Author: Beaver County Radio

Pennsylvania Unemployment Rate Remains at 4.0 Percent in July, Marking Pennsylvania’s 27th Consecutive Month Equal to or Below National Average

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE—In this file photo from May 5, 2021, a vehicle speeds by a hiring sign offering a $500 bonus outside a McDonalds restaurant, in Cranberry Township, Butler County, Pa. Pennsylvania will resume work search requirements in July for hundreds of thousands of people receiving unemployment compensation, a top Wolf administration official said Monday, May 24, 2021. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) According to a release from the Pennsylvania Deaprtment of Labor & Industry, that department released its preliminary employment situation report for July of 2025. The rate for unemployment in Pennsylvania in July of 2025 was at 4 percent, which was unchanged from June of 2025. July of 2025 was the 27th month in a row that the rate for unemployment in Pennsylvania was below or at the average rate for unemployment in the United States, which went up to 4.2 percent in July of 2025, which was an increase from June of 2025 by one-tenth of a point. According to that sam release from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, here are some recent statistics following their report today on preliminary employment situation for July of 2025.

Current Labor Force Statistics
Seasonally Adjusted
(in thousands)
   Change from    Change from
             July           June             July        June 2025         July 2024
            2025           2025           2024 volume percent volume percent
PA
Civilian Labor Force 6,537 6,540 6,571 -3 0.0% -34 -0.5%
Employment 6,274 6,280 6,335 -6 -0.1% -61 -1.0%
Unemployment 263 260 237 3 1.2% 26 11.0%
Rate 4.0 4.0 3.6 0.0 —- 0.4 —-
U.S.
Civilian Labor Force 170,342 170,380 168,315 -38 0.0% 2,027 1.2%
Employment 163,106 163,366 161,219 -260 -0.2% 1,887 1.2%
Unemployment 7,236 7,015 7,097 221 3.2% 139 2.0%
Rate 4.2 4.1 4.2 0.1 —- 0.0 —-
Note: August 2025 labor force and nonfarm jobs statistics will be released on September 19th, 2025.
Pennsylvania Nonagricultural Wage and Salary Employment
Seasonally Adjusted
(in thousands)
    Change from    Change from
            July          June            July      June 2025      July 2024
           2025           2025           2024 volume percent volume percent
Total Nonfarm Jobs 6,237.2 6,230.1 6,139.6 7.1 0.1% 97.6 1.6%
Goods Producing Industries 843.5 843.3 844.2 0.2 0.0% -0.7 -0.1%
  Mining & Logging 21.5 21.7 21.6 -0.2 -0.9% -0.1 -0.5%
  Construction 260.2 260.1 259.7 0.1 0.0% 0.5 0.2%
  Manufacturing 561.8 561.5 562.9 0.3 0.1% -1.1 -0.2%
Service Providing Industries 5,393.7 5,386.8 5,295.4 6.9 0.1% 98.3 1.9%
  Trade, Transportation & Utilities 1,143.1 1,143.4 1,139.7 -0.3 0.0% 3.4 0.3%
  Information 90.1 89.9 90.2 0.2 0.2% -0.1 -0.1%
  Financial Activities 346.5 343.5 339.7 3.0 0.9% 6.8 2.0%
  Professional & Business Services 842.2 840.7 833.9 1.5 0.2% 8.3 1.0%
  Education & Health Services 1,414.1 1,408.2 1,363.7 5.9 0.4% 50.4 3.7%
  Leisure & Hospitality 584.2 587.1 566.8 -2.9 -0.5% 17.4 3.1%
  Other Services 270.0 270.7 262.1 -0.7 -0.3% 7.9 3.0%
  Government 703.5 703.3 699.3 0.2 0.0% 4.2 0.6%

Aliquippa School Board approves Mrryce Smith as the next head boy’s basketball coach for Aliquippa High School

(File Photo of the Aliquippa Quips Logo on a Flag)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Aliquippa, PA) Mrryce Smith was approved as the new Aliquippa High School head boy’s basketball coach on Wednesday by the Aliquippa school board. The Aliquippa school board voted at a meeting on June 11th, 2025 to not renew the contract of the previous Aliquippa head boy’s basketball coach, Nick Lackovich. Smith was also one of the assistant boy’s basketball coaches to serve with Lackovich for Aliquippa High School. For the past 25 years, Smith has been an assistant coach that has coached in that position across a wide array of Aliquippa teams. Smith is presently a sixth grade teacher at Aliquippa School District and he graduated from Aliquippa High School in 1992, teaching within the Aliquippa School District for twenty-nine years.

“It’s a baby, Charlie Brown!”: Newborns at Allegheny Health Network West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh Dressed Up as “Peanuts” Characters to Celebrate the Comic’s 75th Anniversary

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of Allegheny Health Network)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) According to a release from Allegheny Health Network yesterday, nine newborn babies at the West Penn Hospital of Allegheny Health Network in the Bloomfield neighborhood of Pittsburgh recently helped to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the classic comic strip “Peanuts,” written by the late cartoon creator, Charles M. Schultz. These babies were dressed up like nine well-known characters from “Peanuts,” These babies were also placed in a bassinet for medical-grade purposes which were designed to look like the red doghouse of Snoopy, the beagle of Charlie Brown. The “Peanuts” characters that these babies were dressed up as were Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, Lucy, Sally, Peppermint Patty, Schroeder, Franklin, and Woodstock. According to Dr. Marcia Klein Patel, the Chair of the AHN Women’s Institute, “This anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate all the magic and possibility of childhood, and a special reminder to the entire AHN labor and delivery team of what a privilege it is to help bring these beautiful little ‘peanuts’ into the world. Perhaps these babies will grow to be empathetic like Charlie Brown, independent like Lucy or even musically inclined like Schroeder, but no matter who these children will become, we are honored that they got their start at AHN West Penn Hospital.” “Peanuts” appeared in October of 1950, when  and ended in 2000, but ever since that year, “Peanuts” has been in syndication.

Lane restrictions in both directions of I-376 Parkway East in the city of Pittsburgh will occur, weather permitting

(File Photo of the PennDOT logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) PennDOT District 11 announced that tomorrow morning, weather permitting, lane restrictions in both directions of I-376 (Parkway East) in the City of Pittsburgh will occur. From 6 A.M. to 12 noon tomorrow, routine bridge inspection activities requiring right-lane closures will occur between the Route 885/Oakland (Exit 73B) and the Squirrel Hill/Homestead (Exit 74) interchanges. Inspection work on the structure carrying I-376 traffic over Four Mile Run will be conducted by crews from Larson Design Group. 

Paving operations on westbound I-376 Parkway East in Monroeville, Penn Hills and Wilkins Township will occur, weather permitting

(File Photo of Road Work Ahead)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) PennDOT District 11 announced that tonight through Monday morning, weather permitting, paving operations on westbound I-376 Parkway East in the Municipalities of Monroeville and Penn Hills and Wilkins Township in Allegheny County will occur. From 9 P.M. tonight continuously through 5 A.M. Monday morning, milling and paving operations will be conducted by crews between the Monroeville Business 22 on-ramp and the Churchill Exit 79B exit. According to a release from PennDOT District 11, Pennsylvania Turnpike traffic exiting at I-376 West/Route 22 toward Pittsburgh wanting to head westbound on I-376 will be detoured between 6 A.M. and 10 A.M. tomorrow. The detour will be starting at Business Route 22, then take a right turn onto Haymaker Road, then use the on-ramp to West I-376 Route 22 toward Pittsburgh. The restrictions along westbound I-376 at Business Route 22 will be accommodated when traffic on this ramp will get this detour. If the work is finished early, these lane restrictions will be removed. 

Rapper Sean Kingston to be sentenced for $1 million fraud scheme in South Florida

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – Sean Kingston, right, and his mother Janice Turner arrive at the 40th anniversary American Music Awards, Nov. 18, 2012, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)

(AP) Rapper Sean Kingston is scheduled to be sentenced in South Florida on Friday after being convicted of a $1 million fraud scheme.

Kingston, whose legal name is Kisean Paul Anderson, and his mother, Janice Eleanor Turner, were each convicted by a federal jury in March of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and four counts of wire fraud. U.S. Judge David Leibowitz sentenced Turner last month to five years in prison, but Kingston’s sentencing was rescheduled.

Kingston, 35, and his mother were arrested in May 2024 after a SWAT team raided Kingston’s rented mansion in suburban Fort Lauderdale. Turner was taken into custody during the raid, while Kingston was arrested at Fort Irwin, an Army training base in California’s Mojave Desert, where he was performing.

According to court records, Kingston used social media from April 2023 to March 2024 to arrange purchases of high-end merchandise. After negotiating deals, Kingston would invite the sellers to one of his high-end Florida homes and promise to feature them and their products on social media.

Investigators said that when it came time to pay, Kingston or his mother would text the victims fake wire receipts for the luxury merchandise, which included a bulletproof Escalade, watches and a 19-foot (6-meter) LED TV, investigators said.

When the funds never cleared, victims often contacted Kingston and Turner repeatedly, but were either never paid or received money only after filing lawsuits or contacting law enforcement.

Kingston shot to fame at age 17 with the 2007 hit “Beautiful Girls,” which laid his lyrics over Ben E. King’s 1961 song “Stand By Me.”

Benjamin P. Thayer (1935-2025)

Benjamin P. Thayer, 90, passed away on August 13th, 2025. He was born in Titusville, Pennsylvania on April 4th, 1935, a son of the late Everette N. and Catharine Thayer. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Fred and David and his first wife, Edna (Lang) Thayer. He is survived by his second wife, Susan, a son, Wayne (Kristin) Thayer of Phoenix, Arizona, his stepchildren, Tim (Nancy) Gibson of Monument, Colorado, and Tammy (Chris) Anderson of Vandergrift, Pennsylvania, his grandchildren: Emily and Isabelle Thayer, Jessica (Christian) Stempert, Andrew and Mary Beth Gibson, Elora Walsh and Sebastian Robinson; a sister, Susan Miller of Pleasanton, California and one brother, Rev. Nelson (Linda) Thayer of Franklin, Pennsylvania and one great-grandson.

Benjamin was raised in Crawford County. He graduated from Randolph-East Mead High School and Penn State University with a BS in Civil Engineering.

After completing US Navy Officer Candidate School, he served for 3 years as a “Sea Bee” working on design and construction issues for bases in Okinawa and Florida. Upon his discharge he worked for Brown Engineers in New York for 5 years before moving to Beaver County to join Michael Baker Jr., Inc. as a highway designer. After retiring from Baker in 1998, he continued to work part-time for Widmer Engineering in Beaver Falls for another 12 years. He was a member of the American Society of Highway Engineers and the PA. Society of Professional Engineers and was named the Beaver County Engineer of the year in 1998. He was also a 58-year member of the Little Beaver Lions Club and served on the Board of Directors for the Lighthouse for the Blind in New Brighton for over 20 years. He was also a faithful member of Chippewa Alliance Church of Chippewa. Friends will be received on Monday, August 18th from 3-7 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangments and where a visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 19th from 11 A.M. until the time of services at 12 noon. Rev. Daniel Muir will officiate. A private burial will be held at Mt. Hope United Methodist Cemetery behind the Mt. Hope United Methodist Church at 29034 State Route 27, Guys Mills, Pennsylvania.

Memorial donations in Benjamin’s memory may be made to the Chippewa Alliance Church Building Fund, 3629 37th Street Extension, Beaver Falls, PA 15010 or to Lighthouses for the Blind, 720 3rd Avenue, New Brighton, PA 15066.

Kevin Thomas Majzlik (1956-2025)

Kevin Thomas Majzlik, 69, of New Brighton, passed away August 11th, 2025 at his home.

He was born in Beaver on January 16, 1956, a son of the late Donald and JoAnn (DeVinney) Majzlik. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jeffrey Majzlik.

He is survived by his children, Laura McClain and Kevin Majzlik, his grandchildren, Sienna, Beau, Zane and Mac; his former wife and best friend, Debbie Majzlik, his sister, Sue Ellen Verlihay and his close friend, Bill Spratley.

Kevin retired as a supervisor from Pittsburgh Tubular Shafting in Rochester, where he was a hard worker for his company. He will be remembered for his big heart and loyalty to his family and friends. He liked listening to Pittsburgh Pirates games on the radio and he loved his grandkids.

Friends will be welcomed on Monday, August 25th, from 5-7 p.m., in the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of his arrangements.

Debra Ann Shaffer (1956-2025)

Debra Ann Shaffer, 69, of Beaver Falls, passed away on August 13th, 2025 at Providence Health and Rehabilitation Center of Beaver Falls, following a valiant battle with cancer.

She was born in Beaver Falls on January 15th, 1956, a daughter of Thora Martella (Herr) Lansberry and the late Robert Martella. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her sisters: Mary (Ken) Whitmore, Theresa (Richard) Martella Chester, Cathy Beagle and Annette Martella; as well as a brother, Robert (Sandy) Martella, her step-siblings, Becky (Warren) Simons, Trisha Lansberry and Joe Lansberry and numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her step-father, Jack Lansberry.

Debra had worked as a manager for Burger King and worked as a cashier for Lowes, which was the workplace where she retired from. She was a kind-hearted woman and was a loving daughter, sister, and aunt. She will be dearly missed and remembered by each and every person who knew and loved her.

Debra’s wishes for cremation will be honored and no services are being planned at this time.

The GABAUER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 1133 Penn Avenue, New Brighton, is honored to be caring for Debra and her family during this time.

Michael D. Nelson (1961-2025)

Michael D. Nelson, 64, of North Fayette, formerly of Warren and Beaver, Pennsylvania, passed away from stage 4 metastatic cancer at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh on August 12th, 2025.

He was born in California on February 25th, 1961, a son of the late Robert and Ramona Pabon Nelson. He is survived by his wife, Kristen Lee Helmick-Nelson, his daughters, Marissa and Kara Helmick-Nelson and his brother, Kimio Nelson.

Michael was a RSM Technician at Giant Eagle and a member of New Salem Presbyterian Church of Midland, where he served as a musical director. He was an actor, director, and musician for R-ACT Theater Productions of Rochester and a director and board member for the Pittsburgh New Works Festival. Michael was involved in many musical endeavors, performing as a keyboard player for StreetSide Saints Band, and as a musician, director and actor for countless other musical and theatrical productions. He was an alum of Edinboro University and member of the Phi Mu Alpha Fraternity.

Professional arrangements have been entrusted to Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com

Memorial contributions in Michael’s name, may be made to New Salem Presbyterian Church, 348 Salem Church Road, Midland, PA 15059, R-ACT Theater Productions, 134 Brighton Avenue, Rochester, PA 15074 or Pittsburgh New Works Festival, 1225 Seitz Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15282.