visitation.

However, a memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, October 27th at 10:30 a.m. at Good Samaritan Catholic Church, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge.

Inurnment will be private at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville.

The GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES (Branch), 340 Third Street, Beaver, was honored to provide care and guidance to Lenore’s family during this time and was the funeral home that was in charge of her arrangements.

To send flowers with our preferred florist or plant a memorial tree, please visit the flower store of the Gabauer Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services by clicking here.

Robert J. Pavelek (1965-2026)

Robert J. Pavelek, 61, of Baden, passed away on October 21st, 2026, at his home.

He was born in Rochester on January 21st, 1965, a son of the late George and Angeline Dionise Pavelek.

Robert was in retail inventory and assisted with catering within his family as a prep cook. He was a member of the Army National Guard and was an avid pool player who belonged to the American Pool Association.

He is survived by his wife of thirty-eight years, Simone M. (Strojek) Pavelek, as well as one brother and sister-in-law, George Pavelek Jr. and his wife, Michaele, four sisters-in-law and two brother-in-law: Janice, Lorraine, John, Renee, and Leslie and her husband, Kenneth and several nieces and nephews.

Robert’s wishes were to be cremated with no services. All arrangements are entrusted to the William Murphy Funeral Home Inc., 349 Adams Street Rochester, PA 15074.

Harry W. Erfley (1946-2026)

Harry W. Erfley, 80, of Canonsburg, passed away peacefully on October 20th, 2026.

He was born on September 24th, 1946, the son of the late Arthur and Violet Erfley.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Martin.

He is survived by his children, Tracey (Steve) Thompson, Mathew Erfley, and Kimberly (Andrew) Rivera, his siblings, Colleen (Jerry) Parone and Joyce (Mike) Tourigny, his longtime girlfriend, Sharon Sarver, his grandchildren: Jordan, Heather, Marissa, and Isabella; as well as numerous extended family members.

Harry proudly served his country in the United States Army before going on to work in the steel industry. One of his proudest accomplishments came at just ten years old, when he won the Western Pennsylvania Marble Championship. He enjoyed playing the lottery and was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan.

In accordance with Harry’s wishes, all services will be private.

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

Self-proclaimed Pittsburgh influencer sentenced to nearly 4 years in prison for stalking 11 women

(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) A self-proclaimed influencer from Pittsburgh will spend almost four years in jail after being convicted on charges of cyberstalking and threats.

The Department of Justice announced yesterday that thirty-one-year-old Michael Dadig was sentenced to forty-six months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

Dadig pleaded guilty earlier this year after he was accused of stalking eleven women across multiple states, which included Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida, Iowa, and New York.

He was accused of harassing, intimidating, and threatening the women in person, on his podcast and through social media.

PUC Chairman Steve DeFrank Elected President of Organization of PJM States

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) Chairman Steve DeFrank was recently elected president of the Organization of PJM States, Inc. (OPSI).

DeFrank will help lead the collaboration among state utility regulators across the PJM region in this position.

His leadership will assist in ensuring that Pennsylvania and other states have a strong voice in the regional decisions about the costs that are ultimately borne by consumers, electric markets and investment in infrastructure.