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.

Lane restriction will occur weather permitting on the Fort Pitt Tunnel

(File Photo of a Road Work Ahead Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) PennDOT District 11 announced that on Thursday, April 10th, weather permitting, the Fort Pitt Tunnel on I-376 in Pittsburgh will undergo a lane restriction. From 10 p.m. tonight to 4 a.m. tomorrow morning, a single-lane restriction will occur in the westbound portion of the tunnel going outbound. Drainage flushing work will be conducted by PennDOT crews.

Man from Morgantown, West Virginia indicted after bringing a hand grenade to the Pittsburgh International Airport

(Photo Courtesy of the Allegheny County Police Department)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Acting U.S. Attorney Troy Revetti announced Wednesday that a man from Morgantown, West Virginia was indicted on a charge of possessing a firearm that was unregistered. Twenty-six-year-old Zachary Vincent Velling had a flashbang hand grenade in his luggage at the Pittsburgh International Airport on November 12th, 2024. According to Revetti, Velling could face a maximum of up to ten years in jail, an up to a $250,000 fine, or both provided by the law. 

 

Hopewell School Board makes several decisions at recent work session meeting

(File photo of the Hopewell Area School District logo)

(Reported by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano)

(Hopewell, PA) The Hopewell School Board made several decisions at theirTuesday work session meeting. Junior high school science teacher Betsy Lehaman will retire effective May 30th, 2025 after 24 years. Barb Marnhout got hired as an assistant swim coach and Ava Yoder got hired as a lifeguard. Both began their duties on Wednesday. The 2025-26 BCCTC budget of $8,114,319 was also approved. The superintendent of the Hopewell Area School District Dr. Jeff Beltz told the board that eighty-five Hopewell students attend classes in the various occupations offered. Beltz said the budget increased due to the rise in medical costs and the tuition hasn’t increased much for the districts. The baccalaureate will be in the Hopewell high school auditorium on Tuesday, May 27th, 2025. Baccalaureate will be held on Tuesday, May 27th, 2025 in the high school auditorium. The next regular meeting is on Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025 at 7 p.m.

 

Sewickley gets on USA Today’s Readers’ Choice List for second on best northeast small towns

(File Photo of the Sewickley Bridge)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Sewickley, PA) The town of Sewickley was recognized in USA Today’s Readers’ Choice List for being one of the best northeast small towns. Sewickley was second on this specific list. Gettysburg and New Hope were the only other towns in Pennsylvania to make the list. According to USA Today, the criteria that a panel nominated on and readers voted on for each town was cuisine, cultural attractions, historic charm and scenery.