Author: Beaver County Radio

Rite Aid closes more stores after going through bankruptcy proceedings

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – A sign with the company’s logo stands outside a Rite Aid store in Salem, N.H., on Wednesday, May 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Philadelphia, PA) Sixty-eight Rite-Aid stores located in Pennsylvania and six other states are closing after a filing that took place in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey on Friday. Forty-four of those stores are in Pennsylvania. The drug store chain started proceedings for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on May 5th. Forty-seven Rite-Aid stores located in Pennsylvania and eight other states will also close, including the one at the Pittsburgh International Airport. 

Over 400 gaming devices that were illegal seized in Beaver County and eleven other Pennsylvania counties

(File Photo of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) According to a release from Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday’s office, Sunday announced seizures of over 400 illegal gambling devices. In March, these devices were found in gas stations, convenience stores and bars in Beaver County and eleven other Pennsylvania counties. John F. Conley, who has been convicted for gambling illegally, owns and operates J.J Amusement Inc. and Buffalo Skills Games, Inc., which received charges for operating these devices.

Ronald D. “Buckwheat” Caler, Jr. (1950-2025)

Ronald D. “Buckwheat” Caler, Jr., 74, of Independence Township, passed away on May 9th, 2025 in UPMC Shadyside Hospital. He was born on July 10th, 1950, a son of the late Ronald D. & Goldie Caler, Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Lester G. Caler, his niece, Leslie Lee Caler, his aunts, Lila Bryson and Olive Kastler, and an uncle, Sharp Davidson. He is survived by numerous family members, cousins, and so many beloved friends.

Ronald worked numerous construction jobs throughout his life. He was also a barber. He also worked for Hertz Rental Car at the airport moving vehicles. He was always the life of the party and he always said that he brought the entertainment. He was truly a great friend. He loved to camp, ride Harleys and read.

Friends will be received on Saturday, May 17th from 3-6 p.m. in the Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Aliquippa, 2345 Mill Street, Aliquippa.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bags and Blessings, 421 Railroad St. Rochester, PA 15074.

Ardith “Artie” L. McMillen (1939-2025)

Ardith “Artie” L. McMillen, 86, of Economy, passed away peacefully on May 13th, 2025. She was born on January 6th, 1939, a daughter of the late Fay and Vera Lindsey. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin McMillen, and her siblings, Wayne Lindsey, Robert Lindsey and Roberta Waslo. She is survived by her nieces, Michele (Todd) Weidner and family, Donna (Paul) Chen and family and Donna Kissingly, her nephews: Mark (Paula) Lindsey and family, Robert M. (Beth) Lindsey, Joseph (Ashley) Waslo and family, Andrew (Liz) Waslo and family, David Waslo, Matthew Waslo and Ronald McMillen; along with many extended nieces, nephews, and family members.

Ardith was a devoted member of First United Methodist Church, where she actively participated in various church functions. She also contributed her time as a member of the Harmony Township Fire Department Auxiliary, the Fraternal Order of Eagles Nest 1365, and the Ambridge Sportsman Club. She was known for her vibrant energy. She enjoyed playing bingo and visiting the casino. She was “always on the go.”

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during a visitation on Thursday, May 15th, from 3-7 P.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, where a funeral service will be held at 11 A.M. on Friday, May 16th, followed by interment at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Concordia Villa St. Joseph Personal Care Home for the compassionate care they provided to Artie.

Mark David Bergfelt (1956-2025)

Mark David Bergfelt, 69, of West Mayfield, passed away on May 12th, 2025, in the comfort of his home.
He was born in Pittsburgh on February 29, 1956, a son of Theodore Sr. and Joan (Phillips) Bergfelt. In addition to his parents, Mark is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Mary Teresa (Kernan) Bergfelt, his sons, Benjamin Bergfelt, Matthew (Jessica) Bergfelt and Joshua Bergfelt, his grandchildren, Chloe, Kenzie, and Katelyn, his siblings: Theodore “Teddy” Bergfelt, Jr., Eric (Teresa “Dee”) Bergfelt, Alyson (Allen) Kish and Melinda (Ryan) Roedler and a host of extended family, in-laws, and good friends. He was preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Patience.
Mark was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, having served during the Vietnam War Era. Following his military service, he retired from Pittsburgh Public Schools and went on to own and operate Bergfelt Racing Enterprises, LLC., where he built and raced Go Karts. Racing brought Mark and Mary Teresa much joy and a host of good friends. He enjoyed his time racing, playing the fiddle and spending time with the ones he loved.
Friends will be received on Friday, May 16th from 2-4 P.M. & 6-8 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 17th at 11 A.M. at Chippewa Alliance Church, 3629 37th Street Extension, Beaver Falls, where friends will be received at 10 A.M. Pastor Dan Muir will officiate the service.

Interment, with full military honors, will be held on Tuesday, May 20th at 1:30 P.M. at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mark’s honor to the Chippewa Alliance Church Building Fund, 3629 37th Street Ext., Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

Rev. Janice M. Massey (1947-2025)

Rev. Janice M. Massey, 77, of Rochester, passed away unexpectedly on May 9th, 2025 at Heritage Valley Beaver. She was born on October 17, 1947 in Rochester, the daughter of the late Edward, Sr. and Louise Edward Bell. She was preceded in death by one son, Anthony T. Massey II and a grandson, Anthony T. Massey III and two brothers, Donald and Tyrone Bell. Rev. Janice was a retired self-employed owner of the Little Lambs Fold Child Care Center of Rochester. She was a minister with the First Baptist Church of Freedom and at First Baptist Human Service, where she was a Sunday School supervisor and teacher, church financial advisor and active with various other activities in the church. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Rev. Anthony T. Massey, Sr., three daughters and a son-in-law, Nicole L. Massey Moore and her husband Robert of Ambridge, Teresa A. Massey of Rochester and Kila Lige of Columbus, Ohio and three sons and two daughters-in-law, Leon T. Massey of Phoenix, Arizona, Thomas F. Massey and his wife Brandi of Beaver and Damon T. Massey and his wife Natalie of Brockton, Massachusetts, thirteen grandchildren: Brionna Massey, Ashanti Jackson, Honesti Massey, Andrew Massey, Teige Keeling, Khalil Massey, Nevaeh Massey, Judah Massey, Roman Massey, Ezra Massey, Stephon Massey, Shawn McElroy and Tynesha Lollie-Massey; as well as six great-grandchildren, Anthony Massey IV, Jessiah Massey, Nakayo Massey, Sia Massey, Malcolm Massey and Layah Massey; along with ten brothers: Arvin Bell (Julia) of Butler, Charlie Bell (Autumn) of Ford City, Pennsylvania, Perry Bell and Jerry Bell of Ben Avon, Pennsylvania, Gene Bell (Kimberly) of North Vandergrift, Edward Bell, Jr. of Ford City, Pennsylvania, Ronald Bell of Butler, Ernie Bell (Cleda) of Worthington, Pennsylvania, Robin Bell of Butler, and Mario Duncan of Ford City, Pennsylvania; including six sisters: Lucille Lovelace-Senior (Courtney) of Pittsburgh, Dianne Ransom of Newark, New Jersey, Beverly Duncan Avinger of Ambridge, Carmelita Motton (Larry) of Penn Hills, Clarissa Washington (Gary) of Ambridge and Carla Bell of Chesterfield, Michigan; and finally,  by a host of nieces and nephews. Friends will be received on Saturday, May 17th from 9 A.M. until the time of service at 11 A.M. at the Tabernacle Baptist Church, 630 Third Avenue, Beaver Falls. Interment will follow in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester. Arrangements have been entrusted to the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester. 

New scam going around involving a fake caller pretending to be the Beaver County Humane Society

(File Photo of the Beaver County Humane Society building)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Aliquippa, PA) A scam is going around in Beaver County in which a scammer posed as a caller to pretend to be the Beaver County Humane Society. The Beaver County Humane Society issued information on Facebook yesterday about the caller “BC Humane.” The Aliquippa animal shelter also noted in that post that the caller was not them and they do not make a demand to pay money or make solicitations for donations during a call. They also did not know the conversation of the call.

Allegheny General Hospital to get updated emergency department with expansion and a $43 million renovation

(Photo Provided with Release)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) According to a release from Allegheny Health Network, AHN announced the launch of a $43 million renovation and expansion of the emergency department at Allegheny General Hospital. There will be 48 beds for patients with an open sight line design in each bed and 57 rooms for treatment with enclosures of glass in each room for transparency. The project that is 36,000 square feet along with multiple phases is expected to be completed at the conclusion of 2027. 

 

Tips to save as record amount of people traveling during Memorial Day according to AAA

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of AAA East Central)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) According to a release from AAA East Central, AAA projects 45.1 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home over the Memorial Day holiday period. This period goes from May 22nd to May 26th and 1.4 million more people are expected to be traveling than last year. This is also a record for the most people traveling in that span. According to a release from AAA, here are some tips to save for traveling during those days:

AAA’s Ways to Save When Traveling

Gas: Even with gas prices lower than last Memorial Day weekend, drivers are looking to save at the pump.

  • Start by peeking at current prices on the AAA fuel site and use the AAA gas cost calculator to get an idea of how much your road trip will cost.
  • Once on the road, remember that the gas stations right off the interstate are usually the most expensive. If trying to save money, drive a bit farther down the road for cheaper gas. AAA members receive stackable discounts on gas through the Fuel Rewards® program at participating Shell stations.
  • After filling up, avoid speeding. Fuel economy peaks around 50 mph on most cars, then drops off as speeds increase. Reducing highway speeds by 5 to 10 mph can increase fuel economy by as much as 14%.

Flights: Flexibility is key to scoring cheaper airfare.

  • Booking flights that depart on Tuesdays or return on Wednesdays will save money, since weekend flights tend to be more expensive.
  • If not picky about selecting a seat ahead of time or boarding at the end, basic economy can be an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers. Be sure to read the fine print regarding restrictions.
  • Reserving airport parking in advance can save money. AAA members receive a discount at The Parking Spot.
  • To save money on meals, bring something from home. Just remember beverages are not allowed through TSA security.

Hotels and Rental Cars: Where to stay and how to get around are two decisions that should not be put off until the last minute. Reserve hotels and rental cars as soon as travel dates are confirmed.

  • Hotels in prime locations and tourist areas tend to be more expensive than hotels a bit removed from the action. In major cities, consider hotels within walking distance of public transit to save money on transportation. When choosing hotels, look for AAA hotel partners that offer discounts and deals.
  • Reserving a rental car early guarantees a better selection of vehicles. To save money, consider the type of vehicle that is needed. Smaller vehicles tend to be more economical and fuel-efficient if traveling with a small group. For extra savings, AAA members get exclusive benefits when booking through Hertz.

Best/Worst Times to Drive and Peak Congestion by Metro

INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, expects the afternoons over Memorial Day weekend to be the most congested. Travelers should hit the road during the morning hours. The metropolitan areas that can expect the heaviest traffic are Boston, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.

New Brighton moves Tonight’s Night Mart to Next Tuesday

(File photo of Downtown New Brighton taken by Frank Sparks)

 

(New Brighton, Pa.) New Brighton Borough made the following announcement this afternoon via social media and mass emailing:

With rain forecasted for much of the day, today’s Night Mart has been postponed until next Tuesday, May 20.  Visit the Central Business District next week and stroll, shop, and dine in Downtown New Brighton with a variety of sidewalk vendors, food trucks, and live music from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.  The New Brighton Night Mart will continue throughout the summer with five downtown events on the second Tuesday of each month through October.  Each market will have a special theme so there will be something unique happening each month.