Author: Beaver County Radio

Freedom Resident Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Labor Union Assets

(File Photo)

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Freedom, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of embezzlement of labor union assets, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Vincent Wolf, 57, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from approximately April 2013 through April 2021, Wolf served as the financial secretary for the United Steelworkers Local Union 623 in Freedom. As financial secretary, Wolf was responsible for maintaining all financial records, preparing annual reports, and issuing payments on behalf of Local 623 related to union officers’ salaries and expenses. An audit of the union’s finances following Wolf’s re-election loss revealed that Wolf omitted from those records disbursements that he made to himself in the form of writing
union checks to himself, ATM withdrawals, and using the union debit card to buy lunch and alcohol.
The audit determined that Wolf embezzled a total of $14,695.
Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for June 4, 2025. The law provides for a total sentence of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $10 million or twice the gross pecuniary gain to Wolf, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards conducted the
investigation that led to the prosecution of Wolf.

Educators voice concern of Pennsylvania immigrant student protections

(File Photo: Caption for Photo: Schoolgirl rising her hand at geography lesson. Rear view)

(Reported by Danielle Smith of Keystone News Service)

(Harrisburg, PA) Immigration policy changes under the Trump administration are instilling fear in Pennsylvania schools, as educators and advocates warn of their effects on students and families. Over 62-thousand immigrant children are residents in the Keystone State. Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner with Moms-Rising says children are living in fear of family separation and a terrified child in a classroom full of fearful children can’t learn or thrive. Pittsburgh Public Schools’ website states that ICE requests to access student information or school grounds must be reviewed by the district’s Law Department and the Superintendent’s Office. ICE officials cannot access students without prior legal approval and required documentation.

Pennsylvania State Representative continues to urge for Pennsylvania private and public elementary schools to teach cursive handwriting

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – In this April 9, 2020, file photo, Sunnyside Elementary School fourth-grader Miriam Amacker does school work in her room at her family’s home in San Francisco. Teachers across the country report their attempts at distance learning induced by the pandemic are failing to reach large numbers of students. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Luzerne County, PA) A Pennsylvania State Representative is proposing legislation to make Pennsylvania another state to have its private and public elementary schools teach handwriting in cursive. On January 8th, State Representative Dane Watro started legislation which would bring cursive as another part of the Pennsylvania Public Schools Code for “subjects of instruction.” Public schools in twenty-three states teach cursive, which include Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia. 

 

Hopewell Senior High School holds first-time Unified Robotics Competition

(File Photo of Hopewell High School Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Hopewell, PA) Hopewell Senior High School hosted a Unified Robotics Competition last week with over one hundred students from schools around the area for the first time. The event focused on both robotics and coding as robots were timed in a race and specific tasks had to be completed by the robots themselves through the coding of the students. Fields in STEM were also incorporated through the company Unified Robotics, while the school got support from local organizations such as CCBC and Penn State Beaver.

Conway recycling plant catches fire

(File Photo of Conway Fire Truck and Fire Department Station 49)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Conway, PA) On Wednesday, a Beaver County recycling plant was spotted with smoke rising through it. According to Beaver County emergency dispatchers, emergency crews went to Freedom Conway Recycling on Crows Run Road in Conway for this incident. The initial report from investigators was that a dumpster fire occurred. There were no reported injuries.

Driver hits tree and goes off of Hardins Run Road in single-vehicle crash

(File Photo of Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Badge)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Hanover Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Beaver report that a single-vehicle crash occurred in Hanover Township on January 11th, 2025. According to police, at 3:12 a.m., an unidentified female driver did not have control of her truck on Hardins Run Road. The driver went down the side of a hill after going off the road and then hit a tree. The vehicle had to be towed following the incident.

Police investigating theft of 100,000 eggs from the back of a Pennsylvania trailer

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Eggs are seen for sale at a Safeway, Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

ANTRIM TOWNSHIP, Pa. (AP) — The heist of 100,000 eggs from the back of a trailer in Pennsylvania has become a whodunit that police have yet to crack.

Four days after the theft that law enforcement say could be tied to the sky-high cost of eggs, no leads have come in, Trooper First Class Megan Frazer, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania State Police, said Wednesday.

“We’re relying on leads from people from the community. So we’re hoping that somebody knows something, and they’ll call us and give us some tips,” she said.

Police are also following up with any possible witnesses and looking into surveillance footage that could help them identify the perpetrator as they race to solve the mystery.

“In my career, I’ve never heard of a hundred thousand eggs being stolen. This is definitely unique,” said Frazer, who has a dozen years on the job.

Bird flu is forcing farmers to slaughter millions of chickens a month, pushing U.S. egg prices to more than double their cost in the summer of 2023. And it appears there may be no relief in sight with Easter approaching.

The average price per dozen eggs nationwide hit $4.15 in December. That is not quite as high as the $4.82 record set two years ago, but the Agriculture Department predicts egg prices are going to soar another 20% this year.

The 100,000 eggs were snatched from the back of Pete & Gerry’s Organics’ distribution trailer on Saturday about 8:40 p.m. in Antrim Township, according to police.

They are worth about $40,000, which means this crime is a felony, Frazer said.

Pete & Gerry’s Organics LLC said in a statement that the company is working with law enforcement to investigate the theft.

“We take this matter seriously and are committed to resolving it as quickly as possible,” the statement said.

 

John Rocco DeChellis (1948-2025)

John Rocco ‘Dee’ DeChellis, 76, passed away unexpectedly on February 2nd, 2025, at his residence in Rochester Township. He was born in Rochester on March 9th, 1948. John’s life was marked by dedication to his family, service to his country, and a passion for community involvement.

John’s early years were spent in the close-knit community of Monaca where he was raised by his late parents, Fiore and Mary (Carducci) DeChellis. He was a proud 1966 graduate of Monaca High School, where he showcased his athletic spirit on the football field. His academic journey continued as he earned a Bachelor of Science degree and an MBA from Robert Morris University, equipping him with the knowledge and skills that would define his professional path.

In 1967, John married his high school sweetheart, Shirley J. Witherow DeChellis, and together they embarked on a 51-year journey of love and partnership until her passing on October 14, 2018. John was also preceded in death by his sister, Rita Binkoski.

John’s commitment to his country was evident when, in 1968, he entered the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Serving abroad as a sergeant, he displayed leadership and courage, qualities that would later influence his civilian career as a Superintendent at Horsehead Corporation.

A man of faith, John was a member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Rochester.

John’s pride and joy were his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his loving daughter and son-in-law, Melissa ‘Missie’ (Marvin) Leonard of Enon Valley, and his son and daughter-in-law, Jon-Paul (Karen) DeChellis of Spring Hill, Tennessee. He is survived by his grandchildren, Antonio DeChellis of Oxford, Mississippi, Gianna and Natalia DeChellis of Spring Hill, Tennessee, and his grand dogs, Abby and Jax and several family members.

An active figure in youth sports, John coached football, baseball, and basketball in Rochester, endearing himself to many young athletes and their families. Known as ‘Chef Pappy,’ he found joy in cooking and baking, delighting those around him with his culinary creations. His love for M&M candies was well-known, as was his enjoyment of travel, with many cherished trips to Florida, the Bahamas, Las Vegas and New Orleans with family and close friends.

John was a man who took pride in the meticulous care of his lawn, the serene beauty of sunsets, and the warmth of gatherings with loved ones.

Friends will be received on Sunday, January 9th from noon – 2 pm and 3-5 pm at Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, where parting prayers will be offered on Monday, January 10th at 9:15 a.m. followed by a mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. at St Cecilia Catholic Church, 632 Virginia Avenue, Rochester. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.

The family has suggested in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made, if desired in John’s memory to Tunnel To Towers Foundation or the Wounded Warriors Project.

To share online condolences, view John’s video tribute, add photos or get directions, please visit www.simpsonfunerahome.com.

Thomas J. Michael (1947-2025)

Thomas James Michael, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on February 4th, 2025 at the age of 77. He was an indomitable spirit and lived a good life.

He was born in Dunkrik, New York on July 6th, 1947, the only son of James Thomas (Danny) and Mary Grace. Thomas is survived by his wife, Linda, their four children, and six grandchildren: Elliott, Owen, Beau, Addlyn, Estelle and Kinley. He shared a special connection with his nephew, Branden, whose military service was an important point of pride. Anyone who knew him holds a piece of his vibrant spirit and zest for life. As we remember Tom, we reflect on a man who wanted nothing more than to make everyone feel at home. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

Thomas attended Duquesne University where he earned a degree in journalism in 1969. After college, Tom served in the US Air Force as a “wizzo” in F-101 and F-4 fighters and was stationed in Germany. He had many colorful and fond stories of his time abroad. Following his military service, he returned to Pittsburgh, where he sold radio advertising while studying law at Duquesne University, a testament to his lifelong ability to carry an argument.

He married Linda Rice in 1980 and together they moved to Leetsdale, where their home was filled with love for their four children: Tom Jr., Kate, Jed, and Sarah. The Michael home was always open to family and friends from near and far. Tom was an avid cook and his family dinners were a staple of the Michael household, welcoming all to participate in stories and debates.

He was a constant figure at local ice rinks, refereeing amateur hockey games, cheering from the sidelines, and sharing his love of the sport with his children. He practiced law with a sharp mind and often sharper tongue, blending professionalism and kindness that endeared him to clients and colleagues alike.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 6th, from 5-8 P.M., in the John Syka Funeral Home, 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, where a funeral service will be held on Friday, February 7th, at 10 A.M. A celebration of life will be held at 12:30 P.M. with details provided at the service.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Tom’s memory to QV Hockey Association: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=EY3HCWTSF8E7Y

Real ID preparation from AAA

(File Photo of AAA site)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) May 7th, 2025 is the deadline for those in Pennsylvania and around the United States to have a real ID. According to a release from AAA, to get a real ID, you must have a proof of identity in either a valid passport or the original or certified copy of your birth certificate. The release also states that you need two proofs of your present Pennsylvania address, a proof of all legal name changes and your social security card. Thirteen centers in the State offer a real ID as soon as you go in. However, you must pay a fee that is one-time of $30 and a renewal fee after the upgrade for a real ID.

According to the same release from AAA, here are some options and inquiries to get a real ID and what you need to get one.

Options and inquiries for obtaining a REAL ID:

  • Customers who have been pre-verified may order their REAL ID online, and their REAL ID product will be mailed to them within 15 business days.
  • Visit any PennDOT Driver License Center to have documents verified and imaged.  The REAL ID will be sent in the mail within 15 business days.
  • Visit one of 13 REAL ID Centers statewide to have documents verified and imaged and receive a REAL ID on-site.
  • Anyone who received their first driver’s license or photo ID after September 2003 may be able to pre-verify for REAL ID. To determine if the required documents are on file with PennDOT, visit www.PennDOT.gov/REALID. Additionally, travelers can consult PennDOT’s website with any questions regarding REAL ID.

What you need for a Real ID:

  • Proof of identity (Original or certified copy of a birth certificate with a raised seal or valid U.S. Passport).
  • Proof of Social Security number (Card must be original and the name on the S.S. card must match the identity document).
  • Proof of all legal name changes (Marriage certificates or court orders approving a legal name change).
  • Two proofs of current, physical PA address (examples include a current, unexpired PA driver’s license or ID, a PA vehicle registration card, or a computer-generated utility bill showing your name and address).

You can click below for a link for the locations to get a real ID.

Click here for the link to find the locations for the 13 Pennsylvania REAL ID Centers.