(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(New Castle, PA) A man from New Castle was indicted on Tuesday on drug charges by a federal grand jury. 

Fifty-two-year-old Keith Jackson faces a charge of a count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. 

The indictment in this case did not offer any specific details but said that Jackson had fentanyl on him in a hotel room in New Castle on January 13th. 

(File Photo of State Representative Josh Kail)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Industry Borough, PA) Representative Josh Kail announced yesterday that the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) awarded a grant worth $5.547 million to Industry Borough Municipal Authority for its ongoing water quality project. 

Several upgrades will be made to the process of drinking water treatment disinfection, and this includes adding both a raw water tank for oxidation and a 6,000-gallon distribution pumping tank, as well as installing an emergency generator and the cleaning of two groundwater wells. 

This investment is the result of collaboration between state and local leaders who share a commitment to improving the quality of life for local residents.

Kail worked to secure this funding, and he thanked local officials throughout this process for their advocacy, dedication and partnership.

These resources will help strengthen the community. 

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of WPXI-TV Pittsburgh, Posted on Facebook on June 26th, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA)  According to the Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania will be under a code red air quality alert today because smoke from wildfires in Minnesota and Canada will create unhealthy levels of pollution for everybody.

The DEP noted that the smoke from the wildfire will push into the southern counties of Pennsylvania from the northernmost counties today, which will create hazy skies and unhealthy air quality. 

The DEP also stated that as a result of this air quality, people should consider limiting their outdoor activities, and sensitive groups like older residents and children as well as those with respiratory illnesses should avoid long or intense outdoor activities. T

This comes as much of Pennsylvania is experiencing temperatures of 90 degrees. 

People can voluntarily help reduce the fine particulate matter air pollution by avoiding open burning, avoiding the use of lawn equipment that is gas-powered and not using wood stoves or fireplaces. 

According to the American Lung Association in New York, they offer these five tips to avoid lung irritation and health complications due to high levels of air pollution:

1. Take extra precautions for sensitive groups: Proactive steps should be taken for people who are more susceptible to pollution, like children, older adults, people with respiratory diseases like COPD or asthma, and those who are pregnant.
2. Check your air quality at AirNow.gov, and limit the amount of time spent outdoors beginning when the air quality is orange, or unhealthy for sensitive groups.
3. Put air conditioners on recirculate: People with lung disease or heart conditions should stay inside on bad air quality days as much as possible, with doors, windows and fireplace dampers shut, and preferably with clean air circulating through air conditioners and air cleaners. Use air conditioners on the recirculation setting to keep from pulling outside air into the room. When driving your car on days with bad air quality, keep your windows and vents closed. Vehicle air conditioning should only be operated in the “recirculate” setting.
4. Don’t exercise outside: On days when air pollution is high, adjust your plans for the day. Everyone should limit or avoid outdoor activity, but this is especially important for children, older adults, people with respiratory diseases like COPD or asthma, and individuals who are pregnant.
5. Reduce your own air pollution: When the air quality is bad, consider postponing mowing the yard, using a charcoal grill or making unnecessary trips in your vehicle. These activities add to the air pollution.
6. Monitor your symptoms: Higher levels of air pollution can make breathing more difficult. If you have chronic lung disease, follow your asthma or COPD action plan. You should also report any new or lingering health concerns to your healthcare provider.

(File Photo of a New Sewickley Township Police Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(New Sewickley Township, PA) A male suspect is now in custody after he was recently located in Beaver County.

He was put into custody as of 6:45 p.m. yesterday.

Police say that he escaped from the scene of a crash.

The New Sewickley Township Police Department searched for him on the 1000 block of Route 68. 

(File Photo of the Beaver County Courthouse)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver, PA) Several topics were discussed at this morning’s Beaver County Commissioners’ work session at the County Courthouse.

County Department of Sustainability and Waste Management Director and Recycling Coordinator Becca Naber also noted that the county will hold its yearly household waster event on October 3rd so people can recycle responsibly.

Naber said that the Commissioners sponsored this event.

Beaver County Recreation and Tourism Director Tony Caltury told the Commissioners that he would meet with someone who is helping with the liner of the pool at Old Economy Park in Baden for a “final walk through and sign off.”

Caltury will also meet with the YMCA tomorrow as well as a staff that is helping out with this project so an announcement can come to move forward with opening the pool “in some capacity in the coming weeks,” to get it up and running.

Caltury also mentioned that this Saturday at 11 a.m. is when the Rainbow Bridge will open at the dog park area at Brady’s Run Park, which was possible through donations from private citizens.

Commissioner Jack Manning talked about the passing about the state budget by Governor Josh Shapiro on Sunday which passed before the end of this year even though it did not pass at the deadline of June 30th.

Manning also let the audience of the session know of the Vietnam Veterans’ Moving Wall from tomorrow to July 20th at Franciscan Manor to pay tribute to local veterans who lost their lives in the line of duty in the Vietnam War.

County Solicitor Garen Fedeles also mentioned the the law library at the county courthouse is free for the public to use and presented a certificate of recognition to Brittney Hamy for winning the American Association of Law Libraries Government Law Library Special Interest Section Law Library Advocate Award.

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) Pittsburgh Technical College could have a new owner because a court approved Chapman Properties, which is a developer out of Leetsdale, to buy its campus in North Fayette Township last week.  

The campus located off of McKee Road is 170 acres and includes an administration building, as well as classrooms and student housing. 

Chapman Properties told the Pittsburgh Business Times that North Fayette Township wants the property back on the tax rolls, and everything can be repurposed, but it will require zoning changes and some creativity.

(File Photo of Handcuffs)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Cumberland County, PA) Two people from New Jersey are now facing charges after police said over $3 million worth of marijuana was found in their van during a traffic stop on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. 

According to Pennsylvania State Police, troopers pulled over a Ram 3500 van on Interstate 76 West in Lower Mifflin Township in Cumberland County, around 9 p.m. on July 9th because it was going 99 mph in a 70 mph zone.

Police confirm that the driver, 19-year-old Yackov Bitan of Lakewood, New Jersey, was not licensed to drive a vehicle.  

After searching the vehicle, troopers affirmed they learned the van was hauling more than 700 pounds of marijuana and 200 THC vape cartridges and state police affirm that overall, the drugs had a street value of over $3.3 million. 

Police also stated that the drugs were seized and Bitan and his passenger, 34-year-old Yosef Marchette of Toms River, New Jersey, were arrested. 

Both Bitan and Marchette received a charge of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and police note that they have been arraigned, and their bail was set at $500,000.

The duo is in the Cumberland County Jail pending a preliminary hearing. 

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Beaver Valley Mall)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Monaca, PA)  The Beaver Valley Mall is having an event called Celebrating America 250 this Saturday, July 18th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The activities for this event include face painting, games, raffles and giveaways.  

The schedule of special events throughout Celebrate America 250 at the mall in Monaca are a patriotic pet contest and The Gathering Market craft show starting at 10 a.m., an obstacle bounce course starting at 11 a.m. and both DJ entertainment and a life flight helicopter visit starting at noon.

You can also honor a patriot of your choice by either writing a special message or writing the name of an active-duty service member, veteran or a first responder on a commemorative star.