Author: Beaver County Radio

Donald J. Dowlin III (1962-2024)

Donald J. “Butch” Dowlin III, 61, of Ohioville, passed away on April 7, 2024 at home, surrounded by loved ones after a lengthy battle with his health.

He was born on May 25, 1962, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, a son of the late Donald J. Dowlin Jr. and the late Joyce White Antonis, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of nearly 35 years, Delon (Fisher) Dowlin; a daughter, Corrine (Samuel) Dowlin-Guido; Two sisters, Darlene (Tim) Beck and Debbie Meechum; a mother and father-in-law, Patricia and Nick Porto; an aunt and uncle, Leon and Delores Dowlin, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, and his closest friend, Dean (Tammie) Chevalier.

A 1981 graduate of Western Beaver High School, he was a foreman at Watco Industries in Industry, Pennsylvania for many years. He rose through the ranks at Watco, starting as a laborer and heavy equipment operator. He was a lifetime member of the Midland Sportsman’s Club and an avid outdoorsman. He had a sharp wit and an even sharper shot. He spoke fluent sarcasm and could make a friend wherever he went. Butch was a loving husband, a great father, an amazing cook and a loyal friend.

The Dowlin Family wishes to express their gratitude to the many friends, family, and neighbors who aided Butch and the family throughout his ongoing medical complications, especially Dean, Tammie, and Elissa Chevalier for their continued guidance and steadfast support.

The family will receive friends Friday, April 12, 2024, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. A Memorial Service will be conducted on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. at New Salem Presbyterian Church, 348 Salem Church Road, Midland, Pennsylvania.

Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

Shapiro Administration Reminds Voters the Deadline to Apply for a Mail Ballot

Harrisburg, PA – Registered Pennsylvania voters planning to vote by mail ballot in the April 23 primary election have one week left to apply for their ballot online or in person, Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt said today.

The official deadline to apply for a mail ballot is April 16, though Schmidt urges those who want to vote by mail to apply for and return their completed ballot as soon as possible to ensure their vote can be counted.

“With just one week until the deadline, voters who wish to vote by mail ballot should apply online or in person today, so they still have time to receive their ballot, complete it, and return it by 8 p.m. Election Day, which is April 23 this year,” Schmidt said. “Also, remember that voters who apply for a mail ballot in person at their county board of elections office can complete their ballot and return it all in one visit.”

To date, more than 835,000 Pennsylvanians have applied for a mail ballot, which includes no-excuse mail-in and absentee ballots.

Whether they complete their mail ballot at home or at their county board of elections, voters are strongly encouraged to read all instructions carefully and follow these easy steps to ensure their ballot can be counted:

  • Read all instructions enclosed with the ballot.
  • Fill out the ballot by following the instructions on how to mark selections.
  • Seal the ballot in the yellow inner secrecy envelope marked “official election ballot.” Do not make any stray marks on the envelope.
  • Seal the yellow inner secrecy envelope in the pre-addressed outer return envelope.
  • Sign and put the current date on the voter’s declaration on the outer return envelope. Note: The voter’s declaration features an icon of a hand holding a pen. The witness section on the outer envelope needs to be filled out only if a voter requires assistance to complete their ballot.
  • Mail or hand-deliver the completed ballot to their county board of elections, or hand-deliver the ballot to an officially designated satellite office or drop box..

Under Pennsylvania law, a voter may hand-deliver only their own ballot. The only exceptions to this rule are for voters with a disability who have designated someone in writing to deliver their ballot and for voters who need an emergency absentee ballot.

County election offices must receive all completed mail ballots – whether they are mail-in or absentee ballots – by 8 p.m. on Election Day, April 23. Mail ballots returned after that time, even if postmarked by 8 p.m. April 23, will not count.

Polls will be open 7 a.m. through 8 p.m. on Election Day for those eligible voters who want to vote in person.

The Department of State’s voter information website vote.pa.gov – available in English, Spanish, and Chinese – offers voter registration applications, a polling place locator, and contact information for county elections offices. It also includes tips for first-time voters, mail-in and absentee voters, elderly and disabled voters, and members of the military.

Only voters registered as Democrats or Republicans may select nominees in the primary to represent their party in the Nov. 5 general election, but all voters are eligible to vote on constitutional amendments and ballot questions. While there are no constitutional amendments or statewide ballot questions this primary election, voters should refer to their county elections board for more information on any local ballot question or special election in their voting district.

For more information on voting and elections, visit vote.pa.gov or call the Department of State’s year-round hotline, 1-877-VOTES-PA (1-877-868-3772), which offers information and interpretation services in more than 200 languages.

Consumer Protection Committee approves Matzie bills to add safeguards and protect ratepayers in municipal water/wastewater system sales

HARRISBURG, April 9 – The House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee on Tuesday approved a package of bills introduced by Majority Chairman Rob Matzie that would add protections for ratepayers when private companies acquire municipal water and wastewater systems.

Matzie, D-Beaver, said the legislation is needed to ensure consumer interests remain front and center.

“When public works like municipal water and wastewater systems are sold to private companies, ratepayers can end up bearing the burden of inflated sales prices through increased rates,” Matzie said. “Our legislation would help prevent that by adding greater transparency to these transactions, ensuring that PUC has sufficient time to review proposed sales, and easing the burden on consumers by limiting the purchase price of healthy systems and spreading out any future rate increases.

“It’s inevitable that these sales are going to happen. When they do, we need the proper safeguards in place to ensure consumer interests remain a central part of the equation.”

The specific bills include:

  • H.B. 1862, which could impose enhanced notification requirements for private acquisitions of municipal water/wastewater systems.
  • H.B. 1863, which would give the PUC more time to evaluate proposed private acquisitions of municipal water/wastewater systems.
  • H.B, 1864, which would ease the immediate impact on ratepayers resulting from private acquisitions of municipal water/wastewater systems.
  • H.B. 1865, which would impose a purchase price ceiling on private acquisitions of non-stressed municipal water/wastewater systems.

Matzie introduced the legislation together with state Reps. Lisa Borowski, Carol Kazeem, Leanne Krueger, and Jennifer O’Mara, all D-Delaware; Liz Hanbidge, D-Montgomery; and Christina Sappey, D-Chester.

Vicky L. Casey (1944-2024)

Vicky L. Casey, 78, of Chippewa Twp., passed away on Monday, April 8, 2024 in UPMC-Shadyside.

Born August 11, 1945, in Beaver Falls, she was the daughter of the late David and Maude (Altmeyer) Saras.  Vicky was a devoted member of the former St. Philomena Catholic Church. She shared her kindness and compassion with her fellow parishioners where she served on many church committees, taught CCD, and was a Eucharistic Minister.  Her commitment to the church’s mission and her tireless efforts in serving others was rewarded to Vicky when she received the Father Marcus O’Brien Award from the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

Vicky also enjoyed hosting gatherings for her family and friends. Her home was always filled with laughter, delicious food, and love. Whether it was a holiday celebration or a simple get-together, she delighted in creating memorable moments for her loved ones.  She also enjoyed baking and crafting.

She will be remembered for her generosity, and her unwavering love for her family and friends. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth and kindness that will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald L. Casey; her brothers, David and Tom Saras; and a sister, Florence Eggensberger.

Vicky is survived by her two daughters, Amy Gilbert and her husband Roger, and Jill Casey and her husband Rich Alexander; her four grandchildren, Kelsey Greco, Michael “Mikey” Greco, Sara (Chris) Flether and Miranda (Paul) Salzler; her three great-grandchildren, Beatrice Fletcher and Aiden and Gabe Salzler; her sister, Thelma Aiken; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Friends will be received on Saturday, April 13th from 10AM until the time of blessing service at 1PM in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Rd., Chippewa Twp.

Private interment will take place in Grandview Cemetery.

Rochester-Beaver Bridge to close for filming next Friday

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published April 10, 2024 11:48 P.M.

(Beaver, Pa) A road closure announced for the Route 51 Rochester-Beaver Bridge had residents questioning the reason for the closure. Beaver Borough Police Department and the Bridgewater Borough both released alerts on Facebook citing a temporary closure will take place on Friday, April 19, 2024, from 7:00 A.M. to 11:30 P.M. Bridgewater stated the closure was for a “special event”.

Beaver County Radio reached out to PennDot to ask about the closure. PennDot initially told Beaver County Radio that they currently did not have knowledge of the closure as of Wednesday morning. PennDot investigated and later relayed that they were not involved in the closure as it was for a filming event.

Alternate routes will be designated during the closure to redirect traffic and appropriate detour signage will be in place to guide motorists. Delays and increased traffic volumes will be expected.

While Beaver County Radio has not gotten an official confirmation, the Paramount+ Series “Mayor of Kingstown” starring Jeremy Renner has been been taking place in the Pittsburgh region. The series takes place in Pittsburgh and the Administration of Governor Josh Shapiro recently stated the production of the show has brought over 90 million dollars into the local economy, along with creating more jobs.

Ross Hill re-opened between Beaver Falls and Patterson Township

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Photo by Frank Sparks. Published April 10, 2024. 11:40 A.M.

(Beaver Falls, Pa) Ross Hill Road, between Beaver Falls and Patterson Township, has been reopened as of Wednesday morning. The road has been closed since November, when the City of Beaver Falls Police said the closure was due to an “increasing number of reportable accidents”. At the time of the closure, it was never stated how long the closure between 16th Avenue and Bridge Street would last,  other than “until further notice”.

Brighton Township man found deceased after going missing

Beaver County Radio News Staff. Published April 10, 2024. 9:28 A.M.

(Elizabeth Township, Pa) A missing Brighton Township man’s truck was found in the Monongahela River in Elizabeth Township Tuesday afternoon. 36 year-old Brian Posch was last seen Friday at 11 AM and a search was in place to locate him. The truck was located off the shore not far from the last place his phone GPS had pinged. His remains were in the vehicle. A cause of death has not yet been reported.

Red Cross to install free smoke alarms during Sound the Alarm events in western Pennsylvania

[PITTSBURGH, APRIL 10, 2024] — This spring, volunteers and members of the American Red Cross will team up with community partners to install free smoke alarms for local families vulnerable to home fires during Sound the Alarm events in western Pennsylvania. This effort is part of the national Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, which has helped save at least 2,063 lives since launching in October 2014.

 

“A working smoke alarm can be the difference between survival and tragedy when a home fire strikes,” said Jorge Martinez, CEO of the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania. “That’s why the Red Cross is teaming up with our community partners to help ensure neighbors have these lifesaving devices.”

 

Each Sound the Alarm event kicks off with remarks and volunteer training at the meeting location, followed by smoke alarm installations at area homes where volunteer teams will also discuss home fire safety with families.

 

IF YOU NEED A SMOKE ALARM Residents are encouraged to schedule an appointment for smoke alarm installations by calling the phone number listed for each event (below) or visiting SoundTheAlarm.org/greaterpa. Volunteers will go door-to-door to offer home fire safety visits during each Sound the Alarm event for neighbors who did not make appointments.

 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Sound the Alarm is a rewarding way to give back and directly help local families. Sign up to volunteer by using the links below or visiting SoundTheAlarm.org/greaterpa. No prior experience is needed — training will be provided for installing smoke alarms and sharing fire safety information. Volunteers under 18 require parental consent.

 

DONATIONS HELP PROVIDE FREE SERVICES Can’t join an event? Because of generous donations, all services are free and available for people in need. Donate at redcross.org/greaterpa to help people prepare for, respond to and recover from home fires.

 

This work is made possible thanks to generous financial donations from our regional partners: Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, Erie Insurance Group, EQT, FedEx Ground, MSA, National Fuel Gas, Seneca Resources, UGI Utilities, Inc., UPMC and UPMC Health Plan.

 

Rochester Sound the Alarm:

Saturday, April 27, 2024

9 a.m. (kickoff); smoke alarm installations at area homes to follow until 1 p.m.

Kickoff location: Rochester Fire Department (632 California Ave., Rochester, PA 15074)

Partner: Rochester Fire Department

Request an appointment: 724-480-3170

Register to volunteer: https://rdcrss.org/4aqu0gG

Elementary music teacher hired by Hopewell School Board

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published April 10, 2024 9:18 A.M.

(Hopewell Township, Pa) At Tuesday night’s brief work session, Hopewell School Board hired Samantha lash as an elementary music teacher.  Her salary was set at $57,025, she begins her duties Wednesday, April 10, 2024.   The board hired 4 assistant soccer coaches, 2 paraprofessionals resigned, and head cheer coach Shelley Syrko resigned effective April 3, 2024.

Superintendent Dr. Jeff Beltz informed the board that the next presentation from DRAW Collective, the architectural firm that has been working with the district to determine what needs to be done concerning school building improvements. The meeting will be during the May 14, 2024 work session, and he said another community meeting will be scheduled at a later date.
The board meets in regular session Tuesday, May 23, 2024 at 7 p.m. in the  board room at the junior high school.

Women’s NCAA title game outdraws the men’s championship with an average of 18.9 million viewers

South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley celebrates after the Final Four college basketball championship game against Iowa in the women’s NCAA Tournament, Sunday, April 7, 2024, in Cleveland. South Carolina won 87-75. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

The women’s NCAA championship game drew a bigger television audience than the men’s title game for the first time, with an average of 18.9 million viewers watching undefeated South Carolina beat Iowa and superstar Caitlin Clark. The Sunday afternoon game on ABC and ESPN outdrew Monday’s men’s final between UConn and Purdue by four million. The Huskies’ 75-60 victory averaged 14.82 million on TBS and TNT. The women’s final was the second most-watched non-Olympic women’s sporting event on U.S. television, trailing only the 2015 Women’s World Cup final between the United States and Japan.