(File Photo of the PennDOT Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) PennDOT recently joined the Allegheny County Police and AAA East Central in Pittsburgh to remind motorists to both avoid aggressive driving and to keep emergency responder safety in mind. These three organizations also advised how important it is to watch out for emergency personnel on the road ahead of National Move Over Day, which is Saturday, October 18th, 2025. Drivers are also advised to prioritize the safety of first responders as they focus on saving lives. This also includes abiding by the Move Over law in Pennsylvania, which requires drivers who approach an emergency incident who are not able to safely merge into a lane farther away from the emergency providers to “pass the emergency response area at a speed of no more than 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit and reasonable for safely passing.” A stationary police, fire, or ambulance vehicle with flashing lights, a road crew with flares or signs, a tow truck assisting a vehicle, or a disabled vehicle with at least two emergency displays is the definition of an emergency response area. The topic of an upcoming aggressive driving mobilization from October 20th to November 9th was also discussed at the recent event in Pittsburgh with AAA East Central, Allegheny County police and PennDOT. Police will target drivers that are demonstrating unsafe behaviors such as careless driving, speeding, texting, work zone safety violations and other aggressive driving actions, which includes not following the Move Over Law. One of the leading factors of fatalities and highway crashes in Pennsylvania is aggressive driving. According to PennDOT data, in 2024 there were 5,897 aggressive driving-related crashes statewide. There were also 3,530 crashes related to speeding, which is the top offense law enforcement sees in aggressive driving citations last year. You can also keep each other safe by avoiding aggressive driving and keep emergency personnel save by observing the Move Over Law. You can also visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/safety by clicking here. You can also follow PennDOT on X by clicking here or join the Greater Pittsburgh Area PennDOT Facebook group by clicking here for regional updates.

(File Photo of the AAA East Central Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) October is Car Care Month and AAA is advising vehicle owners to prepare for the weather changes, especially as fall continues and winter gets closer. AAA received more than 27 million emergency roadside service calls across the United States in 2024. A vehicle breaking down on the side of the road can be dangerous and inconvenient, especially in conditons that are icy or wet. According to a release from AAA East Central, here are some steps that AAA recommends for maintenance for safety and reliability of vehicles as well as some more information about the AAA Approved Auto Repair Program:

To help ensure a vehicle’s safety and reliability during this season, AAA recommends the following maintenance steps:

• Tire Inspection: Assess the condition and tread depth of tires and ensure they are properly inflated. If living in an area subject to significant snow and ice, consider transitioning to winter tires to enhance traction.
• Battery Examination: Cold weather can decrease battery performance. Check for corrosion, secure mounting, and battery charge. If a battery is older than three years, have it tested to avoid potential issues.
• Fluid Level Review: Confirm that all essential fluids—oil, brake fluid, coolant, and windshield washer fluid—are at appropriate levels. Topping off or replacing fluids as needed can protect your vehicle’s performance.
• Wiper Blade and Light Functionality: Inspect windshield wipers to ensure they effectively clear rain and snow. Replace any blades that are worn or damaged. Test all lights—headlights, brake lights, and turn signals—to ensure they are functioning properly.
• Oil Change Consideration: If a scheduled oil change is approaching, now is an opportune time to have this service completed. Fresh oil is vital for optimal engine performance, particularly as temperatures begin to drop.
• Emergency Roadside Kit: Assemble an vehicle emergency kit with things like blankets, a flashlight, snacks, water, and basic tools. Having these items readily available can significantly enhance everyone’s safety should an unexpected situation arise. In conclusion, taking proactive measures now can prevent complications throughout the upcoming seasons.

More Information

• As AAA celebrates the 50th anniversary of the AAA Approved Auto Repair Program this year, vehicle owners are encouraged to prioritize maintenance and safety. Find the nearest local AAA Approved Auto repair shop by visiting www.aaa.com/autorepair/.
• To learn more about AAA’s Best of the Best in AAR, visit AAA’s LinkedIn page by clicking here.

About the AAA Approved Auto Repair Program 

• The AAA Approved Auto Repair Program, created in 1975, is a designation awarded to automotive repair facilities that have met a stringent set of standards developed by AAA. Facilities undergo regular and thorough inspections conducted by AAA service specialists who hold the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification or original equipment manufacturer equivalent and have extensive knowledge in the field of automotive repair. Today, there are over 7,000 Approved Auto Repair facilities across North America for consumers to choose from, providing everything from general repair to specialty repair to collision work to even auto glass replacement. The AAA Best in Repair award is given to those AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities that have maintained all Approved Auto Repair program standards and requirements, a customer satisfaction score of 95% or higher and exhibit a commitment to their communities and the industry. To find a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility, visit aaa.com/autorepair.

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published October 16, 2025 12:49 P.M.

(Beaver, Pa) Heritage Valley Health System has signed an agreement Thursday morning to join Allegheny Health Network and Highmark Health.

The deal includes Beaver and Sewickley hospitals along with their 3,300 employees.

Heritage Valley CEO Norm Mitry called it a “historic monumental day”, adding that it is “a turning point that will greatly benefit the people we serve in this region and the hundreds of exceptional caregivers at Heritage Valley who work so heroically every day to deliver great care and comfort to those in need.”

According to the announcement, AHN and HVHS will make “significant investments over the next 10 years to improve the health of the community through enhanced clinical services, facility upgrades and IT infrastructure investments.”

Mark Sevco, president of AHN states “HVHS has a long and distinguished history of providing high-quality services, and we’re confident that, together, we will continue to make a real difference in the health and wellness of those who live in western Allegheny and Beaver counties.”

David Holmberg, CEO of Highmark Health, said “This affiliation with Heritage Valley reinforces our dedication to providing the communities of Western Pennsylvania with the high-quality, patient-centered care they deserve through our Living Health model, leading to improved health experiences and outcomes for our members and patients.”

Local elected officials also spoke at the conference.

Sara Innamorato, County Executive of Allegheny, displayed excitement to the deal which she referred to as an “acquisition”, stating that additional healthcare is needed as the population is growing on the Western side of Allegheny County.

Beaver County Commissioner Chairman Dan Camp and State Representative Josh Kail also spoke, both referencing the community care and foundation Heritage Valley has built for Beaver County and showing faith that AHN will continue to build off it.

The Beaver and Sewickley medical centers will be the 15th and 16th for Allegheny Health Network.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The deal is now pending Attorney General and FTC approval, which could take up to a year. In the meantime, the organizations will work on integration plans.

(File Photo of the PPG Industries Logo)

PITTSBURGH–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Oct 16, 2025– The Board of Directors of PPG (NYSE:PPG) today declared a regular quarterly dividend of 71 cents per share, payable December 12th to shareholders of record November 10th.

This payment will mark 54 consecutive years of annual increases in the company’s dividend and is the 509th consecutive dividend payment. Through the ongoing dedication and engagement of its workforce, the company has paid uninterrupted annual dividends since 1899.

(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Monroeville, PA) Thirty-four-year-old Jamal Brooks of Aliquippa was found guilty yesterday of shooting a Monroeville police officer during a reported armed robbery in Monroeville last year. According to court documents, Brooks was accused of shooting Monroeville Police Sgt. James MacDonald on Janaury 4th, 2024, when the officer was called to a possible armed robbery at the Crumbl Cookie in the Miracle Mile Shopping Center. The police report states that Brooks opened fire on MacDonald which hit MacDonald in the elbow and hip when MacDonald stopped Brooks because the description of the suspect matched Brooks. Police confirm Brooks had two handguns on him when he was taken into custody after the shooting occurred. A date for the sentencing of Brooks has not been set yet, but Brooks was guilty yesterday of assault on a police officer, illegal possession of a firearm, aggravated assault and attempted homicide.

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(South Fayette Township, PA) Thirty-seven-year-old Travis Brown of Monroeville died yesterday morning at the scene of a crash that occurred that morning on I-79 in South Fayette Township. Brown was driving northbound on I-79 at 3:15 a.m. and hit a vehicle that was stopped and then the driver side of Brown’s vehicle hit a second vehicle that was parked. Brown’s passenger, twenty-eight-year-old Carlie Olwell of New Kensington, was taken to UPMC Mercy Hospital because of a suspected serious injury. 

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Twenty-three-year-old Derek Johnson Jr. of Pittsburgh died at Allegheny General Hospital following a late-night crash on Tuesday on I-279 in Pittsburgh. Johnson was driving his motorcycle on I-279 South at 11:58 p.m. on Tuesday when he lost control, overturning it. Johnson slid his motorcycle into the vehicle of forty-year-old Kevin Deily of Pittsburgh. The vehicle of Deily was in the right lane of I-279 when this crash occurred.