Pennsylvania Invests More Than $9.1 Million to Ensure That 34 Farms, 2,565 Acres of Prime Farmland in 16 Counties Stay Farms Forever

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) The Shapiro Administration announced today that Pennsylvania is investing more than $9.1 million to purchase development rights for 2,565 acres on 34 farms in 16 counties.

This investment will protect prime farmland from future residential or commercial development and it will help ensure that farm families have the fertile land that they need to produce fiber, food and fuel to feed the economy in the future.

According to a release from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Beaver County received these investments for these farms:

Beaver County – Total investment – $891,531; state – $587,073; county – $304,458

Donald J. Kretschmann, Trustee of the Donald J. Kretschmann Revocable Trust, 72-acre crop farm, New Sewickley Township

Carl E. and Sarah L. Sockaci, 121-acre crop and livestock farm, Franklin Township

Route 3020 Service Creek Road Slide Repair Work Starts Tuesday in Beaver County

(File Photo of Road Work Ahead Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) PennDOT District 11 announced that slide repair work on Service Creek Road (Route 3020) in Independence and Hopewell townships will begin Tuesday, August 25th weather permitting. 

At approximately 9 a.m. that day, single-lane alternating traffic controlled by temporary traffic signals will be implemented on Service Creek Road between Parrish Road and Valleyview Drive.

These temporary traffic signals will be utilized around-the-clock through early September as slide repair work will be conducted by crews from A. Liberoni, Inc.

Arrest of female fugitive in Allegheny County leads to additional fugitive arrest along with guns and suspected marijuana

(Credit for Photos Below and Headline Photo: Photos Courtesy of the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) Allegheny County Sheriff Kevin M. Kraus announced today that a woman who has been a fugitive for almost three years has been taken into custody along with a second fugitive.

Detectives from the Allegheny County Sheriff’s office went to an address on Jersey Street in McKeesport yesterday morning to try to locate 45-year-old Leah Saluga, who has been on the run since September of 2023. That was when two bench warrants were issued against her for failing to appear for sentencing on a DUI case and for a court hearing on a separate drug possession case.

Detectives arrived at the residence, Saluga opened the door and was promptly taken into custody.

A subsequent safety check of the residence led to the arrest of 22-year-old Terron Porterfield, who was wanted on a bench warrant issued last month for a probation violation on a 2025 guilty plea to a gun charge.

Porterfield also has an active warrant out of West Mifflin for fleeing a police officer.

Detectives saw indications of weapons and what appeared to be marijuana in the process of making the arrests.

Detectives then applied for and were granted a search warrant for the residence and they recovered two handguns, which included a .45-caliber Glock 21 and just over a half pound of suspected marijuana.

Saluga and Porterfield were transported to the Allegheny County Jail on their existing warrants and Porterfield is also facing new gun and drug charges that were based on the search.

Review: Billy Idol fans enjoyed more, more, more from the 1980s icon

SCOTT TADY

BURGETTSTOWN — Billy Idol peeled off a layer of leather, then another layer, then another — finally finding a comfortable, less bulky wardrobe for the first segment of his crowd-pleasing performance Thursday at The Pavilion at Star Lake.

By night end, he’d be briefly shirtless, setting a high standard for fellow 70-year-olds, and looking utterly stoked to be effectively commanding a stage — and like the title of his leadoff song — “Still Dancing.”

From the jump, Idol grabbed the audience’s attention and never let it wane.  I’ll estimate 9,500 were there, enjoying Idol’s expertly crafted set that featured radio hits “Cradle of Love” and “Flesh for Fantasy” as songs #2 and #3. Later would come popular picks like “Eyes Without a Face” and “Mony Mony,” both receiving slightly tweaked intros that built the anticipation and yielded excitement once spectators were certain what they were hearing.

Idol added quick-to-the-point banter when necessary, like setting up “77” with the explanation it was his 2025 collab with pop-punk rocker Avril Lavigne.

Billy Idol rocking The Pavilion at Star Lake. (Photo: Scott Tady)

Bookending Idol on stage were two guitar wizards — Steve Stevens and Billy Morrison.

As he did decades ago at the late great Station Square Amphitheater, Stevens proved he’s a vastly underrated six-stringer, unleashing a dazzling arsenal of creative guitar effects, but still keeping his general tones smooth and stinging. In short: Stevens utterly amazed, even adding a few solo snippets of Led Zeppelin’s “Over The Hills and Far Away” and “Stairway to Heaven,” and later a slice of Jimi Hendrix’s “Third Stone from The Sun.”

With two female backup singers helping flesh out the vocals, Idol kept the entertainment brisk and fun. He did his signature fist pumps, tossed a handful of Frisbees into the crowd and saved a little vocal power by flipping the mic toward the crowd for them to sing bits of the choruses.

Many of those who would have been night clubbing in the 1980s gleefully added the naughty word refrain as Idol sang his cover  of Tommy James and The Shondells’ “Mony Mony.”

Stevens took advantage of multiple solo moments to treat fans to a blaze of guitar.

Recognizing his other guitarist is an ace, too, Idol also encouraged Morrison to play a solo and at one point, to pick the next song. Morrison opted for the breezy “Ready Steady Go” from Idol’s pre-solo days leading Generation X — the influential-if-not-renowned band that gave the name to the generation sandwiched between Boomers and Millennials.

Idol did a handful of quick outfit changes, all befitting his post-punk oeuvre.

Song-wise, “Blue Highway” was a nice pick for fans who knew more than just the big hits.

Idol set up the pre-encore “Rebel Yell” with the tale of how he wrote that song after being invited to an early 1980s party where his heroes the Rolling Stones were holding sway. Rebel Yell was the name of the whiskey the Stones were swigging that fateful night.

Many in the Burgettstown crowd collectively danced to “Dancing With Myself,” which launched the encore. Next came “Hot in The City,” for which Idol reminisced about his early impressions of 1979 New York City, where in the summer heat the leather-clad locals looked like characters from the street gang action thriller movie “The Warriors.” Idol said that look inspired what would be come his leather and spikes visual image.

The handful of Star Lake concertgoers wearing costumed wedding gowns got their moment to shine as “White Wedding” brought the concert to a close.

Hooray for Idol, for still being a captivating performer.

Pittsburgh Resident Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Firearms Violations

(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today that a resident of Pittsburgh, has been sentenced in federal court to a term of imprisonment of four years on his conviction of being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a machinegun. 

Twenty-two-year-old Andrew Rocco was sentenced.  

According to information presented to the Court, Rocco’s residence was searched on February 2nd, 2024, and police found three firearms, along with magazines and ammunition.  

One of those firearms was equipped with a mechanism that is frequently referred to as a “switch” or auto-sear, which renders it capable of fully automatic firing.

That means that one of the firearms was a machinegun.  

All three of the pistols were outfitted with loaded, extended magazines. 

This is the third time that Rocco has been convicted or adjudicated delinquent for a gun-related crime. 

Constance “Connie” (Tuccinard) Javens (1937-2026)

Constance “Connie” (Tuccinard) Javens, 88, of Monaca, passed away peacefully on August 18th, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family, and by her dogs who had been such a constant and cherished part of her life. She was born in Rochester on August 25th, 1937, the daughter of the late Nicholas Tuccinard and Rose (Taormina) Braddick.

Connie was a proud graduate of Monaca High School, with its Class of 1955, who lived a life marked by independence, determination, service, humor, and an unwavering devotion to the people and community she loved. She was a lifelong member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and took great pride in her Italian heritage. She carried that heritage into her home and family, most famously through the homemade sauce and meatballs stuffed with cheese that she made and shared with those she loved.

She was a woman who never waited for life to happen around her. Shortly after graduating high school, she earned her pilot’s license, an accomplishment that reflected the adventurous, independent spirit that stayed with her throughout her life. She was never afraid to try something new, speak her mind, or take up space in a world that did not always expect women to do so.

That same determination defined her extraordinary commitment to public service. She loved Beaver County and the people who called it home, and she devoted herself to making her community better. She became the first woman to serve as Treasurer of Beaver County, a position she held for 28 years and was immensely proud of. Her leadership extended beyond Beaver County when she served as Secretary of the State Treasurers’ Association for seven years, followed by service as Second Vice President, First Vice President, and ultimately President. She continued her commitment to her community through her service on the Monaca School Board and the CCBC Board of Trustees, but for all that she accomplished, the titles and positions she held only tell part of her story.

Connie had a presence that was impossible to miss. She lit up a room, and somehow everyone in it felt it. She could strike up a conversation with anyone, regardless of their background or station in life, and she had a remarkable ability to make people feel as though they had known her forever. She was funny, outspoken, quick-witted, confident, and never afraid to say exactly what she thought. Her humor was unmistakable, her personality larger than life, and her warmth and authenticity brought sheer joy wherever she went. She believed in people. She encouraged those around her to have confidence, to stand up for themselves, and, as she often reminded them, to “always vote for yourself.” She wanted the people she loved to know their own worth, and she never hesitated to cheer them on, and Connie certainly knew how to cheer.

Her family was her greatest source of pride and joy. She treasured her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and was happiest when she was surrounded by them. She proudly attended all of her grandchildren’s sporting events, celebrated their accomplishments as though they were her own, and made sure the people she loved knew that she was in their corner. She was especially proud to support her son Mark throughout his basketball career as a head coach, standing beside him through the many winning programs he built. She celebrated his successes, and was there to support him through every season. She was a familiar face in the crowd, and the loud voice yelling at the referees.

Her love extended far beyond her family. Connie had a special place in her heart for animals. Throughout her life, she was rarely without a dog by her side, and she devoted her time and resources to helping animals throughout Beaver County. In her final moments, she was surrounded by the dogs she loved, a fitting reflection of the life she lived, always giving and receiving love from her animals who brought her so much happiness.

She found a special place of happiness in Myrtle Beach. She loved the beach, the sunshine, and, most of all, the memories made there with her daughter Renee, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Those trips became part of the family’s shared history—stories, laughter, traditions, and moments that will continue to be told long after her passing.

She also was the ultimate Pittsburgh sports supporter and enthusiast, but her deepest loyalty belonged to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Her game-day devotion was unmatched. She routinely expressed her team pride by wearing Steelers gear from head to toe, even down to her shoes.

She accomplished more in her lifetime than can be captured in a list of titles, positions, or achievements. She was a trailblazer, a public servant, a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, advocate, dog lover, and a woman who never seemed to enter a room without changing it, but perhaps her greatest gift was something much simpler: she made people feel seen.

She used to tell people, with that unmistakable sense of humor, “It’s better to be seen than viewed.”

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Francis “Sonny” Javens, and her brothers, Phill Tuccinard and Ron Tuccinard.

She leaves behind her loving children, Dan Javens, Mark Javens (Lisa McLean), Renee Zuk (Rick) and Randy Javens (Victoria), her cherished grandchildren: Melissa Thomas (Lenny), Michael Javens (Faith), Michelle Brown (Marcus), Mitchel Javens, Ashlee Garner (Matt), Mark Javens (Brooke), Alexa Javens, Ricky Zuk, Jocelyn Zuk (Bobby Tempalski), Jacqueline Zuk (Christian Vreen), Austin Javens, and Taylor Javens; as well as 17 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who were blessed to know her.

Friends will be received on Monday, August 24th from 1-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC, 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements.

Private interment will take place at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery in Monaca.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Connie’s name to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, an organization that reflected her lifelong love and compassion for animals.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Pinnacle Hospice and Connie’s nurses, Rhonda and Jenna, for the extraordinary care, compassion, and kindness they provided to Connie and her family during her final days. Their support brought comfort during a difficult time and will always be remembered.

The family would also like to offer a very special and heartfelt thank-you to Connie’s daughter, Renee, who stepped forward to care for her mother with tremendous love, patience, and thoughtfulness. Her devotion and presence were a beautiful gift to Connie and to the entire family.

Sadie Lucy Betke (1941-2026)

Sadie Lucy Betke, 84, of Brighton Township, passed away on August 19th, 2026 at AHN Beaver.

She was born in Masontown on November 1st, 1941, the daughter of the late Alva and Dorothy (Presock) Glendenning.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William A. Betke, her brothers, Bill, Fred, George and Chuck Glendenning, her sisters and brothers-in-law, Elizabeth P.  (Melvin) Cannon and Helen (Tom) Barton and her sons-in-law, Charles “Chuck” D. Camp and Leslie “Les” Champion, Jr.

She is survived by her children: Louann Champion, Butch Betke, Sadie Camp, and Ricky (Kristie) Betke, her grandchildren: Haley Camp, Charles C.J. Camp, L. Dan Champion, Elizabeth Betke, Robert Betke, Emily Betke, Thomas Betke, Samantha Betke and Christopher Betke; as well as her six great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Sadie was a devoted mother, grandmother, and woman of strong faith who cherished her family above all else. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she will always be remembered as the best mom her family could have asked for.

She had a special love for Elvis and could often be found enjoying his music. She was also lovingly devoted to her beloved dog, Lucky, who was a cherished companion. Her faith, love, and devotion to her family will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Friends will be received on Monday, August 24th from 1-3 p.m. and 5 p.m. until the time of services at 7 p.m. in the GABAUER FAMILY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES. Inc., 1133 Penn Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of her arrangements.

Private interment will take place at Grandview Cemetery, 149 Norwood Drive, Beaver Falls.

Del Beyers (1934-2026)

Del Byers, 92, of Vanport, passed away peacefully on August 18th, 2026, with his wife by his side.

He was born in Pittsburgh on March 1st, 1934, and was a long-time resident of Vanport, where he and his wife lived for forty years.

Del retired from working as an industrial arts teacher at New Brighton middle school after thirty-three years of dedicated service. He also worked as a projectionist at several Beaver County theaters. He was a faithful member of Vanport Presbyterian Church for forty years. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Army and was a member of St. James F&AM for over fifty years. He enjoyed woodworking and the art of motion pictures.

He is survived by his wife of forty-years Dee Byers, his five children: Robert Byers, Bonnie Dudash, Rhonda Garrett, David Boyle, and Lori Boyle; as well as his ten grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren.

Friends will be received Monday, August 24th, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements. A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 25th, at Vanport Presbyterian Church, 289 Georgetown Lane, Beaver. Light refreshments will be served following the service. Interment will take place on Wednesday, August 26th at 2:30 p.m. at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville. All are welcome to attend. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

Del also loved the Beaver County Humane Society, so in lieu of flowers, donations will be gratefully received in his memory for the cat’s program. (Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa.)

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Pennsylvania Unemployment Rate Falls to 3.9 Percent, Now Under 4.0 Percent for First Time in Nearly Two Years

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) released its preliminary employment situation report for July of 2026 today.

The unemployment rate in Pennsylvania was down two-tenths of a percentage point over the month to 3.9 percent in July, which is the first time the rate has been below 4.0 percent since October of 2024. The Pennsylvania unemployment rate was two-tenths of a percentage point below the unemployment rate in the United States, which declined a tenth of a point over the month to 4.1 percent.  

The unemployment rate in Pennsylvania has declined by one-half of a percentage point from its July of 2025 level of 4.4 percent. 

The United States employment rate has declined two-tenths over the past 12 months, meaning that Pennsylvania has outperformed the national average over the past year. 

Eleanor Stout Courtney (1927-2026)

Eleanor Stout Courtney, 98, of Marco Island, Florida and formerly of Beaver, a former professional librarian and high school teacher, passed away at her Florida home on August 17th, 2026.

She was born on December 25th, 1927, a daughter of the late Robert C. Stout and Geneva Oppelt Stout, she was the wife of the late Atty. Paul E. Courtney, the love of her life, whom she married on June 25th, 1949. They were married for 67 years. She was a former teacher at Beaver Falls High School and former assistant director and reference librarian at Carnegie Free Library in Beaver Falls. She was an active member of the Beaver United Methodist Church where she served as volunteer librarian of the Courtney Memorial Library for 55 years, the library having been endowed by the Courtneys in 1962. She contributed to the success of the library to the end of her life.

Eleanor was a charter member and first president of the Beaver County Association of Lawyers’ Wives and a former vice president and board member of the international Church and Synagogue Library Association, a popular workshop leader throughout the country at their annual conferences and a book reviewer for the organization’s magazine, all volunteer positions. In 1985 at American University, Washington, D.C., she was the recipient of the organization’s highest award for outstanding contributions to church and synagogue libraries. In the 1980s she was listed in Who’s Who Among American Women for her dedicated library services. One of her most popular national workshops was on the subject of What’s New in Religious Books.

She attended the University of Pittsburgh on a full honor scholarship, graduated cum laude at age 20, received a master’s degree in library science 35 years later. She was an honor graduate of the Beaver High School class of 1945, a member of the National Honor Society, and continued her contact with her high school classmates as a member of the reunion committee for over 75 years, cherishing her high school friends until the end of her life. Her childhood C.O.E.D.S. faithfully had lunch together every Friday.

She was an avid reader, believed in life-time learning, her personal bookplate reading, “I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it for I shall not pass this way again.” Influenced by a Sunday School teacher, as a child, Eleanor pledged to tithe a portion of her time to others. She never deferred nor neglected any opportunity to be of service.

Service to her church included Sunday School teacher, librarian, United Methodist Women, pastor-parish committee, council, Bible study leader, book discussion group organizer and grief group organizer. A favorite of her social organizations was the Book and Play Club of Beaver, which was founded in the year of her birth. She enjoyed the close friendships she made through the church and other organizations. While on Marco Island, she treasured her friends from water aerobics class and very much appreciated her devoted caregivers who treated her with respect and compassion.

She is survived by her children, Christopher, Colleen Bingle and her husband, Chuck, all of Marco Island, Florida, Dr. Julie Courtney Murphy, Gibsonia, and her grandchildren, Courtney, Ryan and Connor Murphy. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers Bob, Jr., Ray and Earle, and her sister, Lois Ann. Eleanor was very devoted to her family and served them with love and wisdom. Her cherished grandchildren will long remember her animated rendition of “Once there was a little boy who wouldn’t say his prayers… “and her whispered farewells, “You are my favorite five-year-old.”

Friends will be received from 4 p.m.-7:30 p.m. on Friday, August 28th at the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of her arrangements. Friends will also be received on Saturday, August 29th from 11 a.m. until the time of a funeral service at 12 noon at the College Avenue United Methodist Church, 345 College Avenue, Beaver. Interment will follow in the Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver. Friends, if they wish, may make contributions to the Courtney Memorial Library of the Church, 345 College Avenue, Beaver, PA 15009.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.