Upgrades and changes coming to New Brighton parks

Beaver County Radio News Staff. Published August 21, 2024 1:44 P.M.

(New Brighton, Pa) Improvements are underway at Big Rock Park and the New Brighton Fishing Park. The borough made an announced on Facebook that a $265,267 project will include façade renovations and pedestrian protection in the Eighth Street Tunnel, the construction of a gazebo in the Fishing Park, the paving of the kayak launch in the Fishing Park, the installation of additional trees and playground equipment in Big Rock Park, in addition to adding canopies over existing overlooks in the park.

They say that work inside the Eighth Street Tunnel will include the installation of delineators to separate pedestrians and cyclists from motor vehicles and the tunnel will be a one-way entrance into the park once the project is complete. Visitors will need to exit through the Twelfth Street Tunnel, which is located south of the Fishing Park. The Twelfth Street Tunnel will remain open to two-way traffic.

East Palestine residents want more time and information before deciding to accept $600M settlement

FILE – A black plume rises over East Palestine, Ohio, as a result of a controlled detonation of a portion of the derailed Norfolk Southern trains, on Feb. 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

Some East Palestine, Ohio, residents want more time and more information before they have to decide by a deadline this week whether to accept their share of a $600 million class-action settlement with Norfolk Southern over last year’s disastrous train derailment.

But it’s not clear whether the judge will rule on their motion before Thursday’s deadline for people who live within 20 miles (32 kilometers) of the derailment to file a claim.

Residents who live within 10 miles (16 kilometers) of the Feb. 3, 2023, crash near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border also have to decide whether to accept up to $25,000 per person for personal injuries, although accepting that money will force them to give up the right to sue later if someone develops cancer or other serious illness because of the chemical exposure.

The amount residents can receive varies by how close they lived to the derailment, with people who lived within 2 miles receiving $70,000 for property damage. People who lived at the outer edge of the area might only receive a few hundred dollars.

One of the key complaints in the motion filed by attorney David Graham is that attorneys who represented residents in the lawsuit haven’t disclosed any of the results of testing done around town by their own expert, Stephen Petty, who has testified in hundreds of lawsuits about contamination concerns, to determine the extent of the contamination caused when toxic chemicals spilled and burned after the derailment.

Some of the attorneys involved in the case promised residents in news interviews early on that Petty’s data would be disclosed in court filings to lay out the impact on East Palestine. So Graham asked the judge to order that information to be released to try to address residents’ concerns.

“Fast forward to their present, post-settlement posture, and class counsel and their PR machine have now forgotten all about their star testing expert, Petty,” Graham wrote.

Instead of Petty, the lawyers brought out a different expert at an online town hall meeting a couple weeks ago who told residents he didn’t think anyone in town would develop cancer as a result of the derailment. But Dr. Arch Carson didn’t make clear what data he relied on for that opinion other than a brief mention of tests from the Environmental Protection Agency.

Researchers studying the health of residents in the area and tracking respiratory problems, rashes and other ailments they are reporting say it may not be clear for years what the long-term implications of the derailment will be.

“I completely disagree with Dr. Arch Carson – there is no research data that suggest that his statement is correct,” said Dr. Erin Haynes, who is leading one of the main studies in town and is chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health at the University of Kentucky College of Public Health.

Graham suggested that the plaintiffs’ attorneys might be more interested in collecting their up to $180 million in legal fees than representing residents’ interests.

The plaintiffs’ lawyers didn’t immediately respond to the motion Monday, but they have previously defended the settlement that was announced in the spring. They have said the settlement is bigger than any past derailment settlement that has been made public, and that the amount of time residents received to evaluate the deal is similar to other settlements.

Some residents have complained that the initial opt-out deadline in the lawsuit came less than a week after the National Transportation Safety Board held a hearing on its findings in the investigation.

Consol and Arch to combine, forming a $5 billion coal producer based in Pennsylvania

Arch Resources and Consol Energy are combining to form a single coal producer valued at more than $5 billion, the companies announced Wednesday, the latest consolidation in a deal-happy energy sector.

Arch shareholders will get 1.326 shares of Consol common stock for each share of Arch they own. Consol shareholders will own about 55% of the new company — to be called Core Natural Resources — and Arch shareholders will own about 45%.

Cole Natural Resources will be based in Canonsburg, Pa., just southwest of Pittsburgh, which is the current headquarters of Consol Energy. Arch is based in St. Louis.

Consol Energy CEO and chairman will be the company’s executive chairman and Arch CEO Paul Lang will be its chief executive.

If approved by shareholders and regulators, the deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025.

Shares of Arch rose 5.9% Wednesday, while shares of Consol rose 7.9%.

The use of coal in the United States has fallen almost every year since 2005 as energy plants switch over to natural gas. The U.S. consumed about 426 million short tons of coal last year. Annual coal use in 2005 was more than a billion short tons. That has led to mine closures and job cuts across the sector.

Coal companies that have survived need to lower costs and that can be achieved both through new technology, and mergers like the one announced by Consol and Arch Wednesday.

Arch and Consol said that Core Natural Resources will benefit from between $110 million and $140 million of annual cost and operational synergies within 18 months of the deal’s closing.

Arch had revenue of $3.1 billion in 2023, while Consol brought in $2.5 billion in that same year.

“Our assets are highly complementary, resulting in increased diversification across coal types, end uses, and geographies,” said Brock of Consol Energy.

There has been a surge in big energy takeovers this year, though mostly in the oil and gas sector.

The oil and gas sector thrived in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and while oil prices have slipped, there has been a surge in mergers between energy companies flush with cash in recent years.

In May, ConocoPhillips said it was buying Marathon Oil in an all-stock deal valued at approximately $17.1 billion. That came just weeks after Exxon closed its $60 billion acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources. In July of last year, Exxon announced that it would pay $4.9 billion for oil and gas producer Denbury Resources.

Chevron’s proposed $53 billion acquisition of Hess is still waiting for regulatory review.

Propane blast levels Pennsylvania home, kills woman and injures man

The remnants of a deadly house explosion in Jefferson Township, Lackawanna County, Pa. are seen on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024. (Christopher Dolan/The Times-Tribune via AP)

JEFFERSON, Pa. (AP) — An explosion that leveled a home in northeastern Pennsylvania, killing a woman and leaving a man seriously injured, was apparently caused by a propane leak, state police said.

The blast in Jefferson Township, near Scranton, was reported around 2 p.m. Tuesday. It sparked a fire that sent thick smoke spewing high into the air and sent debris flying through the residential neighborhood.

A 75-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene, while a man was pulled from the home and taken to a hospital. Details on his condition were not disclosed.

The source of the propane leak and what caused it to ignite remains under investigation, state police said.

Edward James Schneider (1953-2024)

Edward James Schneider passed away on August 16, 2024. He was born on August 1, 1953. He was preceded in death by his parents and several other relatives. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Lynn, 2 sons, Tim and Ed, daughter in law, Rachell, grandchildren, Eddie, Paige, Cassidy, Ava, Alliha, Ellie, and his dog, Zoey. Edward was a Navy veteran, a steel mill worker, auto mechanic and truck driver, and a true fan of Pittsburgh sports especially the Steelers of the 70s. He was also a great turkey carver who really loved golf and Elvis Presley.
The viewing and the funeral are private. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC of Ambridge.

Glenn M. Mussey (1926-2024)

Glenn M. Mussey, 97, of Beaver Falls, formerly of East Palestine, Ohio, passed away on August 18, 2024 at Franciscan Manor.

He was born on August 28, 1926, the son of the late Milton and Rose Ramella Mussey. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ethelberta Smith Mussey; second wife, Beatrice Mussey; uncle, Frank Ramella; two sons, Robert Glenn Mussey, and Gale Joseph Mussey; daughter, Glenna Jean Dripps; two sisters, Jean Curtis, and Ruth Cook; son-in-law, Michael Wickline; and daughter-in-law, Jocelyn Mussey.

Glenn was a veteran of the US Navy and served during WWII. He later retired as a Union Plumber from Local Union 115 and 47.

He is survived by seven children, Guy James (Barbara) Mussey, Gary John (Kelly) Mussey, Gregory Jay (Lynda) Mussi, Garth Jeffrey (Joanne) Mussey, Gretchen June Wickline, Ginger Joan Geizura, and Gerard Jason Mussey; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Friends will be received Saturday August 24 from 3 P.M. until the time of service at 7 P.M. in the Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls.

Interment will be private at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Suellen Koerner (1945-2024)

Suellen Koerner, 79, of New Brighton, passed away unexpectedly on August 14, 2024 at her home.

She was born on May 19, 1945, in Pontiac, Michigan, a daughter of the late Donald R. and Marjorie (Miller) Textor. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Jack Baugher. She is survived by her siblings, Kathy Lynn Krieger, Antoinette Lipe, Timothy Pappas, and Kerry Baugher, many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

After high school and college, she started a career as a teacher in the Buffalo, New York.  Later she became an executive housekeeper for various hotels.  She more recently enjoyed spending time at the Senior Center at the Beaver Valley Mall.  She loved her neighborhood and her neighbors.  She also loved her dogs, sewing, and needle work.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

John R. Lash (1934-2024)

John R. Lash, 89, of Brighton Township, passed away on August 15, 2024 at Lakeview Personal Care Center.

He was born on November 26, 1934, in Beaver Falls, the son of the late Jack Lloyd and Beatrice Robinson Lash.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Gary and Jack Lash.

He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Norma Jean Lash; son, David Bruce Lash; daughter, Bonnie Sue DeMaria; grandchildren, Krysta, Jennifer, John, and Jessica; and great-grandchildren, Hazel, Layla, and Sawyer.

John was a beloved figure known for his unwavering devotion to family, his love for nature, and his dedication to his community and faith. A man of many talents, John’s life was marked by a keen sense of adventure, an insatiable curiosity, and a profound love for the outdoors. He was a draftsman, and production controller, spending the majority of his career in the steel industry with B&W.
Upon retirement, John worked at a local Christmas tree farm, and pursued his lifelong pastimes of bird watching, hunting, fishing, and canoeing at Lake Arthur. His most cherished moments were trips with Norma Jean, family gatherings, and the tranquil solitude of his bicycle rides.

John’s life was deeply intertwined with his community, with his services extending from his professional life to his spiritual journey. He was a committed member and former deacon of the 1st Reformed Presbyterian Church, and an active participant in the Audubon Society. John’s life was a testament to his values and the things he held dear: faith, family, and nature.

Visitation will take place on Friday, August 23 from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. in the CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL SERVICES, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, where a service will be held on Saturday August 24 at 10:00 a.m.

Interment will be private at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park.

Joseph L. McCauley (1967-2024)

Joseph L. McCauley, 56, of Midland, passed away of natural causes at his home on August 14, 2024.

He was born on December 16, 1967 in Rochester, a son of the late Viola and Leronzo McCauley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, David L. McCauley. He is survived by his daughter, Shante D. McCauley, Bolivar, Ohio; brother, Michael McCauley; girlfriend, Melvena “Dink” Lee; and sister, Diana (Jeffrey) Burton.

A graduate of Beaver Area High School, Joseph began his truck driving career in Columbus, Ohio, returning back home a few years ago. He was a member of the Church of the Living God.

Friends will be received Saturday, August 24, from 11 a.m. until time of service at 1 p.m. in the Schwerha-Noll Funeral Home, 629 Midland Avenue, Midland. Following the service, a repass will take place at Greater Faith Family Worship, 2033 Beaver-Midland Road, Industry. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

Karol Ann Bevington (1951-2024)

Karol Ann Bevington, 73, of Beaver, passed away on August 7, 2024 at UPMC Montefiore Hospital of Pittsburgh.

She was born on April 16, 1951, in New Castle, the daughter of the late Lauri and Margaret (Reiter) Koski.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 32 years, Thomas Bevington; and three brothers, Dick, Bob, and Larry.

Karol is survived by her children, Melissa (Bill) Plumm, Michael “Mikey” (Daniella) DeRicco, Sarah (Gaku) Hinobayashi, Kimberly Stone, Kathy (Jim) Uebelacker, and Kristy (Bill) Edmunds; 14 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Joannie Warsing, Sandra Koski, Mary Suchy, Ruth Morgan, Rose (Jim) Boyce, Nita Bevington, and Mollie (Ohma) Blackwell; a former sister-in-law, Joan (Rick) Drageland; a former brother-in-law, Joe (Joyce) DeRicco; a former daughter-in-law, Debbee DeRicco; special cousins, Joannie (Johnny) Pitzer and Jean Anderson; a special friend, Bob Montgomery; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Karol was a 1969 graduate of New Castle High School and a retired cashier for Shop ‘n Save. She had previously attended the Mudlick Hollow Church of God.  She enjoyed shopping, decorating for Halloween, the autumn season, reading a good Amish or Christian novel, watching Lifetime movies, and diamond painting.

In accordance with Karol’s wishes, all services were held privately for her family.

Interment was in Beaver Cemetery.

The GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES (Branch), 340 Third Street, Beaver, was honored to provide care and guidance to Karol’s family.