Attorney General Sunday Obtains Settlement Requiring Home Improvement Group to Pay Consumer Restitution and Undergo Robust Technician Certification Programs

(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced a settlement today with Gillece Services, LP, Gillece Plumbing and Heating, Inc., Thomas Gillece Sr., Thomas Gillece Jr., and two former Gillece technicians to resolve allegations that these defendants misled Pennsylvania consumers into paying for unnecessary home improvement work, particularly, sewer pipe replacements, and engaged in scare tactics, amongst other allegations.

This settlement was filed in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas in the form of a Consent Order, and it consists of $700,000 in consumer restitution, $50,000 in costs, and $250,000 in suspended civil penalties.

The settlement also bans two former Gillece technicians who were named as defendants, James F. Hackwelder and Joseph A. Nikoula, from the plumbing industry for a five year period.

Penguins forward Ben Kindel back in Pittsburgh, released from a Utah hospital after collapsing on team’s flight

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – Pittsburgh Penguins center Ben Kindel plays in the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Washington Capitals, Oct. 7, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. (AP) — Pittsburgh Penguins forward Ben Kindel is back in Pittsburgh and recovering after collapsing on the team’s flight back from Utah earlier this week.

Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas said Thursday that the 19-year-old Kindel fell ill about 10 minutes after the club left Salt Lake City on Tuesday. Team medical personnel attended to him immediately, and Kindel quickly regained consciousness.

The plane turned back to the airport for an emergency landing, and Kindel was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital for observation before being released on Wednesday.

Kindel had a vasovagal episode, which is marked by a sharp drop in heart rate and blood pressure, according to Dubas. Kindel was undergoing further testing in an effort to determine the cause at the team complex on Thursday. Dubas said Kindel had no prior history of collapsing.

Dubas, who met with Kindel on Thursday morning, described the teenager as “very clearly shaken.”

The Penguins placed the 2025 first-round pick on injured reserve, and while there is no timetable for his return, Dubas added the club is optimistic Kindel could be cleared to work out by the end of the weekend, pending test results.

“We will obviously follow very strict guidelines to ensure a safe return to training and play for Ben,” Dubas said. “That’s our primary goal and paramount to his future and health, so that’s how we will handle it.”

Kindel has two points and two assists in nine games this season for Pittsburgh. He played nearly 19 minutes during a loss to Utah on Monday night.

The Penguins cancelled practice on Wednesday while the team provided off-ice resources for the players. The club was back at practice for a morning skate Thursday ahead of a visit by the Florida Panthers at PPG Paints Arena.

“Whether you like it or not, the show goes on tonight,” Dubas said. “And so we have to gear up and get ready for that. And that’s the number one: take care of our people. And the number two: put them in a place to perform.”

Pittsburgh, which also placed forward Bryan Rust on injured reserve with an undisclosed issue, has dropped four straight games and sits at next-to-last in the Eastern Conference.

Eastbound I-376 Beaver Valley Expressway Lane Restriction Extended in Vanport and Potter Townships

(File Photo of a Road Work Ahead Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) PennDOT District 11 announced that a lane restriction on eastbound I-376 (Beaver Valley Expressway) in Potter and Vanport townships has been extended.

A single lane restriction on eastbound I-376 will continue continuously around-the-clock through late December along the Vanport Bridge between the Monaca/Shippingport (Exit 39) interchange and Beaver (Exit 38B) exit.

Crews are expected to continue their work in the eastbound direction in the spring of 2027.

AHN Cancer Center Expands Successful Screening Initiative with New Workplace Program for Regional Employers

(File Photo of the Allegheny Health Network Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Cancer Center is now launching a new workplace cancer screening initiative which is designed to bring convenient and potentially life-saving cancer screenings directly to employees across western Pennsylvania.

The new program is part of the AHN Cancer Center’s S.T.O.P. Cancer initiative, and it will partner with large employer groups to offer on-site cancer screening events which remove barriers to preventive care and help to identify cancer at its earliest and most treatable stages.

The S.T.O.P. Cancer acronym stands for Screen, Test, Outsmart and Prevent Cancer.

Dollar Bank is the first employer to participate in this initiative.

Clinicians from the AHN Cancer Center will host an exclusive cancer screening event for eligible Dollar Bank employees on October 29th, 2026, which offers convenient access to screenings and educational resources that are focused on cancer prevention and early detection.

Leaders of the AHN Cancer Center are also working with the Pittsburgh Firefighters Union to schedule a workplace screening event in the early part of 2027.

Pennsylvania House adopts Matzie resolution designating October 11th-17th as “Credit Union Week” in Pennsylvania

(File Photo of State Representative Rob Matzie Speaking)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) The Pennsylvania House adopted State Representative Rob Matzie’s H.R. 536 today, which designated the week of October 11th-17th, 2026, as “Credit Union Week” in Pennsylvania.

According to Matzie, he introduced the resolution to highlight the advantages credit unions can provide for consumers and how these nonprofit organizations differ from traditional banks.

Recent regulatory reports show that there are almost 270 credit unions headquartered in Pennsylvania, which includes 32 state-chartered credit unions and 236 federally chartered credit unions.

International Credit Union Day was observed on the day of October 15th.

Richard A. Philipp (1942-2026)

Richard A. Philipp, 83, of New Brighton, passed away on October 16th, 2026.

He was born in New Brighton on October 17, 1942, a son of the late Carl H. and Elsa M. (Geiser) Philipp.

Richard will be remembered for his dedication, resourcefulness, and the many skills he shared with those around him. He attended Geneva College for three years prior to him serving in the United States Air Force as a Sergeant during the Vietnam War, demonstrating a commitment to service and country.

Following his military service, he went on to work in maintenance for several hotels throughout the surrounding area, earning a reputation as a talented and dependable individual who could fix just about anything. He was a true master of all trades and he had a natural ability to work with his hands and a knack for finding solutions to even the toughest problems.

In his spare time, he found joy in gardening and woodworking, hobbies that reflected his patience, creativity, and love of creating things. Whether tending to his garden, working with wood, or tackling a repair, he took pride in his work and the things he could accomplish.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings: David, Roger, Frieda, Bertha, Lois, Cora, Shirley, and Flora.

Richard is survived by two brothers, Luther (Leatha) Philipp and Ernest (Donna) Philipp, two sisters, Lillian Mittner and Brenda Philipp, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

All services were private for Richard.

Richard will be laid to rest in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville.

To plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit the tree store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Janet M. (Linko) Yasick (Passed on October 20th, 2026)

Janet M. (Linko) Yasick, 87, affectionately known as “Ja Ja,” of Center Township, passed away on October 20th, 2026. She was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose warmth, generosity, and steady presence touched the lives of many.

She was born and raised in West Aliquippa, the daughter of the late Joseph and Helen Linko. She was a proud graduate of Aliquippa High School, Class of 1957, and carried the values of hard work, loyalty, and kindness throughout her life.

On May 23rd, 1959, Janet was united in marriage to Robert J. Yasick, Sr. at St. George Church in West Aliquippa. Together, they shared 43 loving years of marriage until his passing. Their life together was built on devotion, family, and the simple pleasures of everyday life, and Janet treasured the memories they created together.

She was known for her wonderful home cooking and baking. She took great pride in preparing meals that brought people together, and she had a special gift for making everyone who visited feel welcome and cared for. Her home was often filled with the comforting aroma of good food, and she was happiest when she could share something delicious with family and friends. She especially enjoyed making pierogies at St. Titus Catholic Church in Aliquippa alongside her friends, a tradition that reflected both her faith and her love of fellowship.

In addition to her talents in the kitchen, she enjoyed spending time outdoors and keeping active. She faithfully attended Curves for her regular exercise and appreciated the energy and companionship that came with her routine. She was also a member of the Center Township Schools PTA, where she supported her community and took an active interest in the lives of children and families. She was an avid bowler and participated in three bowling leagues. She also served as president of the Gutter Dusters Bowling League. The Bee Gees were her favorite music group, and their songs were among the many things that could brighten her day.

She also gave of herself through volunteer service. She shared her skills as a hairdresser at Aliquippa Hospital and contributed her time to a YMCA childcare project at Hopewell Junior High School.

Family was the center of her life, and she leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue through those who knew and cherished her.

She is survived by her three children, Robert Yasick, Jr. of Center Township, David (Debbie) Yasick of Center Township, and Cheryl (Steve) Scherger of Plum Borough. She was a loving grandmother to Brandon Yasick of Center Township, Britney Yasick of Patterson Township and Eric (Nicole) Scherger of Jeannette. She is also survived by her brothers, James Linko of Baden, Thomas (Barbara) Linko of New Brighton and Dennis (Rosalind) Linko of Largo, Florida.

Friends will be received on Monday, October 26th from 4-7 p.m. at Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where prayers will be offered on Tuesday, October 27th at 9:15 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St Francis Cabrini Catholic Church, 115 Trinity Drive, Aliquippa. Interment will follow in Mt Olivet Catholic Cemetery, 2186 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Cambridge Village, Three Oaks Hospice and Heartland Hospice for the loving care Janet received while under their care.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Janet’s memory is requested to please consider the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa.

To share an online condolence, get directions, or view Janet’s video tribute, please visit www.simpsonfunerahome.com.

Police: 2 men posed as Spark drivers to steal electronics from Cranberry Township Walmart

(File Photo of a Cranberry Township Police Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Cranberry Township, PA) Cranberry Township police recently charged two men from Michigan who are accused of stealing almost $5,000 worth of electronics from the Cranberry Township Walmart by posing as Spark drivers. 

According to police, Darnell Rakestraw and Trey Nunlee pretended to be Walmart Spark drivers on June 30th.

Spark is Walmart’s delivery service which allows drivers to accept curbside pickup orders, handle customer returns and shop inside stores for customers.

Police paperwork confirms that Rakestraw entered the store at around 7 p.m. and picked up two Nintendo Switch consoles and two PlayStation 5 systems.

Police stated that he returned about two hours later and picked up two more Nintendo Switch consoles as well as a Meta Quest virtual reality headset. 

Investigators confirmed that Rakestraw walked to the front of the store and left without paying on both of these occasions. 

Police also affirm that Nunlee arrived about 30 minutes after Rakestraw left the store and picked up two additional PlayStation 5 systems. 

These electronic devices were kept behind lock and key. 

Police noted that Rakestraw and Nunlee were able to gain access to the items that are typically reserved for employees of Walmart by posing as drivers from Spark.

Stephen Daniel “Dan” Lehocky (1955-2026)

Stephen Daniel “Dan” Lehocky, 71, of Monaca, passed away on October 16th, 2026.

He was born in Rochester on September 15th, 1955, a son of the late Steven D. Lehocky, who was a Korean War veteran, and the late Caroline D. Yanko. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Stephen Josef Lehocky.

Stephen was a lifelong resident of western Pennsylvania and he found joy in life and left a lasting impression on everyone he came in contact with. He had deep faith in God, and you were always met with a smile, no matter what hardships life placed in front of him. He loved hunting and fishing with his son and had a lifelong passion for cars, motorcycles, history, music, and classic movies.

He is survived by his partner and best friend, Barb (Barbie) Frantz, his three children, Steven Lehocky and his fiancée, Acacia Dragoun, Danielle Lehocky-Nanovic and her husband, Chris Nanovic and Wendy Wolff and her husband, Tim Wolff .He was also the proud grandfather of: Ella Sturges, Mara Sturges, Clara Caroline Sturges, Leo Wolff, and Alexander Wolff. He is also survived by his brother, John (Cindy) Lehocky, his sister, Valerie Montini, and his nephews: Jonathan Lehocky, Danny Montini, and Tony Montini/ He is also survived by his former spouse, Margaret Fulkroad, as well as extended family and friends.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those who knew and loved him. His memory will live on through the stories that are told, the music that is played, and the moments his family will continue to remember and share for years to come.

Stephen will be cremated through Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of his arrangements. There will be no viewing for Stephen. However, a memorial service for him will be held at a later date, with details to be announced.

Thomas L. Phillips (Passed on October 16th, 2026)

Thomas L. Phillips, 56, of Monaca, passed away on October 16th, 2026.

He was a son of the late James and Donna Phillips.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was a skilled brick layer by trade.

No services are scheduled at this time for Thomas.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Crmeation Services.