Category: News

Veteran Beaver County Radio Personality Mike Romigh Passes Away

(Brighton Twp., Beaver County, Pa.) The voice of most recently “Live Mic” on Beaver County Radio has gone silent. Word was received early Sunday morning from Mike Romigh’s family that he had passed away on Saturday night after a long battle with a blood disorder.

In September of 2025, Mike stepped away from hosting “Live Mic” due to his health issues.

Beaver County Radio General Manager Frank Sparks said “We are absolutely  devastated to hear about Mike’s passing. He was such an inspiration to us all and a key part of the resurgence of Beaver County Radio over the last few years” Sparks went on to say that “Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Romigh Family at this devastating time.”

Mike returned to Beaver County Radio in early 2022 to host “Live Mic” weekdays from 6:30 AM  to 9AM. Mike then stepped away in August of 2024 to spend more time with his family and enjoy retirement. At that time Mike continued to host the Best Of Beaver County on Thursday mornings. When the stations returned to a simulcast format in early 2025 Mike came back and hosted “Live Mic” once again from 10 AM To Noon on weekdays. Mike then stepped away in September of 2025 due to his ongoing health issues.

Mike grew up in Beaver Falls and currently resided in the borough of Koppel. After working at Hydril in Rochester for four years after graduating from high school, Romigh felt those radio waves, that he dreamed about as a youngster, calling him again, so he enrolled in a correspondence course offered by the Columbia School Of Broadcasting in Pittsburgh.  After completing the training, Romigh landed his first radio job at WFEM in Ellwood City. in 1981.

He wouldn’t stay in Ellwood City long.  That same year, Mike was hired by WBVP and WWKS, Kiss 106.7 FM.   Initially, Romigh hosted an overnight music show on both radio stations.  WBVP was a live radio program, and WWKS featured the recorded voice. His big break came in 1983, when Dave Felts, who was hosting the morning talk show, “A.M. Connection” on WBVP went on Vacation.  The temporary fill in duty went so well, that Romigh was asked to do the entire week. Soon, Romigh was a regular host of “A.M. Connection” at WBVP.

After leaving WBVP and WWKS in 1985, Romigh took his talents  to WMBA and hosted a talk show initially called “Straight Talk”, later to be renamed “Live Mike”.

Around 1987, Mike Romigh was hired by KDKA  to do Weekends and part time fill in work.  For a while, Romigh worked at Both WMBA and KDKA, but in 1990,  He began to work on a regular basis at KDKA and had to drop WMBA from his hectic schedule.  Romigh became the regular host of the evening shift at KDKA for about 10 years and afterwards, crossed state lines and hosted the morning show on top rated Youngstown radio station, WKBN, in 2008. Romigh’s career came full circle when he returned to WBVP and WMBA, again from 2014 to 2017.  He brought back the popular “Teleforum” talk show name, and served as Program Director. In early 2017 Mike left Beaver County Radio and went to work fundraising for the Beaver County Humane Society. Mike attempted to retire in 2020 but that only last for a short time as he worked part-time for the Humane Society Thrift Store. In late 2022 new Beaver County Radio General Manager, Frank Sparks, approached Mike about returning to the airwaves to host a daily show. In January 2022 “Live Mic” returned to the Beaver County Airwaves.

No Funeral arrangements have yet been announced for Mike at this time. We will inform everyone once that information becomes public.

 

Yusei Kikuchi pitches 6 scoreless innings to lead Angels to a 6-1 win over the Pirates

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Los Angeles Angels’ Yusei Kikuchi delivers a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Tom E. Puskar)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Yusei Kikuchi pitched six scoreless innings and earned his first win of the season as the Los Angeles Angels beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 6-1 on Saturday night.

Kikuchi (1-5) allowed five hits and three walks while striking out six in his third start since returning Aug. 23 from left shoulder inflammation that kept him out since late April. The 35-year-old two-time All-Star last won in his final start last season, giving up one run in five innings as the Angels topped the Royals 3-2 on Sept. 24, 2025.

Pirates starter Braxton Ashcraft (14-6) struck out nine, but allowed three runs on seven hits in five innings. The 26-year-old right-hander struck out seven while allowing one hit through 3 1/3 innings before Wade Meckler doubled into shallow left field with one out in the fourth. Moisés Ballesteros hit a sharp two-out single under the glove of second baseman Nick Gonzales, scoring Meckler from second.

Josh Lowe led off the fifth with a 410-foot shot to center field for his 11th homer of the season. Denzer Guzman followed with a single to left, moved to second on Adam Frazier’s sacrifice bunt and extended the lead to 3-0 by scoring on the first of Zach Neto’s three singles.

Esmerlyn Valdez walked and Bryan Reynolds singled to start the sixth for Pittsburgh. Kikuchi then struck out Oneil Cruz, forced Nick Gonzales into a force out and erased the threat by getting Rafael Flores Jr. to fly out to center.

The Angels tacked on three runs in the seventh. Mike Trout hit an RBI single through the left side of the infield and Meckler drove in two more with a double to right-center.

Reynolds hit a two-out home run, his 16th of the season and first since July 28. It was a 421-foot shot over the right-field wall in the eighth for the Pirates’ lone run.

Up next

Pirates RHP Paul Skenes (9-11, 3.97 ERA) starts Sunday’s series finale against Angels RHP Walbert Ureña (9-9, 2.85).

Jones throws 6 strong innings, Mangum doubles in run in Pirates’ 1-0 win over Angels

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Los Angeles Angels catcher Moises Ballseteros, eft, tries unsuccessfully to tag out Pittsburgh Pirates’ Konnor Griffin, right, during the second inning of a baseball game Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Philip G. Pavely)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Jared Jones pitched six strong innings, Jake Mangum had an RBI double in the second inning and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the skidding Los Angeles Angels 1-0 on Friday night.

The MLB-worst Angels (53-88) lost for the 10th time in 11 games. The Pirates have won five of six games.

Jones (3-6) blanked the Angels on three hits to win for the first time in eight starts since beating Cleveland on July 18. He struck out nine, walked one, and threw 63 of 91 pitches for strikes.

Wilber Dotel pitched two innings, and Mason Montgomery worked the ninth to complete the four-hitter and the Pirates’ ninth shutout of the season. Montgomery had his ninth save.

Ryan Johnson (3-8) was the hard-luck loser, giving up one run and four hits over six innings with six strikeouts and two walks. He has a 1.67 ERA in his last six starts and allowed zero or one run in five of those outings.

Prized rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin returned from the injured list for the Pirates and made an immediate impact when he scored the lone run from first base on Mangum’s one-out double to right field in the second inning.

Griffin had been sidelined since July 6 after undergoing surgery to repair a torn tendon in his left ring finger. The Pirates signed the 20-year-old to a nine-year, $140-million contract, the richest in franchise history, in April.

The Angels hit back-to-back singles to open the top of the second, but Jones got Christian Moore to foul out, then struck out Jose Siri and Adam Frazier. The Halos have been shut out 12 times.

Up next

Angels LHP Yusei Kikuchi (0-5, 5.65 ERA) faces RHP Braxton Ashcraft (14-5, 3.59) on Saturday night in the middle game of the series.

Interstate 79 Shoulder Restrictions Next Week in Allegheny County

(File Photo of Road Work Ahead Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) PennDOT District 11 announced that shoulder restrictions on I-79 in Robinson and Kennedy townships in Allegheny County will occur next Tuesday through Friday, September 8th-11th, weather permitting.

From 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. each day, shoulder restrictions will occur in both directions of I-79 between the I-376 Airport/Pittsburgh (Exit 59 A/B) interchange and just north of the Route 60 Moon Run/Crafton (Exit 60 A/B) interchange. 

These restrictions will happen for the accommodation of crews conducting preparatory work and the installation of traffic control devices in advance of upcoming overnight and weekend patching operations, which are anticipated to occur in mid-to-late September. 

Pirates rookie shortshop Konnor Griffin eligible to return from the 60-day injured list

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (6) in action during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Sunday, July 5, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Konnor Griffin is ready to get back to work.

The Pittsburgh Pirates rookie shortstop said Thursday that he feels good and is hopeful of being activated off the 60-day injured list on Friday when Pittsburgh opens a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels.

The 20-year-old Griffin hasn’t played since early July due to an issue with the knuckle on the ring finger of his left hand. Griffin wore a splint for about six weeks and has played a handful of games while on a rehab assignment.

“It’s been driving me nuts watching the games on my phone,” said Griffin, who signed a massive contract extension in April shortly after making his debut. “It’ll be fun to finally be back in there competing.”

The Pirates have fallen off the pace in the National League playoff race in Griffin’s absence. Pittsburgh entered Thursday’s game against San Francisco 5 1/2 games back of the final wild card spot.

Pittsburgh remains intent on having Griffin return this season. The team says the risk of re-injury is small and it’s important to get him more experience during the nascent stage of his career.

“He’s a huge piece of the offense, defense, base-running, everything that goes on,” Pirates manager Don Kelly said after a 5-2 win over San Francisco on Thursday. “Anytime we can get him back, certainly not expecting him to pick up maybe exactly where he left off, just want Konnor to go out there, have fun, play baseball and do what he does to help us win.”

Griffin has been electric at times. He’s hitting .276 with five homers, 25 RBIs and 20 stolen bases in 59 games during a season that’s been disrupted by multiple trips to the injured list.

“It’s just cool to see how my body has been able to overcome these injuries,” he said. “I feel like it’s a good sign for me. I’m pumped to be back here.”

Perhaps most importantly, Griffin is pain-free.

“I did some grip strength testing,” he said. “Those numbers were actually a lot higher than they should have been, which was a good sign for me. That gave me a lot of confidence, squeezing a bat, squeezing a glove wasn’t gonna be an issue.”

Skywalk at Kinzua Bridge State Park in the Pennsylvania Wilds Reopens for Fall Foliage Viewing

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Mount Jewett, PA) The Skywalk at Kinzua Bridge State Park, one of Pennsylvania’s iconic fall destinations in the Pennsylvania Wilds, reopened for fall foliage viewing this week.

This gave visitors a chance to experience breathtaking views of the Kinzua Valley at the peak leaf-peeping season.

The Skywalk at Kinzua Bridge State Park offers visitors a unique opportunity to see stunning views of the Kinzua Valley by walking out and peering down on a viaduct which was reimagined as a skywalk after being partially toppled by a tornado.

The Skywalk of this destination is now open, and the Kinzua Creek Trail will reopen tomorrow.

Both of these areas will remain open through October 31st, 2026.

Both areas will close again after that date so that contractors can resume work on the structure.

Rehabilitation work on that structure is scheduled to be completed in time for fall foliage viewing in 2027.

One-of-a-kind outdoor music venue opens near the Beaver County line

SCOTT TADY

FREDERICKTOWN, OHIO — The Beat Box, a  backyard live-music venue featuring a stage built from a converted shipping container, has opened a few miles from the Beaver County line.

Situated off Ohio Route 170, north of East Liverpool, The Beat Box hosts a variety of live music, with an emphasis on singer-songwriters. The atmosphere is casual and intimate, with the feel of a backyard listening room.

The centerpiece of the venue is a shipping container — like you’d see on a large cargo ship — converted into a functional performance stage.

The Beat Box, a new music venue near East Liverpool, Ohio.

Beat Box owner Brian Peese phoned into the Beaver County Radio Morning Show on Friday to discuss the venue. Hear that interview here:

The next concert there is Sunday, Sept. 6, featuring Grammy Award-winning songwriter Aaron Raitiere, a Grand Ole Opry alum.

“If you were with us for our very first show, you know just how special this night will be,” the Beat Box website says.” Aaron helped us launch this stage… and now he’s coming home. From writing hits for some of the biggest names in music to delivering one of the most genuine, raw live performances you’ll ever experience — this is storytelling at its finest.”

Opening the night is Adam Stasik, a Pittsburgh area singer.

The Beat Box, a new music venue near East Liverpool, Ohio.

Other shows are Amos Evans and the Joyful Noise Celebration on Sept. 20, and Southern soul-rocker Ben Chapman on Oct. 3.

Food trucks are at some shows, though concertgoers also can bring their own snacks and drinks.

The Beat Box sells tickets on its website, thebeatbox43920.com, which also lists the venue’s goal: “To bring talented songwriters to the East Liverpool area and create a memorable experience for both the artists and the people attending.”

The Beat Box, a new music venue near East Liverpool, Ohio.

Events are held periodically throughout the warmer months and feature both regional and touring artists.

Pennsylvania Correctional Industries Opens New Optical Lab at SCI Chester

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Chester, PA) The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (DOC)hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony in Chester yesterday for a new optical laboratory at the State Correctional Institution at Chester (SCI Chester).

The Pennsylvania Correctional Industries (PCI) optical lab is providing additional opportunities for incarcerated individuals to gain hands-on vocational training, develop their skills, and prepare for employment after release.

This optical lab at SCI Chester was opened in late August and is staffed by a crew of 10 incarcerated workers, with plans to increase to 16, who each graduated from a training course to earn their optician certificate.

The men were hired after interviewing with the lab foreman upon certification.

This new optical lab will serve as a finishing facility for glasses started at SCI Cambridge Springs.

The optical lab at SCI Chester will support the local Lions Club because the lab will process donated eyeglasses before they are distributed to people in need.

Sheetz offering gas discounts ahead of the 2026 Labor Day weekend

(Credit and Caption for Photo: Sheetz logo. Courtesy of PRNewsFoto/SHEETZ, INC.)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Sheetz recently announced a series of fuel discounts ahead of the 2026 Labor Day weekend to help drivers cut gas expenses. 

One of these discounts is 20 cents off per gallon on all fuel grades, excluding high-flow diesel, at Sheetz’s over 850 locations through September 8th. 

Customers must select the offer under the OFFERZ tab in the Sheetz mobile app and scan their My Sheetz Rewardz at the pump before completing their purchase to receive the 20-cent discount.

This discount applies to up to 25 gallons per transaction across Sheetz’s seven-state footprint. 

Customers can also earn another 20 cents off per gallon by purchasing any Made-to-Order menu item or specialty drink during the promotional period that ends September 8th.

This offer requires users to activate it in the Sheetz mobile app in the same way as the aforementioned discount before scanning their My Sheetz Rewardz card at the pump.

Customers can earn this additional discount once per day. 

Sheetz is also offering discounted diesel exhaust fluid so they can recognize Truck Driver Appreciation Month in September.

Bulk diesel exhaust fluid is priced at a total of $1.99 per gallon at 55 Sheetz locations across its footprint of seven states through September 30th. 

This reduced rate on diesel exhaust fluid applies exclusively to the bulk sales at truck diesel dispensers.

That fluid is commonly used in heavy-duty equipment and vehicles, which includes agricultural equipment, buses, commercial trucks, construction machinery,  and marine diesel engines.

Ellwood City boys high school golf team breaks school record

(File Photo of the Ellwood City Wolverines Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Wampum, PA) The Ellwood City boys high school golf team broke a school record in a recent match. 

The Wolverines broke the school’s course record at Delmar Golf Course by shooting a team score of 181 in a section match against Laurel on Tuesday. 

That record was lower than the previous record of 183, that was set in 1996.