Author: Beaver County Radio

AAA: Gas Prices Continue to Fall in PA

Gas prices are two cents lower in Western Pennsylvania this week at $3.502 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report.

This week’s average prices: Western Pennsylvania Average                         $3.502
Average price during the week of Sept. 16, 2024                                              $3.521
Average price during the week of Sept. 25, 2023                                              $3.941

The average price of unleaded self-serve gasoline in various areas:      

$3.422      Altoona
$3.579      Beaver
$3.780      Bradford
$3.394      Brookville
$3.545      Butler
$3.408      Clarion
$3.338      DuBois
$3.454      Erie
$3.522      Greensburg
$3.464      Indiana
$3.555      Jeannette
$3.639      Kittanning
$3.481      Latrobe
$3.484      Meadville
$3.711      Mercer
$3.401      New Castle
$3.404      New Kensington
$3.499      Oil City
$3.499      Pittsburgh
$3.323      Sharon
$3.580      Uniontown
$3.758      Warren
$3.310      Washington

Trend Analysis:
The national average for a gallon of gas has remained stable over the past week at $3.20. Gas prices have been relatively steady lately due to lower demand and lower oil prices. There are now 14 states with averages below $3 a gallon. Today’s national average is 17 cents less than a month ago and 65 cents less than a year ago.

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand increased slightly last week from 8.47 million barrels per day to 8.77. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks remained flat at 221.6 million barrels, while gasoline production increased last week, averaging 9.7 million barrels per day.

At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, West Texas Intermediate fell by 28 cents to settle at $70.91 a barrel. The EIA reports that crude oil inventories decreased by 1.6 million barrels from the previous week. At 417.5 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 4% below the five-year average for this time of year.

Monaca holding Fall Fest this Saturday

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published September 23, 2024 12:42 P.M.

(Monaca, Pa) From 2-6pm Saturday, George Washington Plaza in Monaca will be the  place to be. The event will feature food trucks, raffles, craft vendors and a Chinese Auction to benefit MS. From 2:30-5:30pm there will be Balloon Art and Face Painting. The Monaca Recreation Board is hosting a bake sale and  Pierogi Eating Contest in addition to a Chili Cook-off at 4 pm. The winner will be announced at 5 pm. Dave Kramer, Borough Manager, provided the information for this annual event.

Three suspects arrested in an undercover drug operation by Center Township Police

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published September 23, 2024 12:39 P.M.

(Center Township, Pa) On Wednesday, September 18, 2024 police found 65.92 grams of cocaine, 14 grams of marijuana, and 1.97 grams of crack cocaine as part of an undercover sting operation in Center Township. $3,000,00 in U.S. currency was also confiscated during the bust. Three people were arrested during the sting. No further information has been made available.

Hopewell Area School District announces meetings scheduled on school consolidation options

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published September 23, 2024 12:36 P.M.

(Hopewell Township, Pa) Dr. Jeff Beltz, Hopewell Superintendent, sent a letter to  families and the community as the district prepares to vote on a district-wide school facility option at the Tuesday, October 22, 2024 meeting at 7 pm. Dan Engan and Jackie Cowan from DRAW Collective will review the school consolidation and facility options as well as recommendations once again. The options were previously presented at the June 11, 2024 meeting.

The meeting will be held in the high school auditorium.

Aliquippa Police respond to shots fired from vehicle

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published September 23, 2024 12:34 P.M.

(Aliquippa, Pa) At 6:55pm Sunday, Aliquippa officers responded to the 700 block of Wade Street. Two of the three callers reported to police that a tan or gold GMC Acadia  was seen leaving the area. No properties or persons were struck by the gunfire, according to the report.

The vehicle was located travelling down Maratta Road and was stopped at Upland and Elgin Streets.
In the vehicle were 2 Hispanic males reportedly visiting the area from Honduras. The vehicle was towed, pending a search warrant.  Anyone with information concerning this incident is asked to call Aliquippa Police at 724-775-0880. The incident is still under investigation.

Beaver County Humane Society hosting new adoption event

(Story written by Noah Haswell of Beaver County Radio, Published on September 23, 2024 at 11:35 A.M.)

(Center Township, PA) The Beaver County Humane Society made an announcement that from Tuesday through Saturday that they will be hosting an adoption event called “Fall in Love.” Pre-approved adopters will be given free adoptions thanks to a friend of the humane society, and those can also complete a pre-adoption application and confirmation. Parents must bring a valid identification and any children or dogs in the home for a meet-and-greet. The Beaver County Humane Society will also offer activities including children’s arts and crafts, tables for pet product vendors, and behind-the-scenes looks at managing the shelter throughout the week. 

Three Mile Island restarting operations and powering Microsoft

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published September 23, 2024 10:49 A.M.

(Londonderry Township, Pa) Constellation Energy announced Friday that they have plans to restart the idled Three Mile Island Reactor 1 by 2028, as long as the Nuclear Power Commission gives approval.

The TMI restart could create 3,400 direct and indirect jobs, bring in more than $3 billion in taxes annually, and add 800 megawatts of carbon-free electricity to the power grid, according to a report produced by The Brattle Group.

A 20 year agreement was made between Microsoft and Constellation Energy for Reactor 1 to serve as power for Microsoft data centers supporting Artificial Intelligence. The terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

Bobby Hollis, Vice President of Energy for Microsoft said “This agreement is a major milestone in Microsoft’s efforts to help decarbonize the grid in support of our commitment to become carbon negative. Microsoft continues to collaborate with energy providers to develop carbon-free energy sources to help meet the grids’ capacity and reliability needs.”

Constellation plans to rename the reopened plant to “Crane Clean Energy Center”, paying respect to their former CEO Chris Crane. Constellation says they are also pursuing a license renewal from the Nuclear Power Commission to extend operation until at least 2054. President and CEO of Constellation, Joe Dominguez, says the plant is in good shape and will be a reliable power source.

“Before it was prematurely shuttered due to poor economics, this plant was among the safest and most reliable nuclear plants on the grid, and we look forward to bringing it back with a new name and a renewed mission to serve as an economic engine for Pennsylvania.”

Constellation has also committed an additional $1 million to the Middletown region over the next five years for community needs and workforce development.

Pennsylvania 16th District State Representative Rob Matzie says he is in favor of the restart as it would boost clean power generation while generating billions in revenue and thousands of jobs.

“Pennsylvania is a net exporter of power generation, but our power grid is facing demands like never before in our history. Restarting Reactor 1 at Three Mile Island gives us more capacity and more flexibility to face demands – it’s not just clean power generation, it’s billions in tax revenue and thousands of good-paying jobs to boot, with even more jobs created in supporting industries.”

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has also weighed in on the announcement stating “Under the careful watch of state and federal authorities, the Crane Clean Energy Center will safely utilize existing infrastructure to sustain and expand nuclear power in the Commonwealth while creating thousands of energy jobs and strengthening Pennsylvania’s legacy as a national energy leader.”

TMI Reactor 1 was shut down in 2019 with plans to decommission it when former owner Exelon Generation experienced financial struggles operating the facility. The reactor was transferred to Constellation Energy in 2021. Reactor 2 ceased operations in 1979 when it was the site of a partial meltdown ranked as the worst United States nuclear power accident in history. It is now owned by EnergySolutions, who plans to continue to fully decommission and demolish the separate plant in coming years.

Nuclear power is nothing new to Beaver County residents, as the world’s first commercial nuclear power plant began operations in 1957 at the now decommissioned Shippingport Atomic Power Station, next to the current Beaver Valley Power Station.

Robert Frank Primo (1936-2024)

Robert Frank Primo, 88, passed away on September 16, 2024. He was born in Rochester on August 7th 1936, a son of the late Rosina and Frank Primo. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Anna Dioguardi Primo, two brothers Anthony (Clara) Primo and infant John, five sisters, Mary (Vincent) DeBacco, Avelia (Matthew) Fronko, Julia (Eugene) Zigerelli, Evelyn (Allen)Swain and infant Elisa Primo, father and mother-in-law, Carl and Emma Dioguardi, and brothers-in-law, Robert Smith and John Davis. He is survived by a sister, Edna “Nan” Davis, sister-in-law, Josephine Smith and brother-in-law Carl (Linda) Dioguardi, Jr., as well as several nieces and nephews.

Robert was a US Army veteran serving in Germany who graduated from Monaca High School in 1954. He then went on to earn an associate degree in accounting at Point Park University before pursuing his career at Ashland/Valvoline in Rochester where he worked as a supervisor. Along with his father, they combined for over 75 years of service with Ashland/Valvoline.

He was a lifelong member of the Monaca SOI and the American Legion. An avid Steeler and Pirate fan he loved to attend and watch all the games. Golfing was his favorite pastime, and he was especially proud of his three holes in one.

He and his wife Anna relocated to Florida in 1995. Their first home was in Rotunda, Florida and in 2005 they moved into the Villages in Florida. Bob served as an usher at Saint Timothy Catholic Church and together they enjoyed all the activities the Villages had to offer. Upon Anna’s death in 2020, Robert moved back to Beaver to live with his special niece Renee and her husband Bruce Herstine, along with their two sons, Christian (Julia) and Ben (Celeste) and his faithful buddy Bear Bear. Bob also relied heavily on his nephew Dick DeBacco and his wife Linda who included him in all of their functions.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Villa St Joseph for their exceptional care in Robert’s final days.

A memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 24th at 10 a.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Church, 200 3rd Street, Beaver. Burial will follow in Saint John the Baptist Cemetery.

The family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

To share online condolences, add photos, get directions, please view www.simpsonfuneralhome.com.

Lena N. (Ceccarelli) VanDyke (1929-2024)

Lena N. (Ceccarelli) VanDyke, 94, passed away on September 19, 2024.
She was born on December 24, 1929. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Van Dyke and daughter Sharlene Loennig. She is survived by her daughters Katherine Rossi and Joan Van Dyke, son-in-law, Joseph Ferrara, granddaughter, Courtney Martin, grandson-in-law, Timothy Martin, her children, grandson, Dr. Tyler Loennig and granddaughter-in-law, Dr. Stephanie Loennig and numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
Lena moved to Punxsutawney from Aliquippa in 1984 with her husband, James M. VanDyke.
Following a long career as a banker at the former Melon Bank, now BNY Mellon, Lena quickly managed to fill her time with service, volunteerism and management (what she did best!). Lena was an active member of Saints Cosmos and Damian Roman Catholic Church of Punxsutawney volunteering as one of the first woman ushers, banker for collections and church festivals and celebrations. She was awarded the Bishops Service award from the Diocese of Erie for her accomplishments.
She was a volunteer for the American Red Cross, Catholic Daughters, the Saints Cosmos and Damian Roman Catholic Church cafeteria, the Punxsutawney Garden Club, Young Women’s Club and others. She was the manager for Waltzing Matilda and worked alongside her daughter, Joan, at Van Dyke & Company. She was an active parent for her daughters, Katherine and Sharlene, and loved spending time with her grandchildren, Courtney and Tyler, and later her great-grandchildren, Ryan, Zachary and Abigail.
Lena was an active community member, providing transportation for her friends and family to medical appointments, shopping sprees and engagements. Lena was also known as “Mama Lena” to close friends and family whom she loved and adored.
She was named Punxsutawney’s Woman of the Year in 2001.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa. Lena will be sorely missed by every person she touched.

Thomas E. Chidester, Jr. (1962-2024)

Thomas E. Chidester, Jr., 61, passed away on September 19, 2024 at the Good Samaritan Hospice in Wexford.

He was born on October 2, 1962 in New Brighton, the son of the late Thomas E. and Lucinda G. (Powell) Chidester Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Leslie and Ida Mae (Frederick) Powell, paternal grandparents, George and Alice (Grant) Chidester, nephew, Kaleb Chidester and several aunts and uncles. He is survived by his brothers and sister-in-law: Charles (Les) Chidester, Robert and Mary Chidester, all of New Brighton, nephews: Kent, Bradley, and Charlie Chidester, uncle and aunts, Chet and Joyce Chidester of Kentucky, Peggy Bardocz of Beaver Falls, Sally Powell of Darlington, many cousins and his favorite pupper’s “niece” Piper Ann.

Thomas graduated in 1981 from Riverside High School and worked for over twenty years at Passavant Memorial Homes before leaving in 2019.  He was a longtime member of the Beaver Fall Church of the Nazarene and a member of the Beaver County Mystic Magicians for over thirty years.

He never met a stranger, only a friend he never met before. He would strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere, anytime.  He loved to make people laugh and would make silly jokes.  His one favorite he always told was that while in church, the Pastor said something along the lines of that God has no Equal, and Tom replied, but God does have Splenda and Sugar.

He could also go on and on about magic/sleight of hand and always wanted to show you a trick or two or three.  He loved performing and didn’t need a microphone as he had a booming voice and a distinctive laugh.  He also talked about the children and young adults from church and the puppet shows he did and helped with.

Thanks are given to the wonderful group of people at Good Samaritan Hospice in Wexford for the loving care as they took care of Thomas.

Friends and family will be received on Thursday, September 26, from 4 p.m. until the time of funeral service at 6 p.m. in the J & J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton, with his pastor, Joe Schiren, officiating.