Author: Beaver County Radio

Pennsylvania State Police Investigate 1,098 Crashes, Make 378 DUI Arrests Over New Year’s Holiday

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) released traffic enforcement and crash statistics for the New Year’s holiday today as part of the Shapiro Administration’s ongoing effort to protect travelers and keep Pennsylvania roadways safe. The PSP investigated 1,098 vehicle crashes from December 31st, 2025 to January 4th, 2026, and three of them resulted in fatalities. Impaired driving was identified as a factor in 69 of those crashes. Troopers arrested 378 individuals during that five-day holiday period for driving under the influence and issued the following 4,377 citations for speeding, 508 citations for not wearing a seat belt and 60 citations for not securing children in safety seats. According to a release in Harrisburg today from the PSP, here are the statistics from their recent enforcement:

Table 1: New Year’s Weekend Crash Data

Year Total Crashes Fatal Crashes People Killed Injury-Related Crashes DUI-Related Crashes DUI-Related Fatal Crashes
2026 (5 days) 1,098 3 3 158 69 1
2025 (3 days) 511 1 1 81 39 0

 

Table 2: New Year’s Weekend Enforcement Data

Year DUI Arrests Speeding Citations Child Seat Citations Seat Belt Citations Other Citations
2026 (5 days) 378 4,377 60 508 12,384
2025 (3 days) 241 2,844 45 383 9,155

 

These statistics cover only those incidents that were investigated by the PSP and they do not include incidents to which other law enforcement agencies responded.

New Castle Man Sentenced for Role in Interstate Drug Trafficking Operation

(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Revetti announced today that sixty-year-old Edward Dietrich of New Castle, has been sentenced in federal court on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws. Dietrich was sentenced to six days in jail, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiring to distribute cocaine, fentanyl and heroin. Dietrich, who suffers from multiple serious physical and medical conditions, participated in a conspiracy that wanted to distribute large quantities of controlled substances in New Castle as well as in Detroit, Michigan. According to information presented to the Court, Dietrich primarily participated in the conspiracy by allowing fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine to be stored inside and distributed from his New Castle residence for months between August of 2023 and August of 2024, with him having received controlled substances as compensation for the use of his residence for that purpose.

Patricia Diane (Laney) Wagstrom (1945-2026)

Patricia Diane (Laney) Wagstrom, 80, of Beaver Falls, passed away peacefully on January 5th, 2026, at Lakeview Personal Care Home in Darlington, surrounded by her loving daughter and the compassionate caregivers who attended her.

She was born in Sewickley on March 10th, 1945, the beloved daughter of the late Robert L. Laney, Jr. and Margaret A. (Pethtel) Laney. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband and the father of her children, Robert Lenda, her beloved husband, Raymond Wagstrom and her brother, Robert L. Laney, III. She is survived by her loving children, Ellen Caputo (Gary) Young and David (Tracy) Lenda, her step-grandchildren, Madelene (Owen) North, Gage (Grace) Young, Kyle (Kaitlyn) Howe and Kacey Howe; as well as her cherished step great-grandchildren, Jolene and Wyatt. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Kristy Laney-Palitti, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will fondly remember her kindness and gentle spirit.

Patricia devoted her life to caring for others, both personally and professionally. She began her career as a registered nurse and later retired as a quality assurance specialist, always bringing compassion, diligence, and integrity to her work. She was a faithful and longtime member of Raccoon United Presbyterian Church in Aliquippa who shared her deep love of music through worship and playing the piano and organ for many years. Her musical gifts were cultivated at God’s Bible School in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she majored in voice and developed the beautiful talent that would become a defining part of her life. She generously shared her voice with all who knew her. She sang with the Youngstown Symphony Chorus, performed at Carnegie Hall, toured throughout Europe, and more recently found great joy performing with the Sweet Adelines. Whether on a grand stage or among family and friends, her music was a heartfelt expression of her faith and love.

Friends will be received on Saturday, January 10th, from 10 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 1 p.m. at GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREAMTION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Diane’s honor to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt “Thank You” to the staff of Lakeview Personal Care, especially Sarah, Danielle, Misty, Carol and Eric, as well as Heartland Hospice nurses, Alyssa and Kayla, for their kind and compassionate care that was shown.

Don Galzarano (1954-2026)

Don Galzarano, 71, a longtime resident of Brighton Township, passed away on January 5th, 2026. He was a devoted husband, father, and a deeply loving grandfather whose family was always at the center of his life. He was born on May 5th, 1954, a beloved son of Dominick and Margaret Galzarano, who instilled in him the values of family, hard work, and generosity that he carried throughout his life. He was also a cherished brother to Charles Galzarano (married to Deitra Galzarano) and Denise Cogan (married to Doug Cogan). He is also survived by his beloved wife, Linda Galzarano, his children, Don Galzarano, Richard Galzarano and LeAnn Galzarano, his daughters-in-law, Stephanie Yee and Hollie Galzarano, his cherished grandchildren: Vivienne Galzarano, Alexander Galzarano, Matteo Galzarano, Alina Galzarano, Stella Galzarano, Dominic Moore, and Geno Moore, his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Jeanne and Mark Didiano and Anna Marie and Joe Kodba, who were very important to him and held a special place in his life.
Don was affectionately known as both “Pop Pop” and “Pap Pap.” to his grandchildren. He was a loving and proud grandfather who found great joy in time spent with them. He will be best remembered for his unselfish acts of service to his family, always putting the needs of others before his own, his love of cars, and for the many happy hours he spent golfing with friends and family, a pastime that brought him connection and joy.
A visitation will be held on Friday, January 9th from 3-7 p.m. in the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where departing prayers will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 10th, followed by a mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. in Our Lady Of Fatima Church 2270 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa. Entombment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 2186 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa.
His legacy is one of love, generosity, and quiet devotion. He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

 

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Don Galzarano, please visit the Sympathy Store of the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Tidioute, Pennsylvania man not charged after causing a single-vehicle crash in Moon Township

(File Photo of a Police Siren Light)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Moon Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Pittsburgh reported via release today that thirty-eight-year-old Stephen Flambard of Tidioute, Pennsylvania was not charged after causing a single-vehicle crash in Moon Township on the early morning of December 2nd, 2025. At 1:56 a.m., Flambard was driving on I-376 West and hit a guide rail after driving from the lane of travel. Flambard was not injured as a result of this crash. The vehicle of Flambard also sustained damage that was disabling to its front end. 

Charges withdrawn for Hookstown man who caused a single-vehicle crash in Pittsburgh

(File Photo of Police Siren Lights)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Pittsburgh reported via release yesterday that charges were withdrawn from sixty-two-year-old Ernest Nero of Hookstown after he caused a single-vehicle crash in Pittsburgh yesterday evening. At 6:09 p.m., Nero was traveling on I-376 East onto exit ramp 72A and he veered off of the left side of the ramp, hitting his head on an impact attenuator. Nero was on route to the VA before he sustained blood loss, which caused him to black out, and he was evaluated by EMS before being transported to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital for further evaluation. The vehicle of Nero was also damaged.

State Police Conducting NFL Pre-Draft Trainings and Exercises to Ensure Safe and Secure Celebrations in April

(File Photo of the Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Badge)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Troop B of the Pennsylvania State Police is committed to collaborating with all of their
partners to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for the 2026 NFL Draft. Just before 9 A.M. yesterday, a State Police helicopter landed at Point State Park for
approximately eight minutes. This pre-draft exercise was a step that was crucial for public safety
planning, location layout familiarization, and communications testing.
Pennsylvania State Police plans to work with the City of Pittsburgh, and their local partners to continue additional
exercises and training in the Pittsburgh area leading up to the NFL Draft.

Former Blackhawk high school football standout Marques Watson-Trent declares for 2026 NFL Draft

(File Photo of the Blackhawk School District Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) University of Nebraska linebacker and former Blackhawk high school football standout Marques Watson-Trent has declared for the 2026 NFL draft, which will be held in Pittsburgh from April 23rd-25th, 2026. Watson-Trent made this decision on Saturday and if he is drafted, he will be the first Beaver County football player to be drafted since MJ Devonshire, the Aliquippa alum and former Pitt defensive back who is now a cornerback on the practice squad of the Buffalo Bills. Devonshire was selected as the 229th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders. 

Joseph McGettigan, the Pennsylvania prosecutor in Jerry Sandusky and John du Pont cases, dies at 76

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – Joseph McGettigan III, Pennsylvania senior deputy attorney general arrives at the Centre County Courthouse for the second day of the testimony in the trial of former Penn State University assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky, Tuesday, June, 12, 2012 in Bellefonte, Pa. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Joseph E. McGettigan III, a Pennsylvania prosecutor who obtained criminal convictions against Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky and chemical heir John du Pont, has died at age 76.

McGettigan, who lived in the Philadelphia suburb of Media, died on Dec. 31, according to the funeral home Boyd Horrox Givnish Life Celebration Home of East Norriton.

He was a senior deputy attorney general when he served as a lead prosecutor in the trial of Sandusky on child molestation charges in 2012. During the closing argument, McGettigan showed jurors photos of eight of Sandusky’s victims as children, all of whom had taken the stand.

“He molested and abused and hurt these children horribly,” McGettigan said. “He knows he did it, and you know he did it. Find him guilty of everything.” Sandusky was convicted of 45 of 48 counts.

McGettigan was an assistant district attorney in Delaware County when he prosecuted du Pont, who was found guilty of third-degree murder but mentally ill in the death of Olympic gold medal-winning freestyle wrestler David Schultz at du Pont’s palatial estate outside Philadelphia in 1996. Schultz come to live and train at a state-of-the-art training center that du Pont had built on his property.

Du Pont died in a Pennsylvania prison in 2010 at the age of 72. Sandusky, 81, is currently serving a 30- to 60-year sentence in state prison.

McGettigan’s work as prosecutor, which also included a stint in Philadelphia, often involved murder and child molestation cases. More recently he had been a lawyer in private practice, including work on behalf of crime victims.

Survivors include his wife, Gay Warren; his mother, Ruth L. McGettigan; and six siblings.