Author: Beaver County Radio

Beaver County budget and credit rating and active AT&T cell site in Aliquippa among topics discussed at most recent Commissioners’ work session

(File Photo of the Beaver County Courthouse)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver, PA) Several topics were discussed at the Beaver County Commissioners’ work session this morning at 10 a.m. at the Beaver County Courthouse in Beaver. During the Solicitors’ Report of the session, Beaver County Solicitor Garen Fedeles mentioned that the Commissioners received a notification from the S&P ratings that they are requesting a rating review call. The Commissioners will participate in this meeting at sometime in January of 2026 to review the credit rating in Beaver County, which is currently an “A.” Fedeles also mentioned that among the thirty-six resolutions happening tomorrow locally include an agreement for vending machines at the Brady’s Run Ice Arena, the budget for Beaver County and $870,000 going to local libraries to be utilized in the year of 2026. In other business, Commissioner Jack Manning noted in the Commissioners’ report of the work session that FirstNet informed him today that the AT&T cell site at Heinz Field in Aliquippa is now active. Manning also expressed that Verizon has now laid fiber cable for a distance of 350 miles with 1,275 new local homes receiving access. Beaver County Financial Consultant Corey Troutman also talked briefly about the Beaver County budget, which is worth a total of $239,713,247.

Antoinette “Chubby” Zupsic (Passed on December 15th, 2025)

Antoinette “Chubby” Zupsic, 98, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 15th, 2025, at her residence in Monaca, surrounded by the love and warmth of her family.

She was born in Freedom and was the last surviving member of her immediate family.  She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Matthew M. Zupsic, her parents, Antonio and Evelyn Anne (DiGiamaco) DiSanzo, her brothers, Edward, Eugene and Anthony DiSanzo, and her sisters, Esther Denney, Phyllis DiSanzo and Frances Osbun. She is survived by her loving daughters, Marilyn Chesko and Linda (Arnold) Liberatore, her adoring grandchildren, Mark (Jennifer) Liberatore and Tracy (Brad) Shields, her treasured great-grandchildren, Christian and Andrew Liberatore and Zachary and Hannah Shields, her sister in law, Rosemarie DiSanzo and an “adopted” granddaughter, Cara Hoshauer.

Antoinette was the heart of her home throughout her life, dedicating her life to her family as a homemaker. She also shared her meticulousness and warmth in the workforce as a bookkeeper at the East Rochester K-Mart and at J & J Enterprises in Freedom, where she contributed to catering and fundraisers until the remarkable age of eighty-four. Her strong work ethic and genuine love for helping others were evident in everything she did. She was a faithful member of Mary, Queen of Saints Parish, and a founding member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church’s Christian Mothers at the church located in Monaca. She was a skilled cook and baker who was known for her delightful dishes that brought people together. Her friends and family often found joy in her company during her occasional trips to the casino, her membership at a neighborhood card club where they often played pinocle and her enthusiastic participation in bingo nights. She was also an avid sports fan, loyally supporting all the Pittsburgh teams with fervor. These past twenty plus years were especially precious to Antoinette, as she delighted in the time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Each moment with them was cherished, and her legacy of love, laughter and kindness will continue to flourish in their lives. Her warmth extended beyond her family, as she received special care from Lori Smith and Marla Liberatore, who both held a special place in her heart. The family also wishes to thank Concordia Visiting Nurses and Good Samaritan Hospice for their outstanding care.

Friends will be received on Thursday, December 18th from 3-7 p.m. at Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of her arrangements and where prayers will be offered on Friday, December 19th at 9:45 a.m. followed by a mass of Christian burial at 10:30 a.m. at St Felix Catholic Church, 450 13th Street, Freedom. Burial will follow in St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, 1270 Chapel Road, Monaca.

Rather than flowers, the family has suggested memorial contributions be made in her memory to the Our Lady of Fatima Angel Fund.

To share online condolences or view Antoinette’s video tribute, please visit www.simpsonfuneralhome.com.

Ex-Steeler linebacker Devin Bush Jr. acquitted of assault charges in a fight with his girlfriend over mashed potatoes

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Cleveland Browns linebacker Devin Bush Jr. rushes during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Oct. 13, 2024 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/ Daniel Kucin Jr., file)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Ex-Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Bush, Jr. was acquitted yesterday after a judge confirmed he was not guilty of assaulting his girlfriend during a dispute over mashed potatoes earlier this year. The argument broke out on May 4th, 2025 inside the home of Bush that is located in the Sewickley area. According to a report from TribLive, the twenty-seven-year-old Bush of Bell Acres, was accused of injuring twenty-seven-year-old Shkurte Leka after she started filming an argument between them on her iPhone and the conflict began over how Bush was transferring mashed potatoes into a container in the couple’s kitchen.  The report from TribLive also confirmed that Leka testified that Bush chased her through the home they shared, then pinned her to a massage table as he tried to wrestle the cellphone from her hands. However, Bush stated he was trying to leave the home as the fight escalated, saying that he had no physical contact with her, but he did admit to smashing Leka’s phone. Leka is also the mother of the 3-year-old daughter of the couple who suffered cuts and abrasions on both her right wrist and a toe after the argument. An Allegheny County Common Pleas judge made a ruling that Bush was not guilty of simple assault or harassment, saying prosecutors yeseterday failed to prove he intended to harm or injure Leka. Bush currently plays in the NFL for the Cleveland Browns. The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Bush as their first-round draft pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Bush left the Steelers after the 2022 season.

Pulled pork sandwiches recalled in Pennsylvania and other states

(Photo Courtesy of the FDA)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service has now updated the list of stores that carried recalled pulled pork sandwiches. The initial recall was issued in October for 127,887 pounds of pulled pork sandwiches. They were sold nationwide including in Pennsylvania, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Ohio, Washington and at Department of Defense installations. The complete list of stores with these recalled products can be found by clicking here.

McKees Rocks felon indicted and charged with possessing firearms and ammunition

(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced yesterday that a resident of McKees Rocks has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating a federal firearms law. Twenty-six-year-old Mark Lamarr Beavers was the sole defendant in the one count Indictment. According to the Indictment, on or about August 26th, 2025, Beavers, as a convicted felon possessed two firearms and ammunition. Federal law states that it is prohibited that a convicted felon should possess a firearm or ammunition. Beavers could receive a maximum total sentence of up to fifteen years in jail, a fine of up to $250,000, or both, provided by the law. 

Premier Inn study: PPG Place ice rink in Downtown Pittsburgh is the most beautiful ice rink in North America

(Photo Courtesy of KDKA)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) According to a new study, the ice rink at PPG Place in Downtown Pittsburgh has been ranked as the most beautiful ice rink in North America. Premier Inn conducted the study and they also listed the most beautiful ice rinks in the world and the PPG Place ice rink landed at number nine on the worldwide list. Premier Inn made a collection of photos of more than fifty ice rinks that are around the world and they incorporated eye-tracking technology to see what displays that people were most drawn to. The PPG Place ice rink was also listed recently on USA Today’s 10Best list as the number five ice skating rink in the United States where the rink was praised for its views of the most marvelous buildings in Pittsburgh

Officials in Pennsylvania postpone deadline for enrolling to the marketplace Pennie to December 31st, 2025

(File Photo of Health Care Benefits Paper)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) Officials in Pennsylvania have postponed to the end of December the deadline for enrolling in the state’s Affordable Care Act marketplace as consumers are trying to navigate federal uncertainties and the possibility of cost hikes that are sharp. The last day for signing up for coverage through Pennie was originally on Monday, but according to program administrators, they wanted to give consumers more time to weigh their options and choose the right plan for their households. The new deadline for this option is December 31st, 2025. You can enroll in coverage through Pennie by going to pennie.com by clicking here or call the customer service line of that program at 844-844-8040 on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Sallie Joan Lutz (1961-2025)

Sallie Joan Lutz, 64, of Beaver, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her sisters, on the morning of December 3rd, 2025.

She was born in Rochester on March 20th, 1961, a daughter of the lateLucille and Raymond Lutz, of Vanport.

Sallie took up residence with her father after her mother passed away in 1990. She happily retired from a retail position. Sallie participated in basketball at BSHS and had a great passion for softball in her younger years, she played on a softball team for Robert’s Roadside Inn. Sallie was formerly a member of the Vanport Presbyterian Church.Sallie enjoyed her beautiful flower garden, which she also nurtured for her father’s enjoyment as well. She found peace in relaxing at the lake or on the riverbank with her fishing pole, this was also where she enjoyed spending time with Jesus. When Sallie entered a new season in her life, her joy was found with her family, watching the Steelers and the Bucs each season. Sallie was a “black and gold” fanatic, she loved cheering on all the Pittsburgh sports teams. After moving to Brighton Twp., God blessed Sallie with a good friend and neighbor, Jeannie Bischcoff. Jeannie was often found bringing a hot meal for the two of them to enjoy while cheering on “The Fever” together.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Carol Gray and her great nephew, Scott Smith.

She is survived by her big, loving family, including her sisters, Marilyn (Larry) White, Debbie Dugan, and Donna (Tom) Jackson, her nephews, Vincent Schuller, Jim Jackson and Tom Dugan Jr., her nieces: Wendy Pander, Dawn Goosby, Leah Jackson, Terri Deem, Tracy Smith, Mindy Smiley, Tina Utterback; as well as her great nephews, Eric Ree, Isaac Ree, Rashaud Goosby and Jacob Wakefield; along with her great nieces: Siera Goosby, Paige Deem, Lindsey Dugan, Alexis Dugan, Sara Grymes, Jenna, Alaksin, and Briana Wakefield; as well as her great great nephews and a niece.

A special thank you goes out to Sallie’s brother-in-law’s, Larry White and Tom Jackson, for always being there for her in her times of need. A special thank you also goes out to Jeannie Bischcoff, for being a caring friend and neighbor to Sallie. A special thank you also goes out to Good Samaritan Hospice for bringing comfort to Sallie.

Professional Arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Sallie’s name may be made to the American Heart Association and the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Rd, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Sallie J. Lutz, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Grove City College hosts Senator David McCormick and regional leaders for them to discuss regional challenges and opportunities

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of Grove City College)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Grove City, PA) According to a release from Grove City College on Monday, U.S. Senator David McCormick went to visit that college on Monday to meet with both their officials and civic and political leaders from Mercer County. McCormick stated that he wanted to “talk a little and listen a lot” so he can learn about the opportunities and challenges that regional leaders are seeing and how his work that is happening in Washington, D.C., can advance the interests of western Pennsylvania. 

Leadbeter Introduces Aiden’s Law and Urges Continued Support for Legislation to Create a System in Pennsylvania to Alert the Public when Someone with Disabilities is Missing

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of State Representative Robert Leadbeter)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) According to a release in Harrisburg yesterday from State Representative Robert Leadbeter’s office, Leadbeter (R-Columbia) was joined by family members of Aiden Ha, legislators and advocates for a press conference yesterday to announce the formal introduction of House Bill 2102 –known as Aiden’s Law, and urge continued support. The initiative that Leadbeter is championing, is named after Aiden Ha, who was a 6-year-old nonverbal and autistic child from Columbia County who was tragically found dead in a river in October. The legislation from Leadbeter would create a Purple Alert system in Pennsylvania, which is similar to the Amber Alert for abducted children, the Silver Alert for missing older adults and the Green Alert for missing at-risk veterans, as the Purple Alert system would rapidly notify the law enforcement and the public when an individual with certain intellectual, cognitive or developmental disabilities goes missing.