Author: Beaver County Radio

Increased spending among topics discussed at the Beaver County Commissioners’ work session

(File Photo of the Beaver County Courthouse)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver, PA) Several topics were discussed at the Beaver County Commissioners’ work session this morning at 10 a.m. at the Beaver County Courthouse in Beaver. During the Department Head Report of the work session, Beaver County Controller Maria Longo mentioned the main topic addressed, which was increased and excessive spending as well as spending on items that were unacceptable in Beaver County. Longo addressed this topic in a previous work session three weeks ago, but brought this topic back to the attention of the Commissioners and she said they have the final say on it. The charges from the previous report from Longo “have not been reimbursed, accept for the $32 back from the $3,200 that was spent.” A response that Commissioner Jack Manning made to Longo’s comments was that his job is not to micro-manage the charges of officers, because it is their responsbility to do so. Manning also noted that the Commissioners set the policy for these charges, and if people are not following that policy, they need to be told of their refusal to follow it. In other business, one of the upcoming events for the public to go to in Beaver County that Beaver County Recreation and Tourism Director Tony Caltury mentioned is the Liberty Tree Dedication at Fort McIntosh in Beaver on Saturday, October 25th starting at 11 a.m. with the firing of the cannon as well as the liberty tree being planted, a flyover and light refreshments from 11 to about either 12:30 or 1 p.m. Manning also praised Heritage Valley Health System for signing a deal to join Allegheny Health Network and Highmark Health on Thursday. Beaver County Commissioner Chairman Dan Camp and Manning were there for the event of that signing which Manning noted secures the future for the Medical Center in Beaver and the Heritage Valley Sewickley Hospital. Beaver County Solicitor Garen Fedeles also stated that the rate of returning mail-in ballots for the November 4th, 2025 municipal election in Pennsylvania is 57%, third in the state of Pennsylvania. Fedeles also confirmed that in-office voting is open until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, October 28th.

$10.4 million construction project in Cranberry Township is complete

(File Photo: Caption for Photo: PennDOT, PSP, PTC, Construction Industry Highlight National Work Zone Awareness Week)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Cranberry Township, PA) A construction project that has taken over two years is now finished in Cranberry Township. According to officials from the Pennsylvania Turnpike (PA Turnpike), $10.4 million worth of improvements along the Cranberry Interchange (Exit 28) are complete. Officials stated that this project is part of the Capital Plan Investment from the PA Turnpike, which puts about $8 billion towards various safety projects over the next ten years and is funded exclusively through payments from tolls. The PA Turnpike confirms that other projects will provide a better travel experience for drivers and reduce congestion. The updates included drainage improvements, guiderail updates, safety enhancements and concrete repair on ramps and bridges. Work on this project began in July of 2023 and last week was when a final inspection was carried out for it. Crews worked to complete this project with CDR Maguire Engineering, The Markosky Engineering Group, Inc. and Whitman, Requardt and Associates, LLC.

McKees Rocks fugitive apprehended in the North Side of Pittsburgh

(Photo Courtesy of WPXI/WPXI, Posted on Facebook on October 22nd, 2025)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) A man from McKees Rocks who has been wanted for the previous three weeks was arrested in the North Side of Pittsburgh. According to the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, twenty-seven-year-old Edward Walthour has been a fugitive since he failed to show for a pre-trial conference for gun charges filed by Pittsburgh Police. These charges were filed in May, but Walthour received a charge of escape after he walked away on September 15th, 2025 from Renewal. Detectives found out that Walthour may have been staying at a house on Phineas Street and police stated that Walthour answered the door when they knocked on it yesterday morning. Walthour was arrested without incident and is now in the Allegheny County Jail.

Eos Energy moves headquarters to Western Pennsylvania from New Jersey

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – In this April 24, 2015, file photo, pumpjacks work in a field near Lovington, N.M. In the closing months of the Trump administration, energy companies stockpiled enough drilling permits for western public lands to keep pumping oil for years. That stands to undercut President-elect Joe Biden’s plans to block new drilling on public lands to address climate change. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Eos Energy recently announced that it is moving its headquarters to western Pennsylvania from New Jersey and company officials confirm that this relocation is already underway. Hundreds of new jobs will be made in Pittsburgh as a result. Company officials also state that an expansion of the increase in capacity in operations for Eos Energy should be finished in the next two years.

Pittsburgh named by National Geographic as a top 25 travel destination in the world for 2026

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – This April 2, 2021, file photo shows bridges spanning the Allegheny River in downtown Pittsburgh. Republicans in Congress are making the politically brazen bet that it’s more advantageous to oppose President Joe Biden’s ambitious rebuild America agenda than to lend support for the costly $2.3 trillion undertaking for roads, bridges and other infrastructure investments. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Pittsburgh was recently named by National Geographic as one of the best travel destinations in the world for the second year in a row. VisitPittsburgh notes that a “robust” nomination as well as a process for researching and reporting caused National Geographic travel experts and international editorial teams to pick Pittsburgh as one of the top 25 global travel destinations for 2026. Some of the places in Pittsburgh that National Geographic highlights that have been successful are the Duquesne Incline and the National Aviary, as well as its museums and ninety neighborhoods. The magazine also mentions that Downtown Pittsburgh is also going to be revitalized to host the 2026 NFL Draft from April 23rd-25th, 2026. The full list of these international destinations picked by National Geographic can be found by clicking on the link below:

nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/best-of-the-world-2026

Man killed after a dispute with a Baden man in Aliquippa honored in Aliquippa

(File Photo of the Welcome to Aliquippa Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Aliquippa, PA) The late Gevod Tyson was honored in Aliquippa yesterday. The twenty-four-year-old Tyson died at Heritage Valley Sewickley on October 14th, 2025 after a dispute with twenty-five-year-old Taevaughn Goodnight of Baden that night. Goodnight shot Tyson in his right thigh once with a firearm during a physical altercation with Tyson on Wade Street. Goodnight is in the Beaver County Jail without bail. There will also be a march for Tyson on Saturday, October 25th at 1 p.m. at the Aliquippa Auto Zone.

Washington D.C. based nonprofit files lawsuit against the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium to demand release of five of its elephants

(Photo Courtesy of the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium of its elephants Victoria and Zuri moving around)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) The Nonhuman Rights Project, a nonprofit based in Washington, D.C., recently filed a lawsuit against the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium to demand that the zoo should release five of its elephants. The petition was filed in Allegheny County and the elephants mentioned in it are Angeline, Savanna, Tasha, Victoria, and Zuri. The Nonhuman Rights Project argues that due to their confinement, these elephants are suffering both psychologically and physically and that these animals are being deprived of their freedom. The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium also announced less than a week before this lawsuit against them was filed that Victoria and Zuri will be moved to its breeding center located in Fairhope. The Nonhuman Rights Project is also seeking a court order to stop these two elephants from moving until the decision of this case is made.

Gustav Robert Hampe (1939-2025)

Gustav Robert Hampe, 86, affectionately known as Gus, passed away peacefully at his home on October 20th, 2025.
He was born in New Brighton on February 24th, 1939, the son of the late Gustav G. and Mildred (Warren) Hampe. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Michael Miller and a sister, Louise Bunner. He is survived by the love of his life of 63 years, Judith (Smith) Hampe. In addition to his cherished wife, he is survived by his devoted children: Robert Hampe (Chrissy Baker), Lisa Hampe-Miller and Sherry Grady, a dear sister, Marjorie Straub, his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Coralee and Michael Syrko, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, seven grandchildren: Erin (Jake) Grossi, Megan (Nolan) Shank, Robyn Hampe (Austin Tisch), Mark (Naomi) Miller, Robert Miller (Stephen Aulerich), Michela Grady (Jesse Moore), Nicholas Grady and Amanda (Jeff) Marsch and Devyn Baker, who lovingly call their grandfather “Mr. Fix It”; as well as his great grandchildren: Robbie, Leena, Eli, Maverick, Easton, Samuel, Abigail, Grady and Maddox.
Gustav was a dedicated business owner, operating Hampe’s Home Repairs for over twenty years. His commitment to quality work and honest service earned him the respect and trust of his community and countless loyal customers.
Outside of work, he was an avid outdoorsman. He found joy in hunting, camping and simply spending time in nature. These moments brought him peace and happiness, and he was always eager to share his love of the outdoors with friends and family.
Above all, he cherished the time he spent with his family. Whether gathered around a campfire, sharing stories at the dinner table or offering a helping hand. His greatest joy was being surrounded by those he loved most. Gustav’s loyal friend from third grade was Ralph Klitz. The two have always remained close.
A Visitation will be on Friday, October 24th from 4-7 p.m. at the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa, who was in charge of his arrangements.
A service will also be held on Saturday, October 25th at 10 a.m. at New Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, 183 Bethlehem Church Road, Aliquippa with Reverend Randall Clow officiating. Please meet at the church. Private interment will follow at Sylvania Hills Cemetery, 273 PA-68, Rochester.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that one considers making a donation to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or planting a tree in memory of Gustav. His legacy is one of kindness, hard work, and devotion to family. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all whose lives he touched.

 

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Gustav Robert Hampe please visit the Sympathy Store of the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Mark A. Jezowicz (1967-2025)

Mark A. Jezowicz, 58, of Moon Township, passed away on October 19th, 2025 in Heritage Valley Sewickley. He was born in Pittsburgh on February 14th, 1967, the son of the late Paul A. & Theresa R. “Therese” (Maser) Jezowicz. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Beth (Sorba) Jezowicz, two daughters, Hannah Jezowicz (Fiancé Noah Grice) of Sandy Lake, Pennsylvania and Emily Jezowicz (Fiancé Brandon Tretinik) of Oakdale, Pennsylvania and his beloved cocker spaniel, Lily.

Mark grew up in Crafton and graduated from Carlynton High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army Reserves and retired after 20 years of honorable service. he was employed as a hydraulics mechanic for Universal Stainless and Alloy Products in Bridgeville for over 30 years. Family was everything to Mark. His pride and joy were his two daughters. He loved spending time with them whether going on family vacations, camping, fishing, bike riding or just hanging out together. He will be remembered for his kindness, sense of humor, and devotion to his family.

Friends will be received on Friday, October 24th from 5 P.M. until the time of a Memorial Service at 7 P.M. in The Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Moon Township, 1522 Coraopolis Heights Road, Moon Township, who was in charge of his arrangements. Private interment at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville, will take place at a later date.

Edward J. “Rags” Ragula, Sr. (1935-2025)

Edward J. “Rags” Ragula, Sr., 90, of Baden, passed away peacefully on the evening of October 19th 2025, at home with his family by his side. He was born in New Brighton on February 28th, 1935, a son of the late Stephen and Julia Olash Ragula. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Helen and his brother Stephen Ragula II. He is survived by his sister, Peggy Madish, a daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth and Randall Aiken of Katy, Texas, a son and daughter-in-law, Edward Jr. and Rachel Ragula of Economy Borough and several grandchildren: Julia Aiken, Robert Aiken, Nicholas Ragula and Ciera Ragula.

Edward was a U.S. Army Veteran who was employed by J&L Steel for over thirty years.

Family and Friends will be received on Friday, October 24th from 3 to 7 p.m. in the John Syka Funeral Home Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements and where a blessing service will take place on Saturday, October 25th at 10 A.M. Entombment will follow in the Beaver Cemetery Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Broadhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001, to reflect his love of the family pets.