Author: Beaver County Radio

Giant Eagle on the South Side of Pittsburgh evacuated because of a bomb threat

(File Photo of Police Siren Lights)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The Giant Eagle on the South Side of Pittsburgh was evacuated yesterday because of a bomb threat. That store located in the 2000 block of Wharton Street has been given an all clear at this time and according to police, an anonymous call was made to 911 around 8:15 p.m. last night, stating that there was a bomb there. 40 to 50 people were evacuated after a bomb squad in Pittsburgh went in with bomb-sniffing dogs to search the store. The South Side of Pittsburgh Giant Eagle will reopen this morning. 

Virginia G. “Ginger” (Brougher) Brown (1937-2025)

Virginia G. “Ginger” (Brougher) Brown, 88, passed away peacefully on November 23rd, 2025. She was born in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania on July 7th, 1937, a daughter of the late Byron “Dutch” and Roberta Brougher. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 61 years, Ernest H. Brown, Jr., their son, Matthew, and her brother, Byron R. Brougher. She is survived by her loving family including her daughter, Karen (Darrell) Hooker, her son, Ernest “Buzz” (Mary) Brown, her sister, Nancy Brougher Davis, her sister-in-law, Lillian Brown Stout, six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Virginia spent many years in Aliquippa, Grove City, and then making her home in Williamsburg, Virginia for the past thirteen years. In her younger years, she worked for People’s Natural Gas Company in Hopewell, where she met the love of her life, Ernest H. “Ernie” Brown. The two built a beautiful life together and were blessed with 61 years of marriage. She led a full and joyful life. She was an active member of card clubs, and she loved traveling with friends and family. She was creative at heart and enjoyed crafting and painting, often sharing her work with those she loved. She was a positive, uplifting person who always looked for the best in others. Faith and fellowship were central to her life. In Pennsylvania, she and Ernest were devoted members of North Branch Presbyterian Church in Monaca, and after moving to Virginia, she continued her worship at Wellspring United Methodist Church in Williamsburg, Virginia. She served as a Deacon, sang in the choir, attended community bible studies, as well as participating in Meals-on-Wheels.

Friends will be received on Saturday, November 29th, from 12 noon until the time of a service following at 4 p.m. at Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of her arrangements. Interment will take place at Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

Virginia’s memory will forever remain in the hearts of her family and all who were blessed to share in her life. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Ginger’s name may be made to Wellspring United Methodist Church, 4871 Longhill Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188 or the Alzheimer’s Foundation.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Virginia G. “Ginger” Brown, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Grace E. Starkey (1936-2025)

Grace E. Starkey, 89, of Brighton Township, passed away at her home surrounded by her family on November 22nd, 2025.

She was born in Ohioville on April 27th, 1936, a daughter of the late James and Grace Porter Bloom. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Starkey, her sister, Joyce Martin and her grandson, Jaxen Starkey. She is survived by her four sons: Robert (Tracy) Starkey of Cranberry Township, Keith Starkey of Brighton Township, Kevin (Jacquelyn) Starkey of Cranberry Township and Chris (Nikki) Starkey of Brighton Township; along with her sister, Shirley Shoaff of Salem, Ohio; as well as her grandchildren: Jaret, Caleb, Alexia and Alyssa Starkey; along with her step-granddaughter, Michelle Schinke, her step-great-grandchildren, Victoria, Jordan and Julia Schinke, along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Grace was a resident of Ohioville and Brighton Township who retired after a 10-year career as a secretary and billing clerk with Beaver County Drug and Alcohol in Vanport Township. She was also formerly involved for many years with the Brighton Township Fire Department Auxiliary.

Friends will be received on Sunday, November 30th from 12 noon until 4 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where a funeral service will take place on Monday, December 1st at 11 a.m. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Grace’s name may be made to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Broadhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

The family would like to thank Three Oaks Hospice for the excellent care given to Grace the last several months.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Grace E. Starkey, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home by clicking here.

Edward C. Dierdorf (Passed on November 22nd, 2025)

Edward C. Dierdorf, 86, of Center Township, passed away on November 22nd, 2025, in Heritage Valley Beaver. He was born and raised in Monaca, the son of the late Harry and Hazel (Cain) Dierdorf. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Joe Turkovich. He is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret (Waxler) Dierdorf and their three children, Edward (Dayna) Dierdorf, Eric (Janice) Dierdorf and Anne (William) Dwyer, his grandchildren: Daniel (Morgan) Dierdorf, Heidi Dierdorf ( Michael), Scott (Alexa) Dierdorf, Hayley (Jacoby) Miller, and Kurt Dierdorf; along with his fiancée, Brooke, his great-grandchildren: Austin Gallagher, Bexlee and Axel Miller, Mikey and Maverick Hall; who brought him immeasurable happiness, a brother, Harry (Susan) Dierdorf, and his sister, Shirley Turkovich.

Edward attended Monaca schools and fostered a lifelong love for baseball. This passion for the sport was evident in his younger days as a talented pitcher and later as a respected coach for Little League, Pony League, Legion League, and high school baseball teams. He was a hardworking and proud steel worker who devoted many years to Colonial Steel in Monaca. Outside work, he continued to enjoy the camaraderie through his active involvement in the Colonial Steel Golf League and the Center Vets Golf League, where his love for golf was as evident as his love for baseball. Edward was a member of North Branch Presbyterian Church in Monaca and his love for animals was evident through his affection for dogs and cats, which brought additional warmth to his home and life. Family and friends are welcome to attend his memorial service on Saturday, November 29th at 11 a.m. at the North Branch Presbyterian Church, 139 North Branch Road, Monaca. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

Due to Edward’s love of animals, the family has suggested those wishing to make a memorial contribution in his memory to please consider the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Broadhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Edward, please visit the floral store of Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services by clicking here.

Bertha “Bert” (Roberson) Farls (1927-2025)

Bertha “Bert” (Roberson) Farls, 98, of Brighton Township, passed away on November 22nd, 2025 at Heritage Valley Beaver. She was born on June 18th, 1927, in her family’s farmhouse in White Oak near Fredericksburg, Virginia. She was the daughter of the late Thomas W. Roberson and Bertha Mary Roberson and the youngest of nine children. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 64 years, Dr. Robert J. Farls, her brother-in-law, Dr. J.F. (Jack) Farls, all eight of her siblings and many special lifelong friends.

She is survived by her loving children, son James (Barb) Farls of Sebastian, Florida, and her daughter, Jill (Dennis) Lynch of Aiken, South Carolina and by her cherished grandchildren: Adam (Carrie) Kaneski of Nashville, Tennessee, Katie (Jason) Sica of Wilmington, Delaware, Ashleigh Kaneski of Nashville, Tennessee, Emily (Mike) Tolliver of Beaver, Bob (Nicole) Farls of Beaver, and Kara (Dillon) Pearson of North Augusta, South Carolina; as well as her precious great-grandchildren include: Kylie and Naomi Sica; Stella, Mila, Lilyana and Asher Kaneski, Levi and Eliana Tolliver and Peyton and Dex Pearson, two sisters-in-law, Kay Farls Baumann of Sebring, Ohio and Darlene Farls of Baden, along with many special nieces and nephews.

Bertha graduated from Falmouth High School in Virginia in 1945, where she was a cheerleader and active in the drama club and chorus. She attended Mary Washington College and, in 1949, was crowned runner-up in the Miss Fredericksburg, Virginia, contest. In November of 1951, on a blind date, she met her future husband, Dr. Robert Farls. They celebrated their love story for 64 years until his passing in 2015. She and her husband made their home in Brighton Township beginning in 1962. For 20 winters, they spent the season in Key West, Boca Raton, and their final home Vero Beach, Florida. She always felt blessed to escape the cold winter months and encouraged family and friends to visit and enjoy the sunshine. She joined The Medical Center Auxiliary, now known as Beaver Heritage, in 1968 and served until 2015. She was also a member of the Women’s Lioness Club and several card clubs, where she formed lifelong friendships. An avid reader, she loved crocheting afghans and scarves for family and friends throughout the years. As she grew older, she also enjoyed coloring, a hobby introduced to her by a dear friend. She was a member of Four Mile Presbyterian Church in Beaver and she was active in Sunday school, youth group, and the United Presbyterian Women’s Organization, before later becoming a member of Chapel Presbyterian (PCA) in Brighton Township. Above all, her greatest role and deepest source of pride was being a loving and devoted wife, mother, Nanny, and Great Nan. She poured her heart and soul into her family. Her devotion, wisdom, generosity, and warmth will be profoundly missed.

A visitation will be held on Friday, November 28th from 2 p.m. until the time of a short service following at 4 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of her arrnagements. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital and the American Heart Association.

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

Shapiro Administration Reminds Drivers to Put the Phone Down, Buckle Up, and Drive Sober this Holiday Travel Season

(File Photo of the PennDOT logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) According to a release from the PennDOT Communications Office in Harrisburg yesterday, PennDOT, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, (PA Turnpike) the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), and the Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) came together yesterday to remind drivers to wear their seat belts, drive sober, and eliminate distractions behind the wheel. Throughout an upcoming period known as Operation Safe Holiday which goes until November 30th, law enforcement will conduct some sobriety checkpoints, roving patrols, and regular traffic safety patrols to crack down on drivers that are impaired by drugs or alcohol. Pennsylvania law makes a requirement for any occupant younger than 18 to buckle their seatbelt when riding in a vehicle. However, you should always buckle your seatbelt when entering a car. Paul Miller’s Law, which is a law that prohibits people using hand-held devices while driving even at a red light, is now in effect in Pennsylvania. This law reminds Pennsylvanians to not use their phones or other devices when their vehicle is in motion. According to that same release from the PennDOT communications office, here is some tips that the aforementioned agencies that got together recently provide for drivers that are involved in crashes:

  • Move your vehicle as far as possible from the travel lanes if it’s able to be driven.
  • Call 911 right away if your vehicle or another involved vehicle cannot be driven due to damage, or if one of the involved parties is injured.
  • Remain inside the vehicle with your seat belt on and hazard lights activated if your vehicle is disabled in the lane of travel.
  • If it’s not safe to remain inside your vehicle, assess the situation and get yourself and passengers to a place of safety such as behind a barrier or guiderail. Do so as quickly as possible and DO NOT remain in the travel lanes or near your vehicle.
  • Exchange information with the other driver(s). Be sure to obtain the name, insurance company name, and phone number of each of the other drivers. If you cannot obtain this information, write down the license plate number of each of the other drivers.
  • Other important information is as follows:
    • The year, make, and model of each of the other cars.
    • If there are witnesses, their names and contact information.
    • If an officer comes to the scene, their name, badge number, police report number, and contact information.
  • After the crash, write down the date, time, and location. If possible, take photos. Write down what happened.

Wanda J. Caltury (passed on November 22nd, 2025)

Wanda Jean Caltury, 82, of Monaca, passed away on November 22nd, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Fallston, Pennsylvania, a daughter of the late Carl and Viola (Gossard) Beckert, and her early years were shaped by the loving guidance of them. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Eugene “Buddy” Caltury, her stepson, Tony Caltury, and her siblings: Art, John, and Chuck Beckert, and Katy Valentine. She is survived by a sister, Louise Hawrylak and four devoted daughters: Roberta Cooper, Diane (David) Westover, Marcy (Joe) Rudolph, and Leigh (Clint) Keenan; as well as her grandchildren: Sarah, Dave, Tyler, Marisa, Trevor, Brittany, Olivia, Jesse, Christian and Andy; who will forever hold dear her memory, and her great-grandchildren: Oliver, Vera, Samuel, Elizabeth, and Sebastian; who held a very special place in her heart. Wanda also found companionship and joy with her loving partner, Bob Brooks, in her later years.

Wanda’s life was a testament to her unwavering love of family, dedication to her profession, and deep passion for enjoying life’s simple pleasures. Her professional life was marked by a long career as a dental hygienist and office manager for Dr. Philip Plottel of Sewickley. She truly enjoyed her work and developed life-long friendships with her co-workers. She loved spending time with her family and friends. She found great joy in playing cards and games, traveling into the city, and dining out with loved ones. Her home was the heart of many cherished traditions, including the hosting of Christmas Eve and BOOM! parties that are fondly remembered by all who attended. Her front porch was a haven for conversation and relaxation, and her love for long drives in the countryside searching for deer and wildlife spoke to her appreciation for nature’s beauty. She was all heart, possessing a strong will and remarkable resilience that inspired those around her.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, November 25th 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 a service will also be held on Wednesday, November 26th at 10 a.m. with family friend Reverend Jill McGregor officiating. Interment will follow in St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, 1270 Chapel Road, Monaca.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Wanda, please visit the floral store of Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services by clicking here.

Doris Purcell Hess (1933-2025)

Doris Purcell Hess, 92, of Brighton Township, passed away on November 22nd, 2025. She was born in Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania on June 11th, 1933, a daughter of the late Edward and Emily Griffiths Purcell. In addition to her parents, Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Wallace Lee Hess, her sister, Emily (Bill) Thatcher, her brother, James Purcell, her nephew, David Thatcher. She is survived by her son, Dr. Gary R. (Janet) Hess, her daughter, Lynda Beth Hess (Robert) Tate, her grandchildren: Jourdan (Geoff) Kestler, Jonathan (Krista) Tate, Tanner and Aubrey Hess and Elizabeth Logan; along with her great-grandchildren: Cole, Tate, Sutton Madelyn and Emery Kestler; as well as her nephew, Donald Thatcher.

Doris graduated from Olney High School in Philadelphia and attended Penn State University. In 1957, she married Dr. Wallace L. Hess. She was a loving mother and grandmother who was also active in her community as a member of the Beaver Juniors Woman’s Club and Rochester Lioness Club. Doris earned a Ruby Life Master for the ACBL and served as a board member for the New Brighton Children’s Home. She was a faithful 60-year member of Park Presbyterian Church in Beaver.

In accordance with Doris’ wishes, all services are private. Professional arrangements have been entrusted to Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

Donations in Doris’ name may be sent to Park Presbyterian Church, 275 Commerce Street, Beaver, PA 15009.

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

New Brighton welcomes Dunkin’ Donuts and Dollar Tree

(File Photo of Open for Business Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(New Brighton, PA) New Brighton recently welcomed two new businesses. The first was the new Dollar Tree store to sell its general items that opened on November 17th, 2025. It is located on 1235 Fifth Avenue in the former location of Family Dollar. The Dollar Tree is open on Mondays to Wednesdays, Friday and Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The second was a new Dunkin Donuts store to sell its food items like donuts and coffee that opened yesterday located at 507 Fifth Street, which replaced the former Pizza Joe’s which was at the approach to the New Brighton-Beaver Falls Bridge. The Dunkin Donuts is open every day from 4:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Phyllis L. (John) Roe (1939-2025)

Phyllis L. (John) Roe, 86, of Patterson Township, passed away peacefully on November 22nd, 2025, at Poland Village Assisted Living in Poland, Ohio.

She was born in Adrian, Pennsylvania on July 21st, 1939, a daughter of the late Sherman and Wilda (Helms) John. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Willam Roe, her son-in-law, Richard Brooks and her siblings: Chambers, Hubert, Sherman Jr., Richard, Edna, Maxine, Sally, Mary, Olive, and Gladene. She is survived by her daughter, Kimberly Brooks, her grandchildren: Robert, Heather, Jake, and Lizzie; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Phyllis earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing and had retired from the Beaver Medical Center after many years of faithful service. In her free time, she enjoyed precious moments she spent with her family, sewing, and quilting.

Services for Phyllis will be held privately for family and inurnment will be in Beaver Falls Cemetery, 2045 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls.

The GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, was honored to be caring for Phyllis and her family during this time and was the funeral home that was in charge of her arrangements.