Author: Beaver County Radio

Pennsylvania Utilities Ready for Winter: PUC Highlights Natural Gas Reliability and Preparedness

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) released its 2025 Winter Reliability Overview Reports today from the major natural gas distribution companies (NGDCs) of Pennsylvania, as well as a Readiness Report from the Energy Association of Pennsylvania (EAP). These reports together give details on how utilities across Pennsylvania are preparing to meet energy needs for consumers and maintain service that is reliable throughout the heating season that is upcoming and according to a release from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, here is some more information about these reports:

  • According to the Energy Association of Pennsylvania, total natural gas consumption across all sectors is forecast to increase by approximately 2.5% compared to last winter, with total demand expected to reach 240.5 billion cubic feet (Bcf) – up from 234.7 Bcf last season. For residential consumers, home heating costs are expected to be only slightly higher – around 1% above last year – as anticipated colder temperatures are largely offset by lower commodity prices.
  • These reports complement the PUC’s broader efforts to strengthen energy reliability, promote affordability, and support coordination among utilities, state agencies, and emergency responders — ensuring Pennsylvania’s energy systems remain dependable, resilient, and ready to serve.

Ensuring Reliability and Safety

All NGDCs report that they are well-prepared to meet customer demand this winter, with sufficient supply, planning, and infrastructure in place to maintain service reliability and safety, even during periods of peak cold weather.

Utility highlights include:

  • UGI Utilities reported a 25% reduction in Class B (“in-progress”) leaks over the past three years, reflecting continued investment in system safety and integrity.
  • Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania expanded its Emergency Management team with the addition of a meteorologist, improving the utility’s real-time weather and climate analysis capabilities to support operational decisions.
  • PECO Energy and other NGDCs conducted a variety of internal and inter-agency emergency preparedness drills over the summer and fall to strengthen coordination and readiness for extreme weather conditions.

Protecting Core Customers During Peak Demand

Pennsylvania’s NGDCs emphasize that their highest priority remains service to core residential and critical-care customers. Utilities report that they do not anticipate any supply shortages affecting natural gas-fired electric generators this winter.

The complete 2025 Winter Reliability Overview Reports from each of Pennsylvania’s major natural gas distribution companies are available on the PUC website:

You can also click on these seven links below to find them:

These reports, along with additional information about system reliability and consumer energy awareness, are available in the “Reliability” section of the PUC’s website.

Stay Safe, Warm, and Connected

As colder weather arrives, the PUC reminds residents struggling with energy costs to #CallUtilitiesNow — to discuss payment options, apply for customer assistance programs, and explore weatherization or energy-efficiency resources that can help manage winter bills.

More consumer resources are available at PAPowerSwitch.com and PAGasSwitch.com, including energy-saving tips and information on shopping for electric and natural gas suppliers.

Man from Herndon, Virginia charged after causing a single-vehicle crash in Findlay Township

(File Photo: Caption for Photo: police car lights at night in city with selective focus and bokeh background blur, Credit for Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images/iStockphoto/z1b)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Findlay Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Pittsburgh reported via release today that twenty-eight-year-old Anthony Rivera of Herndon, Virginia was charged after causing a single-vehicle crash in Findlay Township on the early morning of October 27th, 2025. Rivera was driving in the left-hand lane on I-376 West at 2:42 a.m. in the area of mile marker 51.4 and lost control of his vehicle and subsequently drove off the roadway and into the grassy median to the left side of the road before going back onto the road. Rivera crossed over both lanes and into the guide rail on the right side of the road. 

Allegheny County Legislators Announce More Than $3 Million in Grants for Community Improvements

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – This April 2, 2021, file photo shows bridges spanning the Allegheny River in downtown Pittsburgh. Republicans in Congress are making the politically brazen bet that it’s more advantageous to oppose President Joe Biden’s ambitious rebuild America agenda than to lend support for the costly $2.3 trillion undertaking for roads, bridges and other infrastructure investments. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) According to a release from the Senate Republican Communications Office, a bipartisan group of state legislators announced the approval of more than $3 million in Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund (GEDTF) grants for community development projects throughout Allegheny County today. The funded projects include replacement for waterlines, upgrades for parks, sanitary sewer rehabilitation, improvements for flood control, modernization of trffic signals, renewal of stormwater systems, ADA-accessible playgrounds and trails, emergency infrastructure planning and enhancements to gathering spaces for the community. This funding supports 18 projects across municipalities that are represented by Senator Devlin Robinson (R-37) and Representatives Anita Kulik (D-45), Dan Deasy (D-27), Valerie Gaydos (R-44), Arvind Venkat (D-30), Natalie Mihalek (R-40), Jason Ortitay (R-46), Jeremy Shaffer (R-28) and Andrew Kuzma (R-39). According to that same release from the Senate Republican Communications Office, the project awards from these grants include:

  • Robinson Township – Forest Grove Road Waterline Replacement: $100,000
  • Thornburg – Sanitary Sewer Pipe Lining: $85,000
  • Pennsbury Village – Sewage Treatment UV System Installation: $130,000
  • Bell Acres – Borough Park Improvements (Phase II): $200,000
  • Franklin Park – Blueberry Hill Park Accessible Playground Update: $205,000
  • Bridgeville – McLaughlin Run Flood Control and Culvert Replacement: $305,000
  • Rosslyn Farms – Active Pathways Project: $100,000
  • Oakdale – Cottonwood Drive and Highland Ave. Stormwater Improvements: $400,475
  • Marshall – The Woodlands Accessible Nature Trail Renewal: $200,000
  • Edgeworth – Academy Avenue Traffic Signal Project: $251,000
  • Bethel Park – Millennium Park Bandshell: $153,150
  • Jefferson Hills – Tepe Park Improvement Project (Phase 1): $246,000
  • Upper St. Clair – Gilfillan Farm Foundation Restoration: $450,157
  • Glenfield – East Beaver Street Road Rehabilitation: $125,000
  • Leet – Salt Storage Facility Project: $75,150
  • Leetsdale – Emergency Exit Study and Design Project: $139,500
  • Sewickley Heights – Fern Hollow Nature Center Addition: $84,125
  • Sewickley – Beaver and Broad Street Upgrade Project: $150,000
  • Wexford – McCandless-Franklin Park Ambulance Authority: $105,000

The Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund provides grants for improvement to communities, upgrades for infrastructure and development projects for economics in Allegheny County with funding administered through the Commonwealth Financing Authority.

Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and his broken wrist could still play against the Bears

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) reacts after he was sacked against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh quarterback Aaron Rodgers and his fractured left wrist could still play on Sunday when the Steelers visit Chicago.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday the team will evaluate Rodgers’ availability later in the week and that the key to Rodgers’ potential return will be whether he can function safely with a brace protecting the wrist.

Mason Rudolph, who filled in capably in the second half of Sunday’s 32-14 over Cincinnati, would start for AFC North-leading Pittsburgh (6-4) when it faces the NFC North-leading Bears (7-3) if Rodgers cannot.

The 41-year-old Rodgers, the oldest active player in the league, appeared to hurt the wrist while getting hit after a heave to the end zone with the Steelers driving late in the first half.

The four-time MVP clutched the wrist in the huddle following the play, though he did stay in to make one more pass — an incompletion to Roman Wilson — before the drive ended in a Chris Boswell field goal. Rodgers did not return to the sideline during the second half, though he greeted his teammates in the locker room after they left the field.

Judith A. “Buttercup” LaHue (Passed on November 17th, 2025)

Judith A. “Buttercup” LaHue, 83, of Monaca, passed away on November 17th, 2025 at home, surrounded by her closest family and friends. She was the daughter of the late Frederick J. and Margaret (Goss) Swager. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas E. LaHue and her siblings: Joseph Swager, Margaret Swager, Dorothy Wiley, and William Swager. Known by loved ones as “Buttercup,” she is survived by many family members and friends. She was a loving mother to Timothy LaHue, Cynthia (Shawn) Reynolds and Brett (Tara) LaHue. She will be missed tremendously by her granddaughters, great grandchildren, and many friends: Hannah (Matthew) Maurice, Abigail (Samuel) Stajduhar, Margaret (Cody) Boring, Aubrey and Calla Reynolds. She was honored to be a great grandmother to Penelope Maurice and Luca Stajduhar. She loved her dear friends, Marianne Swartzwelder, LuAnn Taddeo, and Lynn Kolich deeply. She was also honored to have been a babysitter to Madison and Alexis Hiltz.

Judith was a proud graduate of Monaca High School with the class of 1960, recently attending her 65th high school reunion. She worked as a stewardess for American Airlines immediately preceding high school, worked as a crossing guard while raising her children, and worked as a dedicated Registered Nurse specializing in oncology. She continued her service as a caregiver long after early retirement to care for her husband, family members, and friends. Her daughter, Cynthia, a Registered Nurse, had the privilege of caring for her at home on Hospice and a special thanks goes out to the amazing staff at LIFE Beaver County for their compassionate care and support. She had a love for all animals, especially her late dog, Thomas the Labradoodle. She was a Human Rights Activist, praying for Equality and Peace on Earth who was adored by her family, friends, and community. She was also a firm believer in her savior, Jesus Christ.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, November 19th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where services will be held on Thursday, November 20th at 11 a.m. with her pastor, Dr. Steve Vesolich officiating. Interment will follow in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester.

Robert Thompson (1947-2025)

Robert Thompson, 78, passed away on November 17th, 2025. He was born in Ellwood City on August 10th, 1947, a son of the late Joan and Robert “Sid” Thompson, both of Ellwood city. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helen Cheddar Thompson, his brothers, Chris Thompson (Linda) and Martin Thompson (Leona), both of Ellwood city. He was especially proud of all of his surviving children, Eric Thompson (Anna) of Ellwood City, Britt Thompson of Columbus, Ohio, Rob Thompson (Lindsay) of Poland, Ohio and Casey Thompson of Reno, Nevada; as well as his cherished stepdaughters: Cindy Powers (Kevin) of Englewood, Florida, Dee Dee Quinn Hussey (Rob) of Englewood, Florida, Tracy Guyer of Fair Oaks, and Danielle McClarnon (Walter) of Leetsdale.

In life, Robert was a faithful, honest, selfless and hardworking man with a golden heart who loved the Pittsburgh Steelers, a good root beer, the outdoors, his camp in Kittanning, hunting, fishing, and his basset hounds, Daisy Mae and Stella Bean.

Of all the things in the world he cherished, his crown Jewels were his surviving grandchildren: Devin and Luca Thompson of Ellwood City, Charleigh and Lucy Mickley of Columbus, Ohio, Grayson and Amelia Thompson of Poland, Ohio, Trent Winchmann of Englewood, Florida, Devin DeCaro of Englewood, Florida, and Tara Quinn of Englewood, Florida.

Our family would especially like to thank Dr. David Gellar and his staff at the liver cancer institute at Montefiore for taking such exceptional care of our beloved Bob for the last 9 years. Our family would also like to thank Dr. Richard Schollaert for his continuous care.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, November 20th from 4-8 P.M. in the John Syka Funeral Home Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where a prayer will be offered on Friday, November 21st at 11:30 A.M. followed by a funeral service at 12 Noon in the SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, 404 6th Street, Ambridge.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation in the name of Robert be made to orphans of the storm animal shelter in Kittanning, or to the go fund me page to help with raising funds to create a commemorative bench along the trail near his favorite spot.   https://gofund.me/c9f247da9

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert Thompson, please visit the floral store of the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Renee Lutz (1965-2025)

Renee Lutz, 60, of Freedom, passed away unexpectedly on November 16th, 2025. She was born in Sewickley on September 26th, 1965, a daughter of Madeline (Matanick) Lutz and the late Charles Lutz.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by three sisters, Roxanne (Jeffrey) Soltis, Rhonda (Gary) Lazzaretti and Rochelle (Randy) Hinzman, a combination of nieces/nephews and great-nieces/great-nephews, Chanda (Max) Fallecker and their children, Eli and Serena, Melinda (Andrew) Pisano and their children: Lucas and Cameron, Becky Hinzman (J.C. Reboton) and Breanna (Larry) Musgrave; and their children, Eva and Larry, and soon-to-be expected, River, Laura Hinzman, Mitchel Lazzaretti, Ashton (David) Weatherly, and their child, Margo. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by a special nephew, Nicholas Soltis.

Renee worked at Walmart. All are welcome to gather for a visitation on Wednesday, November 19th from 3-7 P.M., in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where Funeral Prayers will be offered on Thursday, November 20th at 10 A.M., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 A.M. in the Good Samaritan Church, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge and Interment will follow in the Good Samaritan Cemetery there.

Vote held by New Brighton and Rochester school boards on potential co-operative athletics agreement

(File Photo of New Brighton Area School District Logo and Rochester High School Athletics (Ram) Logo: Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of New Brighton Area School District and Rochester Area School District)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) Both the Rochester and New Brighton school boards met yesterday to vote on a potential cooperative agreement between the athletic programs of the two districts for select sports beginning in the 2026-2027 school year. The board of Rochester voted 6-1 in favor of tabling to both receive input and to gather more information, while the New Brighton board voted unanimously in a 9-0 vote to move forward. According to New Brighton superintendent Dr. Joseph Guarino, he will be meeting with members of Rochester’s administration to discuss the next steps after Rochester chose not to officially vote on the matter. 

Pittsburgh man crashes vehicle into a deer in Findlay Township

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Findlay Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Pittsburgh reported via release today that fifty-four-year-old Andrew Jenkins of Pittsburgh crashed his vehicle into a deer in Findlee Township in the early morning of November 3rd, 2025. Upon further investigation, Jenkins was traveling in the right-hand lane of I-376 East at 12:28 a.m., west of the Moon Business Loop, and when a deer entered that lane, he could not stop in time to avoid hitting it with his vehicle. Jenkins was not injured during this crash. 

Driver charged for causing a three-vehicle crash in Moon Township

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Moon Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Pittsburgh reported via release today that an unidentified driver was charged after causing a three-vehicle crash in Moon Township on the morning of November 5th, 2025. This driver was traveling on I-376 West and crashed their vehicle with two other vehicles at 11:36 a.m. at mile marker 58. The driver that was charged was traveling in the center lane and was trying to merge into the left lane, but they did not see another driver’s vehicle traveling in the left lane and also hit a third driver’s vehicle traveling in the right lane when the first driver traveled across the center lane. There were no injuries after this crash occurred.