(File Photo of the PennDOT Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Bridgeville, PA) PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll and local officials highlighted the ongoing construction of the Interstate 79/Route 910 Wexford Interchange project yesterday and discussed the 2026 construction season, which includes $316 million in infrastructure investments in Beaver, Allegheny and Lawrence counties. 

Over 3,100 miles have been improved statewide under the Shapiro Administration, and work has advanced on more than 2,100 state and local bridges. Between January and October of 2026, PennDOT has improved 3,992 miles of road, which includes 1,231 miles of paving. 

506 state and locally owned bridges are also set to be preserved, repaired, or replaced. 

According to a release from PennDOT District 11, overall highlights in the 2026 construction season for District 11 include:

• 56 projects went out to bid.
• Approximately 892 miles of paving and road maintenance.
• 40 bridges were repaired or replaced, including 10 in poor condition.
• 36 slides repaired.

That same release confirms that notable projects in PennDOT District 11 completed or near completion in 2026 include:

• Route 28 Wrong Way Detection System project in Allegheny County, $4.8 million.
• I-376 Parkway East (Churchill to Monroeville) Betterment project in Allegheny County, $70.17 million.
• Country Club Drive over Route 19 Replacement project in Allegheny County, $2.5 million.
• Route 65 Country Club Bridge Replacement project in Beaver County, $9.45 million.
• Route 68 – Virginia Avenue to Adams Street Betterment project in Beaver County, $7.04 million.
• Route 158 North Jefferson Street Betterment project in Lawrence County, $3.84 million.

The same release noted that notable projects continuing in 2027 include:

• Route 22/30 over I-376 Parkway West Interchange project in Allegheny County, $57.93 million.
• I-376 “Bathtub” Flood Control Improvement project in Allegheny County, estimated $14.34 million.
• I-376 Parkway East (Edgewood to Churchill) Betterment project in Allegheny County, $100 million
• Route 2114 McKeesport-Duquesne Bridge Preservation project in Allegheny County, $50.77 million.
• Route 18 Frankfort Road Bridge Replacement project in Beaver County, $29.2 million.
• Route 422 – Business 422 to Butler County Betterment project in Lawrence County, estimated $15.53 million.
• Route 2006 East Washington Street Bridge Replacement project in Lawrence County, $7.28 million.

(File Photo of a Fire Background)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) According to the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®), Thanksgiving is the peak day of the year for home cooking fires in the United States.

An estimated 1,139 home cooking fires were reported to fire departments in the U.S. in 2024 on Thanksgiving Day, which reflects an increase of 321 percent over the daily average.

Christmas Day and Christmas Eve also ranked as the second and third leading days of the year for cooking fires, with both of them carrying nearly twice the daily average. 

Some tips and recommendations from the NFPA to help everyone cook safely on Thanksgiving can be found below, courtesy of a release from the NFPA:

• Never leave the kitchen while cooking on the stovetop. Some types of cooking, especially those that involve frying or sautéing with oil, need continuous attention.
• When cooking a turkey, remain at home and check it regularly.
• Make use of timers to keep track of cooking times, particularly for foods that require longer cook times.
• Keep things that can catch fire like oven mitts, wooden utensils, food wrappers, and towels at least three feet away from the cooking area.
• Avoid long sleeves and hanging fabrics that can come in contact with a heat source.
• Always cook with a lid beside your pan. If a small grease fire starts, smother the flames by sliding the lid over the pan, then turn off the burner. Do not remove the cover because the fire could start again. Let the pan cool for a long time.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. Only open the door once you’re confident the fire is completely out, standing to the side as you do. If you have any doubts or concerns, contact the fire department for assistance.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried. Hot foods and liquids should be placed away from table and counter edges.

NFPA also strongly discourages the use of turkey fryers which use cooking oil, because this can cause devastating burns.

People can use an air fryer, electric turkey fryer or infared turkey frier for a safer alternative, which mimics the taste of a turkey that is oil-fried turkey.

People can also consider buying a fried turkey from either a grocery store or a restaurant.

(File Photo of the Christmas Star)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Columbiana, OH) The Columbiana Area Tourism Bureau (CATB) is kicking off its Christmas in Columbiana with three holiday happenings on Friday, November 20th, beginning at 6 p.m. on the Square in downtown Columbiana, Ohio.

There will be shops to buy items, and some options for dining before the 6 p.m. start with the annual Tree Lighting, Christmas Parade, and Opening Night for Joy of Christmas 2026.

According to a release from the Columbiana Area Tourism Bureau, here is some more information about this event:

• TREE LIGHTING: 6:00pm on the Square (intersection of Main Street and Park Avenue, across from The Columbiana Arts Theater)
• COLUMBIANA CHRISTMAS PARADE: 6:00pm step-off; NEW ROUTE:
  • 4:30pm Parade line-up starts at West Railroad Street (by railroad tracks)
  • 5:30pm Parade line-up complete
  • 6:00pm Step-off timed to coincide with Tree Lighting on the Square
  • Parade heads north along South Main Street towards the Square; at the Square (Circle), Parade turns right down East Park Avenue towards Harvey S. Firestone Recreational Park
  • Guests are invited to follow the Parade (on foot) to Joy of Christmas 2026 Opening Night
• JOY OF CHRISTMAS 2026: Immediately after the parade until 9:00pm
  • Opening Night + Walk It Night + $5 Hayrides + Media Night Guests are invited to follow Santa & Mrs. Claus from the Parade to Firestone Park on foot
  • LIGHT UP #JOC26: Begins when Santa & Mrs. Claus arrive at the Ice Castle (Mirror Lake pavilion)
  • $5 WALK IT NIGHT: Stroll through the light show on foot, or enjoy the show by a $5/person hayride; be sure to visit the Gingerbread House and Ice Castle
  • NO cars permitted; passes accepted; leashed, well-mannered dogs welcome (please clean-up after companions)
• SANTA’S SURPRISES: Stay-tuned to the Joy of Christmas 2026 (Columbiana OH) (click here) Facebook Event throughout the day on Friday, November 20, 2026, to see what surprises Santa’s bringing to Opening Night!

Now in it’s 18th year, Joy of Christmas Light Show 2026 takes place 6-9pm select nights, Friday, November 20—Sunday, December 27, 2026, and includes:

• 1+ million lights, plus indoor activities at the Ice Castle and Gingerbread House
• $1 concessions benefiting local nonprofit and civic organizations; indoor Christmas Village + train display, reindeer food (Ice Castle)
• Story Time with Mrs. Claus (Thursdays, Sundays & select special event nights only; Ice Castle)
• Photo with Santa ($15; Ice Castle)
• Story Time with CEE Carrie (Dec. 4., Dec. 11, Dec. 21 only; Gingerbread House)
• “I Spy”, letters to Santa, other children’s activities (Gingerbread House)
• Gingerbread display featuring student & professional designs (Gingerbread House)

Hosted by and benefiting the Columbiana Area Tourism Bureau, this event raises funds to support Harvey S. Firestone Recreational Park maintenance, plus activities and events in Columbiana. Costs are:

• $20/vehicle
• $40/seasonal pass
• $10 Sunday Nights for Veterans, First Responders + Seniors (adults 65 yrs.+) ONLY
• $5 Walk It Nights on Nov. 20, Dec. 16, Dec. 27 ONLY* (passes accepted)

• • Walk It Nights are subject to weather; no cars permitted as guests stroll by foot through the displays; leashed well-mannered dogs welcome (humans are responsible for cleaning up after their companions)

For more information on the Columbiana Joy of Christmas 2026 Tree Lighting, Parade and Drive-thru Light Show, please call 330.482.2282; or visit www.TourColumbianaOhio.org (click here.). Follow on Facebook: @ColumbianaTourismBureau and Joy of Christmas 2026 (Columbiana OH) (click here.)

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Release Provided by the National Aviary of Pittsburgh)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The National Aviary in Pittsburgh is hosting their Holiday Happenings events presented by Penn Brewery.

One event they are hosting is a Friendsgiving Brunch.

There will also be Seasons Greetings Saturdays, with an appearance from the Grinch on all but one of the dates.

Holiday-themed songs will be sung at the Jingle Bell Flock.

Breakfast with Santa & Friend will include an appearance by Santa Claus himself, and some holiday brunches will have some holly and jolly food offerings.

You can also register your kids for winter camps and buy some souvenirs at the National Aviary’s Gift Shop.

You can get tickets for these events by clicking here, which is where you can find out more information about them.

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is having a Brunch with Santa event for several dates in December of 2026 with a brunch that has a Christmas twist.

You can write a letter to Santa, participate in holiday-themed activities, and meet Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium’s Ambassador Animals.

A ticket includes zoo admission in addition to the meal.

You can purchase your tickets for this event by clicking here.

(File Photo of a Road Work Ahead Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) PennDOT District 11 announced that overnight utility work on the West End Bridge (Route 19) and northbound Route 65 in the City of Pittsburgh will continue next Monday through Thursday, November 16th-19th, weather permitting. 

Utility work will occur from 8 P.M. to 6 A.M. each night through Friday morning, November 20th in the following locations, according to a release courtesy of PennDOT District 11:

• There will be alternating lane restrictions in both directions of the West End Bridge at the intersection with the northbound Route 65 on and off-ramps. 

• There will be a single-lane restriction on northbound Route 65 between the West End Bridge/Chateau Street/Western Avenue off and on-ramps. 

Electrical installation work will be performed by crews from Sargent Electric.  

These restrictions could be lifted earlier if this work is completed sooner. 

(File Photo of Handcuffs)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Lawrence County, PA) Police confirmed that a Beaver County man is in the Lawrence County Jail for reportedly calling a woman over 130 times to threaten her. 

According to a criminal complaint, the woman contacted the police on November 2nd, telling them that twenty-eight-year-old Lefaughn Prowell continued to call her after a domestic situation. 

The woman told police that she believed she had a protection from abuse order against him, she blocked his phone number, but he continued calling her from another number.  

She also stated that he had called her more than 130 times since the date of October 31st and he left dozens of voicemails.  

Prowell is charged with a felony count of retaliation against a witness or victim, as well as lesser charges of stalking and terroristic threats.

He was arrested by New Castle police and was arraigned before being committed to the Lawrence County jail on a bond of $150,000. 

(File Photo of the Allegheny Health Network Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) Allegheny Health Network announced this morning that the company has received a gift of $25 million to assist with cancer care and research. 

The gift was given to Allegheny Health Network by Dow Inc. executive chairman James R. “Jim” Fitterling, who is also a cancer survivor. 

The gift from Fitterling is the largest philanthropic investment in the history of Allegheny Health Network and it will be used to advance cancer research and therapies, as well as improve care for patients battling cancer.  

Multiple aspects of cancer research and care that are throughout Allegheny Health Network include recruiting and retaining researchers and oncologists, enrolling another 10,000 patients in its cancer data and research program, clinical trials, and its ambassador program.   

The AHN Cancer Center, along with its over 35 locations, will also be rebranded as the AHN James R. Fitterling Cancer Center. 

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of Fine Wine and Good Spirits)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) Fine Wine & Good Spirits (FW&GS) is helping Pennsylvanians save on things like festive gatherings and thoughtful gifts with its Gobble Up the Savings Flash Sale, which runs from today through November 18th, just in time for Thanksgiving preparations and the start of the holiday shopping season.

Customers can shop special savings for seven days only on 66 selected products, including accessories, cocktails, cordials, dessert wines, liqueurs, table and sparkling wines, tequila, vodka and whiskey.

This limited-time selection features products that are suited for gifting, holiday entertaining and seasonal celebrations to give shoppers more ways to prepare for Thanksgiving without stretching the budgets that they have.

According to a release from Fine Wine and Good Spirits, the Gobble Up the Savings highlights include:

• $15 off Bird Gang World Championship whiskeys and bourbon
• $10 off Clase Azul Tequila Plata
• $7 off Kahlua Chocolate Sips Coffee and Chocolate Liqueur, Jeppson’s Malort Liqueur, Domaine Roland Tissier et Fils Sancerre Blanc 2025, Mark Ryan Winery 216 Miles to Go Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2023, Bledsoe McDaniels LFG Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2023, and Domaine de Panisse Les Mas Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge 2022

Customers are encouraged to shop early because quantities are limited.

Customers can either browse gifts and seasonal selections at over 560 FW&GS stores across the state of Pennsylvania or they can shop online at FWGS.com (click here.)

(File Photo of a Cranberry Township Police Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) A man from Allegheny County is now facing charges after Cranberry Township police said that he poured gasoline on himself at a gas station and ignited himself. 

Twenty-seven-year-old Harris Dale Booker of Bradford Woods has been charged with felony counts of arson and risking catastrophe and misdemeanor charges of reckless endangerment and criminal mischief in a complaint filed following an incident that occurred on Saturday. 

According to police, Cranberry Township police, firefighters and emergency medical crews were dispatched to the BP station on Route 19 at 7 a.m. and found the fire had been extinguished, but surveillance camera recorded the incident.

Police confirm that a video shows Booker entering the store and prepaying for gas, exiting the store, dispensing gas on himself and the ground around him and igniting the gas.

Police also state that the footage shows him briefly standing in the flames before walking toward the building to remove his burning clothes.

He stayed there until a passerby stopped there and extinguished the fire using a portable extinguisher. 

Police also affirmed that they found a text message from Booker saying he intended to blow up the gas station, and the fire left damage that was visible, which included burn marks and charring to a gas pump, a vehicle and the pavement that was between the pumps and the building.

Booker was treated at UPMC Mercy Hospital for burns on his arms and legs.