Pennsylvania State Police upgrades troopers by adding body cameras and upgrades mobile video recorders in vehicles

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Badge)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) According to a release from the Pennsylvania State Police, patrol troopers at every station in the state are now equipped with body-worn cameras to record their public interactions. The troopers accomplished this operation weeks earlier than their planned schedule with eighty-nine stations performing assignments. Cameras were worn by sixteen troops, while over 3,000 troopers used the outfits for the cameras. Mobile video recorders in over 1,400 vehicles were also updated to show respect and professionalism for provided police services.

Reserve Township gets $50,000 from the Appalachian Regional Commission to buy equipment and supplies for technology and to train the staff of Reserve Township

(File Photo of Congressman Chris Deluzio)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Carnegie, PA) According to a release from Congressman Chris Deluzio’s office, $50,000 in Appalachian Regional Commission funds will be awarded to Reserve Township. The government of Reserve Township will get assistance to be modernized from the grant by new equipment and supplies for technology being bought and Reserve township staff getting trained. $1,350 for funds provided locally was also given by Reserve Township to enhance the funding of $50,000.

Free public event will be held at Penn State Beaver to interact with front-line organizations and to learn about the local environment

(File Photo of the Penn State Beaver logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Monaca, PA) According to a release from the Beaver County Marcellus Awareness Community, the company is partnering with Penn State Beaver for a free public event. The Penn State Beaver Student Union Building in Monaca will host the event on Thursday, April 17th centered around opportunities and challenges in the local environment. People that attend will engage with front-line environmental organizations as well as organizations for civic action and sustainability working on the front-line. The doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with food and refreshments available. A student art contest will also be shown as the Eyes On: Our Living Ecosystem display will be shown all evening thanks to the Beaver County Marcellus Awareness Community’s Creative Advocacy initiative.

Landslide closes Wildwood Road indefinitely

(File Photo of a Road Work Ahead Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) According to PennDOT, an indefinite closure of Wildwood Road will occur because of the landslide that happened on the road this week. After the sliding concludes, PennDOT will have an evaluation to see if a single lane of traffic will be open as a possibility for reopening. There will be routes for detours with more traffic, so drivers need to be careful when going around the area of the road. The repair work time to fix Wildwood Road has not yet been determined.

Man that got a life sentence for murdering his friend in Aliquippa could receive a hearing for evidence

(File Photo of Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) A man who got a life sentence in prison for killing his friend in Aliquippa could get an evidentiary hearing from the State Supreme Court. Sheldon Jeter Jr. murdered Tyric Pugh in 2020 and Pugh was found on Kiehl Street dead. Pugh was last seen by Jeter and the car of Jeter was at the murder scene in a surveillance video. Jeter was also the main suspect in the murder of Rachel Deltondo, but did not get charged. A decision for the hearing of Jeter has not been made yet.

Justin D. Ventresca (1982-2025)

Justin D. Ventresca, 42, of Chippewa Township, formerly of Monaca, passed away on March 28th, 2025 at Heritage Valley Beaver.

He was born in Brighton Township on April 9th, 1982, the son of Cathy (Woodring) Kunzmann and the late Don Ventresca. In addition to his mother, he is survived by two brothers, Tyler and Joshua Kunzmann, a half-brother, Danny Ventresca, a half sister, Alyssa Ventresca, along with his aunts, uncles, and cousins.

For 42 years, his mother, Cathy, devoted herself to raising him with the utmost love and care, ensuring that every day was filled with support, warmth and encouragement. Together, they faced the challenges of life with unwavering strength and determination.  Although Justin spent the majority of his life under his mother’s nurturing care, his time at McGuire Memorial Community Home marked a new chapter where he was surrounded by compassionate caregivers who provided him with dignity and comfort during his final days. His journey was one filled with courage, and he leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child.

The family would like to thank Ashley Shewak for the loving care that was given to Justin.

Private family services were held for Justin in the J &J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton on Tuesday, April 8th. Arrangements have been entrusted to the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

Debra Ann (Fairbanks) Heitger (1958-2025)

Debra Ann (Fairbanks) Heitger, 66, of New Brighton, passed away peacefully on April 8th, 2025, at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.

She was born in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on July 2nd, 1958, the beloved daughter of Capitola Parker (formerly Cox/ Fairbanks) and the late Richard Fairbanks. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Keith Heitger, with whom she shared many cherished years. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her devoted children, Ashley (Michael Davis) Heitger and Orrin “OP” (Nichole) Heitger, her adoring grandchildren, Makayla and Maximus Heitger and Tyler, Olivia, and Elana Davis, her sister, Dianna Fairbanks, as well as many dear family members in South Carolina.

Debra will be fondly remembered as a hardworking and kind-hearted woman, known for her infectious smile and her ability to brighten any room. She had a playful spirit, often doodling in her free time and she delighted in making people laugh. After retirement, Debra found immense joy working part-time at Foodland, where she not only enjoyed serving her community but also formed deep, lasting bonds with her coworkers, who became like a second family to her.

Her greatest pride and joy were her family, especially her beloved grandchildren, who brought endless happiness to her life. She cherished every moment spent with them and embraced her role as their biggest cheerleader.

In accordance with Debra’s wishes, a cremation will take place and no formal services will be held. The family will honor her memory with a Celebration of Life in South Carolina at a later date, where her joyful spirit and love will be remembered and celebrated. Arrangements have been entrusted to the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

ReStore Beaver County Habitat for Humanity in Beaver Falls will close this year

(Source for Photos: Photos Courtesy of ReStore Beaver County Habitat for Humanity)

(Reported by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano)

(Beaver County, PA) The ReStore Beaver County Habitat for Humanity located in Beaver Falls will be closing this year. Dennis Sutter, the executive director of the store, confirmed that June 30th, 2025 is the date when the doors of the store will no longer be open. According to Sutter, the store is no longer viable since the COVID-19 pandemic occurred.

Elizabeth “Betty” C. Wright (1938-2025)

Elizabeth “Betty” C. Wright, 87, of Beaver, passed away on April 7th, 2025 at Heritage Valley Beaver.

She was born in Rochester on April 4th, 1938, the daughter of the late William and Elizabeth (Chambers) Griffin. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Marilyn Wright and two brothers, Bill and Bob Griffin. She is survived by her children: Michael A. (Elise) Wright, Gail (Jim) Fristik, Deborah Berardelli and Mark (Brenda) Wright; nine grandchildren: Michael D. Wright, Kyle (Michelle) Wright, James Fristik, Kayla (Michael) Estermyer, Samantha (Mark) Casper), Anthony Beradelli, Sarah Beradelli, Tyler Wright and Zachary Wright; as well as eight great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Elizabeth was a graduate of Beaver High School and worked as a Dietary Supervisor at Providence Care Center. She was also a member of Jaimmie Jammers Square Dancing Club, who enjoyed sewing and making items for her grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be announced by Elizabeth’s family at a later date.

The GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., 340 Third Street, Beaver, was honored to provide care and guidance to Elizabeth’s family during this time.

Thomas “Tommy” K. Brantner III (2001-2025)

Thomas “Tommy” K. Brantner III, 23, of Ambridge, passed away at home on April 8th, 2025. He was born on July 15th, 2001, the beloved son of Thomas K. Brantner Jr. and Tammy Brantner. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Thomas K. Brantner Sr., his aunt, Nicole Brantner; and his uncle, Matthew Nichol.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his cherished children, Trey, Tate, and Malakai Brantner. He is also survived by his maternal grandparents, Jack and Sondra Ricker, paternal grandparents, Lori and Robert Nichol, his stepmother, Melissa Ford, and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Thomas was a passionate Pittsburgh sports fan and enjoyed watching the Los Angeles Lakers. In his younger years, he shared a special bond with his father through their love of golf. Above all, he deeply loved and adored his children.

Family and friends will be received for a visitation on Saturday, April 12th from 12 noon to 1 P.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.