Author: Beaver County Radio

Pirates back Bubba Chandler with 18 hits in 9-3 victory over White Sox

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Bubba Chandler throws against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning of a baseball game in Chicago, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

CHICAGO (AP) — Bubba Chandler pitched six strong innings, Rafael Flores Jr. homered among his three hits and the Pittsburgh Pirates pounded the Chicago White Sox 9-3 on Tuesday night.

Bryan Reynolds had two of Pittsburgh’s five doubles off starter Sean Burke. Reynolds drove in two runs and scored twice as the Pirates jumped out to a 7-0 lead after two innings and rolled to their seventh victory in nine games behind an 18-hit outburst.

Oneil Cruz had three hits and two RBIs and Spencer Horwitz drove in three runs to help deal the White Sox a fourth loss in six games that trimmed their AL Central lead over Cleveland to two games. Every starter had at least one hit for Pittsburgh, and seven had two or more.

Chandler (7-9) allowed two runs on four hits, striking out eight and walking none. Staked to an early lead, the 23-year-old rookie right-hander retired the first 12 White Sox batters before Andrew Benintendi lined his first of two doubles to lead off the fifth.

Chicago’s Kyle Teel hit his second homer in two games and singled. Munetaka Murakami struck out four times.

Burke (8-7) gave up seven runs and eight hits to match career worsts and did it while getting only four outs, his shortest outing in three years in the majors. The right-hander leads the White Sox in innings pitched and had thrown 5 2/3 scoreless innings of one-hit ball in his previous start at Houston.

The Pirates jumped ahead 5-0 in the first. The first seven Pittsburgh batters reached base before Burke fanned Jacob Gonzalez for the first out.

Konnor Griffin, Reynolds, Cruz and Esmerlyn Valdez all lined deep doubles off center-cut pitches. Horwitz and Flores singled and Brandon Lowe walked before Burke retired three straight.

The Pirates upped it to 7-0 in the second. Tyler Schweitzer relieved with one out and the bases loaded and yielded a single to Horwitz that scored two runs.

Flores added a solo shot and Reynolds a sacrifice fly in the fifth to make it 9-0.

Up next

RHP Lake Bachar (1-3, 3.59 ERA) will open for the Pirates against White Sox RHP Davis Martin (9-6, 4.13) on Wednesday night.

Driver who did not secure couch in their vehicle causes crash in North Sewickley Township

(File Photo of a Police Siren Light)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(North Sewickley Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Gibsonia reported today that a crash occurred in North Sewickley Township on Monday.

It occurred on I-76 East at 3:34 p.m.

Two drivers were driving east on the road in their vehicles.

The vehicle of one of the drivers was hauling a couch and that driver did not secure that load.

The couch fell on the road and the other driver hit it with their vehicle.

There were no reported injuries.

The driver of the vehicle that was hauling the couch was charged because they did not give information or render aid.

Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy decides to have weekly team captains instead of season-long team captains 

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy stands on the field in the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park, NY., Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy has made a change to the process of selecting the team’s captains.

McCarthy said during a press conference yesterday: “We’ll do the weekly captain format.”

The Steelers and other teams usually have team captains for the season.

The Steelers captains last season were quarterback Aaron Rodgers, defensive tackle Cameron Heyward, linebacker T.J. Watt, and safety/special teams player Miles Killebrew.

Killebrew is the only captain from last year’s Steelers team that is not on the team this year because he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the offseason.

Aliquippa man charged for driving under the influence in Pittsburgh

(File Photo of Police Siren Lights)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Pittsburgh reported today that forty-three-year-old Tristan Wenzig of Aliquippa was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and a controlled substance in Pittsburgh on August 10th.

Wenzig was driving under the influence on I-376 East/51 South at 11:01 p.m.

A crash occurred between Wenzig and twenty-five-year-old Oona Stoever of Pittsburgh.

Stoever was transported to the hospital because she suffered a suspected minor injury as a result of this crash. 

Wenzig was not injured. 

Michael “Mike” James Romigh (1958-2026)

Michael “Mike” James Romigh, 67, of Koppel, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2026, at UPMC Shadyside, Pittsburgh, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Beaver Falls on September 17th, 1958, a son of the late Howard James “Jim” Romigh, Jr., and Ellen Lenore Romigh Dodson.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, a daughter, Hope, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Harry and Mary Hawrylak, his sisters-in-law, Rosemary Tracy and Sister M. Patricia Hawrylak, SHS, his brothers-in-law, Joseph Omogrosso and Robert Idzojtic and a nephew, Bradley Grinnen.

He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 46 years, Julienne, his daughter, Lindsay (Dexter) Aley, his son, Dylan (Tonya) Romigh and his beloved grandchildren: Aiden, Rowan, Ryleigh, and Iris; as well as his siblings: Diane Romigh, MaryEllen (Ken) Brewer, Chris Romigh, Bob (Traci) Romigh, Molly (Kelly) Edel-Romigh; along with his brother-in-law, Larry Tracy, his sister-in-law, Joanne (Tim) Sberna, his step-father, Frank (Anna) Dodson, along with many nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.

Mike was born and raised in Beaver Falls, and grew up there. He currently resided in the borough of Koppel. After working at Hydril in Rochester for four years after graduating from high school, he felt those radio waves that he dreamed about as a youngster, calling him again. He enrolled in a correspondence course offered by the Columbia School Of Broadcasting in Pittsburgh. After completing the training, he landed his first radio job at WFEM in Ellwood City in 1981.

He wouldn’t stay in Ellwood City long. That same year, he was hired by WBVP and WWKS, Kiss 106.7 FM. Initially, he hosted an overnight music show on both radio stations. WBVP was a live radio program, and WWKS featured the recorded voice. His big break came in 1983, when Dave Felts, who was hosting the morning talk show, “A.M. Connection” on WBVP went on Vacation. The temporary fill in duty went so well that Mike was asked to do the entire week. Soon, Mike was a regular host of “A.M. Connection” at WBVP. After leaving WBVP and WWKS in 1985, Mike took his talents  to WMBA and hosted a talk show initially called “Straight Talk,” later to be renamed “Live Mike.”

Around 1987, Mike was hired by KDKA to do weekends and part time fill in work. For a while, he worked at both WMBA and KDKA. However, in 1990, he began to work on a regular basis at KDKA and had to drop WMBA from his hectic schedule. He became the regular host of the evening shift at KDKA for about 10 years and afterwards, crossed state lines and hosted the morning show on top rated Youngstown radio station, WKBN in 2008.

Mike’s career came full circle when he returned to WBVP and WMBA, again from 2014 to 2017. He brought back the popular “Teleforum” talk show name, and served as Program Director. In early 2017, Mike left Beaver County Radio and went to work fundraising for the Beaver County Humane Society. Mike attempted to retire in 2020, but that only lasted for a short time, as he worked part-time for the Humane Society Thrift Store. In late 2022, new Beaver County Radio General Manager, Frank Sparks, approached Mike about returning to the airwaves to host a daily show. In January 2022, “Live Mic” returned to the Beaver County Airwaves.

Mike returned to Beaver County Radio in early 2022 to host “Live Mic” weekdays from 6:30 A.M. to 9 A.M. He then stepped away in August of 2024 to spend more time with his family and enjoy retirement. At that time, he continued to host “The Best Of Beaver County” on Thursday mornings. When the stations returned to a simulcast format in early 2025, Mike came back and hosted “Live Mic” once again from 10 A.M. to 12 Noon on weekdays. Mike then stepped away in September of 2025 due to his ongoing health issues.

Mike’s family wishes to thank the nurses and staff of 6 West Bone Marrow Transplant floor as well as all the generous blood and platelet donors who sustained him through his courageous battle with Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Stem Cell Transplant.

Friends will be received on Thursday, September 10th from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., Chippewa Township, 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements.

Departing prayers will be offered in the funeral home on Friday, September 11th at 9:30 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 A.M. at Holy Redeemer Church, 415 4th Street, Ellwood City.

Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, 1501 1st Avenue, New Brighton.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit the flower store of the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC. by clicking here.

Julia Smelko (1921-2026)

Julia Smelko, 105, of Baden, formerly of Conway, passed away on September 6th, 2026, at Concordia Villa Saint Joseph, with loving family by her side.

She was born in Girard, Ohio, on July 22nd, 1921, a daughter of the late John and Eva (Petrucci) Sabino.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Joseph Guarnieri, her second husband, Albert Smelko, her daughter, Judy (Edward) Keller, her granddaughter, Carleen Keller and her siblings: Tony, Mary, Jenny, Elmer, and Joe.

She is survived by her grandchildren, Ed (Colleen) Keller and Jason Keller, three great-grandchildren, Zack (Paige), Mackenzie (Derek), and Chloe (Caleb), seven great-great-grandchildren: Maxton, Parker, Harper, Frankie, Stella, Melah, and Baker; as well as her stepchildren, Rick (Vicki)Smelko and Danny (Marilyn) Smelko, her step-grandchildren, Jeff Smelko and Neil Smelko, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Julia was a proud member of 3 great local organizations: Conway Civic Women’s Club, the Christian Mothers of Our Lady of Peace Church, and Conway Senior Citizens. She was also an avid bowler who loved to travel.

Family and friends are welcome to gather for a visitation on Tuesday, September 8th 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 a Blessing Service will be held on Wednesday, September 9th at 10 A.M. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, 1101 9th Street Extension, Freedom.

The family of Julia would like to thank Concordia Villa Saint Joseph and The Good Samaritan Hospice for all that they did for her

2026 “The Forge” fitness event held in Aliquippa raised awareness about human trafficking

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of BoxStrong, Posted on Facebook on July 21st, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Aliquippa, PA) An event in Beaver County made more people aware of human trafficking yesterday.

Box Strong’s fitness competition called “The Forge” returned to Aliquippa for its second year on Labor Day to bring together community members to compete for a purpose. 

Box Strong partnered with the Asservo Project this year during this event.  

The Asservo Project is a local nonprofit that is focused on educating communities about human trafficking, as well as identifying and stopping predators and supporting survivors of human trafficking. 

According to organizers, 120 people took part in the competition, and this included rowing, biking, skiing and running events.  

Each of the competitors also selected a shoe upon arrival, and the shoes are meant to represent a victim of human trafficking.

The competitors had to match the shoe at the end of the competition.

Organizers are hoping to raise over $20,000 by continuing to grow this event and expanding awareness about human trafficking.

16th annual Crush & Brew event occurring in Ambridge

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Old Town Economy Historic District)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Ambridge, PA) The 16th Annual Crush & Brew event will take place at Old Economy Village on Saturday, September 12th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The historic Ambridge site will bring together enthusiasts of beer, mead and wine.

This event is hosted by the Ambridge Historic District Economic Development Corporation, and bragging rights, prizes and recognition are on the line for homebrewers, mead makers and winemakers.  

According to a release courtesy of Old Economy Village, guests can enjoy these things at this event: 

  • Tastings of more than 20 homebrews, 15 wines and a variety of meads (while supplies last)
  • Live music by Eddie Erwin
  • Local food trucks
  • People’s Choice voting
  • Collaborative brews featuring ingredients from Caffè Nero and the gardens of Old Economy Village
  • Tastings from local wineries

Tickets are worth $35 and include a food voucher worth $10, a commemorative tasting glass while supplies last, and a wristband that provides access to three exclusive after-party locations:

Altered Genius Brewing Co. will offer a dance party, special pours and a grazing table. Fermata Brewing Company as well as Mad Anthony’s Bier Stube will offer discounts and special offerings.

Advance ticket prices will increase on Saturday, September 12th.

Tickets are also available either through Eventbrite by clicking here or in person at Rivertown Antiques in Ambridge. 

Rivertown Antiques is open each day from noon to 4 p.m. 

Part of road closed in Zelienople for crossing replacement work

(File Photo of a Road Work Ahead Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Zelienople, PA) New Castle Road at the railroad crossing located between Market Street and Halstead Boulevard will close in Zelienople from 6 a.m. Sept. 19 until 8 a.m. Sept. 22  

This closure is so crossing replacement work by Vision Industries can occur for the Buffalo and Pittsburgh Railroad. 

The recommended detour for travelers on the west side of the crossing is by going to Route 588, then turning left onto Hartzell School Road, then left onto Route 68 and then left onto Route 19. 

Travelers on the east side of the crossing can detour by taking this series of right turns: onto Route 19, onto Route 68, onto Hartzell School Road, onto Route 588 and then onto Route 288. 

Safe Surrender Day in Rochester to resolve Beaver County warrants

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of the Center Township Police Department, Posted on Facebook on September 4th, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) There will be a safe surrender day in Beaver County so people can resolve their warrants, can determine if they have a warrant or if it is eligible for this event.

It will take place at the Rochester BCTA station on 200 West Washington Street from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, October 6th.

Guests can establish payment plans for both costs and fines, re-establish bail, link with resources in the community, and reschedule their hearing dates at this event. 

For more information about this event, you can call 724-378-9063.