Author: Beaver County Radio

Diana Lee Rape (1944-2024)

Diana Lee Rape, 79, of New Sewickley Township passed away on August 28, 2024 at her home. She was born on November 4, 1944 in Rochester, the daughter of the late Edward R. and Florence (Johnston) Weigel. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Duane J. Rape, one daughter and son-in-law, Deana R. Rape and her husband Keith Ditmore of New Sewickley Township, two grandsons, Colten Ditmore of New Sewickley Township and Levi Ditmore of Henderson, Kentucky, a sister, Marylouise Chandler of Rimersburg, Pennsylvania and a brother-in-law and sister-in-law David and Susan Rape of New Sewickley Township, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Diana was a retired employee of Freedom Valvoline of Freedom and had been a past employee of the former Sears and Roebuck Company where she worked in Human Resources. She was a member of the Unionville United Methodist Church.  Friends will be received on Saturday, August 31 from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. in the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester where services will be held on Sunday, September 1 at 2:00 PM with Rev. Alan Morrison presiding. A private interment will be held Tuesday, September 3 at Oak Grove Lutheran Church Cemetery of New Sewickley Township.

Thomas M. Bowser (1942-2024)

Thomas M. Bowser, 81, of Center Township, passed away on August 27, 2024, after a brief illness with his family by his side. He was born on September 30, 1942.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Clara (Black) Yoho, his parents-in-law, Ed and AnnaMae Becker. A son, Tommy Bowser, a daughter, Jana Perich, and an infant son. He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Jeanne Bowser, his children, Sherry (Bill) Cottage, Janine (Matt) Sneed, Jakki (JaQuan) Pennington, Jocelyn (Dennis Miller) Bowser, former-son-in-law, Chris Scabora, grandchildren, Billy (Mallory) Cottage, Brandy (Thomas) Brown, Addi Bowser, Jaxon and Maddox Sneed, Jionna Scabora, and Jiovanni and Juju Pennington, great-grandchildren, BC, Ophelia, and Ranger, brothers and sisters, Isabel Bowser, Jeannie (Larry) Richael, George (Erma) Yoho, and Bill (June) Roho. Sisters-in-law, Vicki (Adrian Butter) Becker, Bernadette (John Sr.) Girata and a brother-in-law, Edwin (Anne) Becker, nieces and nephews, John (Megan), Michael (Rachel), Christine (Jimmy), and Miles and Juda, his former wife, Linda Whippo, special neighbors, Mark and Julie Oresconin, and friends Bob and Sue Frey. Thomas worked at St. Joe and Zinc Corp. and was the founder of Bowser’s Restaurant along with his son, Tommy. He was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan. He cherished the moments spent watching the Steelers with his son-in-law Bill. He had a passion for bowling and golf, often spending his leisure time perfecting his swing or aiming for a strike. Tom also found joy in puzzling with his daughter Sherry. He eagerly anticipated and looked forward to attending PGA tournaments with his brother-in-law Adrian, where they bonded over the shared love for the sport. Tom was a beloved neighbor, known for his friendly waves as he sat in his driveway, greeting everyone with a warm smile. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Tom’s legacy of love, family, and sportsmanship will forever remain with his family.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 3rd, from 3 p.m. until the time of service at 6 p.m. in the ANTHONY MASTROFRANCESCO FUNERAL HOME INC. 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.

Pennsylvania ammunition plant upgrading production for artillery shells

(Story written by Noah Haswell of Beaver County Radio, Published on August 28, 2024 at 9:53 A.M.)

A Pennsylvania ammunition plant upped production by 50% to meet surging demand. The Scranton Army Ammunition Plant, who makes a key artillery shell in Russia’s attack against Ukraine recently increased production of 155 mm howitzer shells from 24,000 to 36,000 rounds per month. Government officials say three new production lines are under development that will allow the Scranton facility to produce even more of the critical munitions. On Tuesday, plant officials gave a tour of the plant to showcase an modernization that continues and is priced at $400 million.

Southwestern Pennsylvania experiences fracking increase

Fracking is on the rise in southwestern Pennsylvania, leading to more plastic production and harsh consequences for residents. Washington County is heavily fracked, with almost 4,000 fracking wells on top of current and legacy coal mines. Sarah Martik, Executive Director of the Center for Coalfield Justice, says conversations are happening at the national and global level about fracking, impacting the way the fossil fuel industry wants to operate in the area. She adds the demand for more plastic is driving some of the increased fracking in the area.

(Reported by Danielle Smith, reporter from Keystone State News Service, Published at 9:46 A.M.)

Permit applications will be accepted to sell ready-to-drink cocktails in Pennsylvania

(Story written by Noah Haswell of Beaver County Radio, Published on August 28, 2024 at 9:19 A.M.)

(Pittsburgh, PA) Permit applications are now being accepted by The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board to sell ready-to-drink cocktails. Governor Josh Shapiro signed a bill this summer that gives several grocery stores in Pennsylvania to sell alcoholic beverages with 0.5% to 12.5% ABV in containers up to 16 ounces for off-premise consumption. The law will take effect on September 16, and the permits will not be given until that date.

Man robs more than $85 from Dollar General Store in Aliquippa

(Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published August 28, 2024 at 9:12 A.M.)

(Aliquippa, PA) A black male was caught on Sunday night after robbing a Dollar General Store in Aliquippa on Sheffield Road. According to the police report, the black male stole $85.34 in items at 5:58 p.m. The man was caught on the store’s surveillance camera.

 

Multiple local school districts dismissing students early today because of high temperatures

(Story written by Noah Haswell of Beaver County Radio, Published at 9:18 A.M.)

(Shaler, PA) Multiple local school districts were given an early dismissal schedule today because of the high temperatures recently. The schools include Freedom Area School District, New Kensington-Arnold School District, and Shaler Area School District. This comes after the announcement from a spokesperson from Pittsburgh Public Schools on Monday that 37 schools without air conditioning will also be on an early dismissal schedule for today’s school day.

President Biden and Vice President Harris to hold campaign starting this week in Pittsburgh

(Story written by Noah Haswell of Beaver County Radio, Published at 8:53 A.M.)

(Pittsburgh, PA) President Joe Biden and Vice President and Democratic Presidential Nominee Kamala Harris will make an appearance in Pittsburgh. According to the White House, the duo will start a campaign event this week. The event will be on Labor Day, September 2nd. It is the first time that President Biden will join Vice President Harris for a campaign together since Vice President Harris accepted the Democratic Presidential Nomination and she returns to Pittsburgh after stopping by on her bus tour with Governor Tim Walz, her running mate, last week.

Former President Trump to hold rally in Johnstown on Friday

(Story written by Noah Haswell of Beaver County Radio, Published at 8:51 A.M.)

(Johnstown, PA) Republican Presidential Nominee and Former President Donald Trump continues his presidential campaign in Pennsylvania as he prepares for a rally in Johnstown on Friday afternoon. The doors will open at 12:30 p.m., while the rally will begin at 4:30 p.m. at 1st Summit Arena, located at Cambria County War Memorial. This is the fourth time that Former President Trump has been in Pennsylvania since he was almost assassinated in Butler on July 13, and he will return to Butler in October with the date of that future rally still to be determined.

Paul Wooley (Passed August 26, 2024)

Paul “Curley” Wooley passed peacefully on August 26, 2024.

He was preceded in death by family members Lynn Stahl and Vic Stahl, and his three brothers Jim, Bob and Herb.

He is survived by his sons and daughters in law Mike and Tracey Wooley, Jay and Catie Wooley and Victor Stahl; daughters Adrienne Wooley and Becket Stahl; grandchildren Olivia and Kaelin Wooley and Donovan Stahl; and his sister Arlene Hill.

Paul was a gentle and social man with many friends. He loved his large family and was our greatest asset, doing a thousand small kindnesses to make everyone’s life easier. He was so very proud of all of us and his greatest happiness was in spending time with us.

Paul spent most of his life in his beloved Beaver Falls area, then moved to Beaver and loved it as well. You could set your watch by his twice daily trips to The Office in Chippewa to banter with his friends. He spent his career at the Beaver Falls Post Office and was known by all.

Friends will be received on Thursday August 29 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.
A graveside service will be conducted Tuesday, September 3, at 12:00 P.M. at Beaver Cemetery. A lunch to follow at 1:00 P.M. at Wolley Bullys of New Brighton. The family welcomes all who knew him to come and share your stories.