Old Economy Park pool liner among topics discussed at most recent Commissioners’ work session

(File Photo of the Beaver County Courthouse)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver, PA) One of the topics discussed this morning at the Beaver County Commissioners’ work session at the Beaver County Courthouse in Beaver was when Beaver County Recreation and Tourism Director Tony Caltury brought up the situation of the liner of the pool at Old Economy Park in Baden during the department head report of the session. Caltury said that it has been determined that the liner of that pool is “no longer viable for the last couple of years,” and he also added that last year, it was getting to the point of water getting added to the pool each day because of the holes that were in it. Caltury stated that there will need to be a remediation to open the Old Economy Park pool, and he gave the Commisioners a report which included the full attendance of that pool from the last two years that was provided by the Beaver County YMCA, the expenses oustide of the replacement of the liner of that pool, and the cost for a replacement liner, which would have a ten-year warranty. However, Calutry noted that the life span is twenty-five years for that replacement liner. Caltury will meet with the Beaver County YMCA early next week to do a walktrough of the Old Economy Park pool. The other main topic that was discussed was an update on bringing documents from the Wampum Mushroom Mines to a facility owned by St. Barnabas. Beaver County Solicitor Garen Fedeles expressed during the solicitors’ report of the session that effective immediately, a maximum of 250 boxes a week can be brought from the mines to the facility after they are ordered each week to transport them. In other business, Commissioner Jack Manning praised the recent reinstitution of an act for railway safety from lawmakers like Senator John Fetterman and addressed the recent hack that was targeting Pittsburgh mayor Corey O’Connor that was believed to be from a pro-Nazi group in the Commissioners’ report. After Commissioner Manning addressed the hack, he let Beaver County Emergency Service Director Eric Brewer respond to this development, and he said that “it could happen,” and “the hackers are ahead of us.” The Director and Recycling Coordinator of the Beaver County Office of Sustainability and Waste Management, Becca Naber, also expressed that she sent a memo about a process for landfill in Beaver County during the department head report of the session. There were eleven responses to that and ten of them were found to be adequate to provide ladfill capcity for the residents of Beaver County for the next decade.

Fan Registration Opens for 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of VisitPITTSBURGH)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Fans can register now for free entry to the 2026 NFL Draft, which is presented by Bud Light, by downloading the NFL OnePass app or visiting NFL.com/DraftAccess by clicking here. This draft will take place in the Steel City on April 23rd–25th, and it will transform both the North Shore and Point State Park into a celebration of community, culture and football in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh for three days. According to a recent release from VisitPITTSBURGH, here is some more information that fans should know about the 2026 NFL Draft:

  • In partnership with VisitPITTSBURGH and the Pittsburgh Steelers, the league will deliver an expansive Draft campus designed to showcase Pittsburgh’s landmarks, waterways and unmistakable skyline while creating an immersive fan experience for all ages.
 
Draft Theater and Main Stage on North Shore
  • The Draft Theater and Main Stage will be located just outside Acrisure Stadium on Pittsburgh’s North Shore, where the Draft will bring all 32 club selections to life across three days. Fans in attendance will be positioned in the heart of one of the country’s most recognizable sports districts and steps away from the action as prospects hear their names called and dreams become reality. Throughout the broadcast, Pittsburgh’s skyline, rivers and iconic bridges will provide a backdrop that reflects the beauty of the city and give fans in attendance a front row seat to the football celebrations. 
  • Two iconic Pittsburgh mainstays will connect the Draft campus. The Roberto Clemente Bridge will close to vehicle traffic and serve as a pedestrian-only fan corridor linking the North Shore and Downtown, while the Gateway Clipper Fleet riverboats will provide transportation between Draft locations, offering fans a uniquely Pittsburgh way to experience the event while highlighting the city’s waterways.
 
NFL Draft Experience at the North Shore and Point State Park
  • The NFL Draft Experience, the league’s interactive football theme park, will be located at both the North Shore Draft campus, including inside Acrisure Stadium, and Point State Park, transforming one of Pittsburgh’s most historic and scenic public spaces into a vibrant hub of football, community and culture. At the NFL Draft Experience, attendees will enjoy an immersive festival featuring:
  • Interactive Exhibits & Sponsor Activations: Engage with special activations, including the opportunity to kick a field goal, run the 40-yard dash, participate in catching skills, earn free prizes and view NFL hall of fame exhibits, creating hands-on football experiences for fans of all ages.
  • Player Meet & Greet Opportunities: Get autographs and interact with current NFL stars and Legends. The full schedule of player appearances will be available exclusively on the NFL OnePass app in the coming weeks.
  • Photo Ops & Memorabilia: Capture memorable moments with the iconic Vince Lombardi Trophy, all 59 Super Bowl Rings and discover exclusive NFL merchandise at NFL Shop presented by Visa.
  • Youth & Family Zones: Enjoy activities at the Play 60 Zone and take part in NFL FLAG drills, skills challenges, and football clinics tailored for young fans.
  • Local Food & Culture Spotlight: Food and beverage vendors will showcase local fare, with concessions representing various cuisines and iconic restaurants in Pittsburgh and across Pennsylvania.
  • Acrisure Stadium Access & On-Field Activations: During Draft weekend, Acrisure Stadium will be open to fans looking to view the NFL Draft and experience exclusive activations inside the stadium and on the field itself.
  • Steelers Country:  Serves as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ official fan destination during the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park, celebrating the unique traditions of Steelers Nation and creating a centralized space for fans to gather, engage, and experience Draft weekend together.
  • Fans planning to attend the free 2026 NFL Draft Experience should download the NFL One Pass app. Available via NFL.com/DraftAccess, NFL One Pass is the must-have tool for navigating Draft weekend and provides real-time updates, a full schedule of interactive activities, Know-Before-You-Go information, and access to exclusive digital content and prizes including a grand prize trip for two to Super Bowl LXI in Los Angeles.
  • Throughout the Draft, fans can also enjoy the free NFL Draft Entertainment Series presented by Bud Light, featuring live performances in the Draft Theater. The performances are free and open to fans on a first-come, first-served basis. Headlining acts will be announced in the coming weeks.                                                      
  • The NFL Draft presented by Bud Light will be fully accessible to all attendees. For more details on mobility assistance, parking, transportation options and road closures, fans can check the Know-Before-You-Go information, which will be released over the coming weeks.
 
NFL DRAFT EXPERIENCE PROGRAMMING
DATE
TIMING
Thursday, April 23
12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Friday, April 24
12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 25
9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • All times are local and may be subject to change. 
  • The 2026 NFL Draft presented by Bud Light will be broadcast live on NFL Network, ABC, ESPN and ESPN Deportes and will be available to stream on NFL+. Round 1 begins Thursday, April 23rd, followed by Rounds 2–3 on Friday, April 24th and Rounds 4–7 on Saturday, April 25th.

 

Dr. Ashley M. Carlucci Named Chief Nurse Executive for Allegheny Health Network

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of Allegheny Health Network)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Allegheny Health Network (AHN) announced the appointment yesterday of Ashley M. Carlucci, DNP, MHA, RN, CEN, CENP, as its new Chief Nurse Executive (CNE), effective April 13th. According to a release in Pittsburgh yesterday from AHN, Carlucci brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of advancing operational and nursing excellence and nursing workforce innovation within large, integrated health systems, and when she becomes AHN’s new CNE, she will become AHN’s highest-ranking nursing leader, overseeing the network’s 6,000 bedside, clinic and administrative nurses. Carlucci comes to Pittsburgh from University Hospitals, which is a 21-hospital system based in northeast Ohio. Carlucci provided executive leadership for nursing strategy, operations, and workforce engagement across a market that included seven regional hospitals as a Market Chief Nursing Officer for University Hospitals. Carlucci played a significant role in integrating multiple hospital systems, advancing system-wide care model transformation, and leadership development initiatives that produced measurable improvements in engagement, quality, and operational performance during her tenure as a University Hospitals market chief nursing officer. Carlucci is a registered nurse who earned her associate’s degree in applied nursing science and her Bachelor of Science in nursing from Kent State University, her master’s degrees in nursing science and health administration from Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, and her Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Case Western Reserve University in Ohio.

Brighton Township family has had enough of suspects vandalizing home since 2024 with items including silly string

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of WPXI/WPXI)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Brighton Township, PA) The family of Danielle Moses, who lives in Brighton Township, has had enough of being harassed since May of 2024 by a group of people who are kicking and knocking on their doors, spraying their home with soap and silly string, and allegedly causing thousands of dollars in damage to their property. Her cameras caught the vandals in the act on these last two Fridays and no one has been caught yet, even though her family reported it to police. Someone approachs the house and sprays a soapy liquid at a camera, distorting it in one video, and another camera caught that moment from a different angle. The suspects also spray silly string at the house and then shoot confetti at the front door before running away in another video and some confetti that was left by the suspects and damage was still there yesterday. Moses is hoping that these videos can help police and neighbors identify whoever is responsible and she stated that the suspects also broke the railing on the porch of her house. 

PennDOT, Partners to Conduct Impaired Driving Enforcement this Weekend

(File Photo of the PennDOT Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) PennDOT, the Pennsylvania DUI Association, AAA East Central, and law enforcement agencies across the state of Pennsylvania will collaborate this weekend to kick off St. Patrick’s Day Impaired Driving Enforcement efforts with a special campaign called “Operation Sober Shamrock,” running from tomorrow to Saturday, March 7th. This was formally announced today during a media event at the Castle Shannon Police Department in Allegheny County. These coordinated enforcement activities will include roving DUI patrols. Over 80 police departments and 120 officers will participate in the “Operation Sober Shamrock” enforcement in the southwest region as grantees of PennDOT’s Municipal Police Traffic Services Enforcement Program. Local and state law enforcement agencies will also conduct sustained enforcement activities across the state of Pennsylvania throughout the entire St. Patrick’s Day Impaired Driving Enforcement period of March 7th-17th to deter drivers from driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This enforcement is part of the continued efforts from PennDOT and its safety partners to reduce the number of impaired driving crashes, injuries, and fatalities throughout Pennsylvania.

Red Cross installing free smoke alarms across Pennsylvania; Get Involved in March during Red Cross Month

(File Photo of the American Red Cross Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) More people have died in home fires in Pennsylvania last year than in any other state. During Red Cross Month this March, the American Red Cross is calling attention to the home fire crisis and the simple steps that save lives.According to a recent release from the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania, here is some more information about how you can get involved:

  • SOUNDING THE ALARM Working smoke alarms can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half. Through the Sound the Alarm program, the Red Cross installs free smoke alarms in homes across Pennsylvania. Trained volunteers show up, install the alarms, and walk families through an escape plan. Since the program launched, the Red Cross has installed more than 167,000 free smoke alarms across Pennsylvania. To request a free smoke alarm installation, become a volunteer or donate, visit SoundTheAlarm.org/GreaterPA.
  • This March, during Red Cross Month, the Red Cross honors how people today deliver support when help can’t wait. Every contribution matters — visit redcross.org to get involved by volunteering, making a financial donation, giving blood or taking a class in lifesaving skills.
  •  
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  •  
  • Q: Where can people find volunteer opportunities?
  • A: People can find volunteer opportunities that meet their needs at redcross.org.
  • Q: What is Red Cross Month?
  • A: Red Cross Month is a nationwide celebration in March to honor the people who deliver support when help can’t wait. It began as a national call to action during WWII for individuals to address growing humanitarian needs. Now, it’s a community tradition encouraging people to get involved at redcross.org. This year’s campaign includes:
  • The Red Cross is offering free A1C screening in March to test for prediabetes and diabetes on all successful blood, platelet and plasma donations, as part of its efforts to support the health of communities. No fasting is required; it’s always important to eat a nutritious meal before giving blood. In addition, all who come to give blood, platelets or plasma March 1-31 will receive a $15 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. See RedCrossBlood.org/March for details.
  • Financial donations made on March 25 for Disaster Relief will be part of this year’s Red Cross Giving Day, which aims to bring together 30,000 supporters to help ensure families don’t face disasters alone.
  • Q: What is Red Cross Giving Day?
  • A: Red Cross Month culminates with Red Cross Giving Day, which will be held this year on March 25. It’s an opportunity for people to come together on one day to help families recover from a home fire or other disaster across the country. Donations can be made at redcross.org/GivingDay.

Pitt fires embattled women’s basketball coach Tory Verdi amid court struggles and legal issues

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – Pitt Head Coach Tory Verdi speaks during a ACC women’s NCAA college basketball media day, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson, ,File)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh fired women’s basketball coach Tory Verdi on Tuesday, ending a three-year tenure in which the Panthers struggled to find success on the court and Verdi potentially ran into trouble off it.

Athletic director Allen Greene announced the decision shortly after the Panthers missed the ACC women’s tournament after going 8-23, including a 1-17 mark in conference play.

“After a thorough and thoughtful evaluation of our women’s basketball program, it has been determined that we have not progressed enough competitively and now is the right time to seek a new leader for our program,” Greene said in a statement. “We thank Tory for his dedication over the past three seasons and wish him and his family nothing but the best in their future endeavors. The search process for our next leader is already underway.”

The decision comes just weeks after former Pitt players filed a lawsuit against Verdi and the university, alleging they were subject to Verdi’s abusive coaching methods and their pleas for the university to intervene went unheard. The school has denied the allegations.

Verdi went 29-66 with the Panthers, who hired him in 2023 following a lengthy run at Massachusetts.

Pitt’s next coach will be the program’s third in four years. The Panthers have struggled to find their footing since moving from the Big East to the ACC in 2013. Pitt has just one NCAA tournament appearance since swapping conferences, and that came in 2015 under Suzie McConnell Serio.

Pittsburgh Regional Transit announces update proposal to improve the bus network in the region of Allegheny County

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – This April 2, 2021, file photo shows bridges spanning the Allegheny River in downtown Pittsburgh. Republicans in Congress are making the politically brazen bet that it’s more advantageous to oppose President Joe Biden’s ambitious rebuild America agenda than to lend support for the costly $2.3 trillion undertaking for roads, bridges and other infrastructure investments. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Pittsburgh Regional Transit announced an updated proposal on Monday so they can improve the region’s bus network by increasing frequency and strengthening connections across Allegheny County. The project is called “Bus Line Refresh: Familiar Routes, Stronger Connections” and it was shaped by feedback from over 16,000 community members. This proposal marks an evolution of the “Bus Line Redesign” effort that was first introduced in 2023. This updated version will focus on both improving reliability and service hours on existing routes rather than a total overhaul of the system. The agency plans to reinvest over 10% of service hours from low-ridership segments into the areas with higher demand. 

Former Allegheny County and Pittsburgh EOC manager charged with sexually assaulting a child in his care

(File Photo: Caption for Photo: police car lights at night in city with selective focus and bokeh background blur, Credit for Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images/iStockphoto/z1b)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Sixty-eight-year-old Henry Caparelli of Pittsburgh, a former Emergency Operations Center Manager for Allegheny County and the City of Pittsburgh is accused of sexually assaulting a child who was in his care. He is charged with multiple counts of aggravated indecent assault, as well as a count of unlawful contact with a minor, along with two counts of indecent assault of a person less than 13 years old, including a count of endangering the welfare of children and two counts of corruption of minors. According to a criminal complaint, a victim wrote the allegations in the notes app on her phone and a parent discovered it. The allegations were then reported to the police and an investigation began. Police state that Caparelli is accused of spanking the victim, watching pornography in her presence and touching her over and under her clothing on multiple occasions. Investigators note that they interviewed the victim at UPMC Children’s Hospital Child Advocacy Center in September of 2025. The victim told an interviewer she kept what happened in her notes app because she did not want to talk about the situation out loud. Caparelli spent almost 20 years with the city of Pittsburgh in emergency operations. He left that position and worked with Allegheny County as the emergency operations center communications manager from 2010 to 2014. Court documents show that Caparelli was arrested by Pittsburgh police and arraigned on Monday. He was released yesterday on unsecured bail. Caparelli is scheduled to appear in court on March 18th, 2026. 

Video shows rat running around a bar in the South Side of Pittsburgh; owner takes responsibility

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of KDKA)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) A video on Sunday recently showed a rat running around the beer taps at The Urban Tap, a bar on the South Side of Pittsburgh. The owner of the gastropub and draft house posted a statement on social media yesterday after the video went viral, saying that this was “unacceptable.” The owner went on to say that the Allegheny County Health Department inspected the business and the building and that “maintaining a clean and safe environment is our responsibility, and I take that seriously.” The Allegheny County Health Department’s inspection report from Monday says there is no pest infestation. However, the report said rodent droppings were found in multiple places, including behind the beer tap tower, in the basement, and under the stairs leading to the basement.