Author: Beaver County Radio

“The Fence” at Carnegie Mellon University temporarily closes because someone wrote a message of protest on it against President Donald Trump

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – A Carnegie Mellon University sign is displayed outside Baker Hall on the university’s campus in Pittsburgh, June 7, 2019. Carnegie Mellon University and the Norman and Ruth Rales Foundation, named for a home-building supplies entrepreneur and his wife who built their fortune despite early struggles, hope a $150 million initiative will support a new generation of students trying to achieve that American dream. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) According to a recent letter from Carnegie Mellon University President Farnam Jahanian, “The Fence” there is closing after a recent message protesting President Donald Trump. The Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit was held there on Tuesday and someone painted the words “no rapists on our campus” on “The Fence.” “The Fence” has been a way for students to express themselves at Carnegie Mellon University and it will reopen at an undecided time next week. Paint will also go over the message against President Trump on “The Fence.”

Pennsylvania State System of Education board of governors vote to raise tuition in Pennsylvania for the first time in seven years

(File Photo of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) The board of governors from the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education has recently voted to raise tuition in Pennsylvania for the first time in seven years. According to the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, the increase could be rolled back if funding is increased. The tuition is now just below $8,000 a year with an additional $139 each semester for students in colleges including IUP, Kutztown, Slippery Rock University and WCU.

Drivers that use or park in the red Downtown Pittsburgh bus lanes will be getting ticketed soon

(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

(Pittsburgh, PA) Starting on Sunday, July 20th, 2025, drivers will get ticketed for using or parking in the lanes that are the red Downtown Pittsburgh bus lanes in Pittsburgh. These lanes are for only emergency vehicles and busses. According to Pittsburgh Regional Transit, officers with the Pittsburgh Port Authority Police have been giving drivers verbal warnings since the lanes were installed in June of 2025. A violation costs $25 and the full cost will go to almost $200 with associated fees.

Conway woman arrested for driving under the influence of drugs in Aliquippa

(File Photo of Police Siren Lights)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Aliquippa, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Beaver report that a woman from Conway was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs in Aliquippa on July 3rd, 2025. Sixty-one-year-old Lynette Lucas was stopped by police after committing a vehicle violation on the 400 block of Franklin Avenue. According to police, Lucas was subsequently arrested for driving under the influence of a controlled substance. 

West Park, Florida woman arrested for possessing drugs in Aliquippa

(File Photo of a Police Siren Light)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Aliquippa, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Beaver report that a woman from West Park, Florida was arrested for possessing drugs in Aliquippa on July 4th, 2025. Twenty-two-year-old Rajana Drain was stopped by police during a traffic stop at both Franklin Avenue and Main Street. According to police, Drain had drugs with her and her charges are pending. 

Aliquippa woman arrested for driving under the influence of drugs on the 1500 block of Kennedy Boulevard in Aliquippa

(File Photo of Handcuffs)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Aliquippa, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Beaver report that a woman from Aliquippa was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs in Aliquippa on July 5th, 2025. Forty-three-year-old Valerie McDermott got stopped by police after committing a vehicle violation on the 1500 block of Kennedy Boulevard. According to police, McDermott was subsequently arrested for driving under the influence of a controlled substance.  

Lori Ann Brenner (1973-2025)

Lori Ann Brenner, 52, of Chippewa, passed away on July 14th, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born in Rochester on May 3rd, 1973, the beloved daughter of Michelle (Wayne) Perkins of New Brighton and Rudy (Cindy) Vukas of Beaver Falls. She was a proud graduate of New Brighton High School who earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Geneva College and then went on to earn her Master’s Degree from the University of Michigan.
Lori was a dedicated professional, serving as a Training Manager in the Pharmaceutical Division at Bayer since 2013. She was known not only for her intelligence and work ethic but also for her deep compassion, sense of humor, and competitive spirit.
She was a true animal lover who especially adored her five cats: Pepper, Snickers, Daphne, Bongo and Brodie, who brought her endless joy. She was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan and a fan of fun at Dave & Buster’s who enjoyed countless hours of gaming with her husband and son at Pac-Man, Skeeball and arcade games. She found immense joy and happiness in traveling and exploring new places. Lori was widely traveled and enjoyed the diverse cultures and rich history of her many adventures.
Lori was also deeply involved in the NFT community on X (formerly Twitter), where she was known as Queen VeVe. Through this platform, she raised a substantial amount for the First Responders Children’s Foundation, a cause close to her heart. She was committed to supporting children who had lost a parent in the line of duty, helping ensure they received toys during the holidays and access to educational opportunities. Lori hoped to grow her involvement with the foundation and continue making a difference for these families.
In addition to her parents, she is survived by her devoted husband of three years, William B. Keifer, her cherished son, Maxwell D. Brenner and a host of close family members and friends. Her loving spirit, unwavering generosity, and fierce loyalty will be remembered by all who knew her.
A Memorial Visitation will be held on Sunday July 20th from 12 noon-3 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of her arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Lori’s name to First Responders Children’s Foundation, https://1strcf.org/., or the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Wlliam Ralph Mack (1943-2025)

William Ralph Mack, 82, passed away on July 11th, 2025 at H&M Personal Care Home of Coraopolis after a period of declining health.

He was born in Sewickley on March 12th, 1943 in Sewickley. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mary (Harbutack) Mack. He is survived by his cousins, Daniel A. Willis, Betsy Neisnack Pfannenstiel and Paul Neisnack (Carleen).

William was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy. He enlisted at age 17 and served six years in the USN Reserve with two years of active duty. At age 27, he reenlisted and served one year of active duty.

Funeral services will be held privately for William. Memorial contributions in William’s memory may be made to NAMI Beaver County, 1229 Third Street Beaver, PA 15009 or www.namibeavercounty.org. Arrangements have been entrusted to the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge.

Alan Ross Gill (1950-2025)

Alan Ross Gill, 74, of Darlington, passed away peacefully on July 13th, 2025, in his home surrounded by his loving family. Alan was born in Beaver Falls on August 16th, 1950, a son of the late Robert and Lila Mae Erenberg.  He was a graduate of Northwestern High School, where he went on to work as an Electrical Journeyman Wireman for IBEW Local 712 for 40 years. Alan attended the Aliquippa Christian Assembly Church. He had a great love for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, wisdom in His Word and a kind and generous spirit for those in need. He found great joy in fishing and trap shooting, but nothing compared to loving and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 16 years, Ann Gill, his children, Alex Gill and his wife, Nicole, Taylor Gill-Kenny and her husband, James and Megan Pahler and her husband Kyle, a brother, Gary Gill and his wife, Terry, four grandchildren, Aidan, Liberty, Finnegan, and Wren; along with numerous nieces and friends.

Contributions can be made to Samaritan’s Purse at their website https://www.samaritanspurse.org/ or by mail to P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SVCS., INC- 117 Blackhawk Rd., Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

PennDOT, Local Police Host Aggressive Driving Blitz, Urge Safe Driving

(File Photo)

Pittsburgh, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and several local police departments hosted a media event to remind motorists of the dangers that result from aggressive behavior behind the wheel.

PennDOT partnered with police departments from Avalon, Bellevue, Edgeworth, Leetsdale, and Sewickley boroughs, and Ohio Township to conduct an aggressive driving blitz along Route 65 (Ohio River Boulevard). These and other enforcement activities are part of a statewide wave which runs through August 17.

Aggressive driving is one of the leading factors of highway crashes and fatalities in Pennsylvania. During the enforcement period, police will target drivers demonstrating unsafe behaviors such as speeding, careless driving, heavy truck violations, pedestrian safety, red light running, tailgating, and other aggressive driving actions.

This mobilization also comes in time for motorists to prepare for the upcoming school year. By practicing safe behaviors now, drivers can get into the habit of being particularly cautious in residential areas and school zones.

According to PennDOT data, in 2023 there were 5,897 crashes involving aggressive driving statewide. Also last year, there were 3,530 crashes involving speeding, which is the top offense law enforcement sees in aggressive driving citations.

For more information on aggressive driving, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/safety.

PennDOT’s media resources web page offers social media-sized graphics for numerous transportation-related campaigns, including safety topics such as aggressive driving, speeding, distracted driving, and seat belts for organizations, community groups, or others who share safety information with their stakeholders.

For regional updates, follow PennDOT on X and join the Greater Pittsburgh Area PennDOT Facebook group.