Category: News

Beaver County and Pennsylvania primary races get underway on May 20th

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – Voting booths are set up at a polling place in Newtown, Pa., Tuesday, April 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) On May 20th, the Beaver County and Pennsylvania primary election polls will open. Some of the races will cause voters to pick and choose their candidates for each party in November. Here are the races for some Beaver County school districts and offices as well as the primary races in Pennsylvania that you can expect to vote for:

Pennsylvania’s contested primary races

  • Judge of the Superior Court (10 Years) – Republican
    • Maria Battista (Clarion County)
    • Ann Marie Wheatcraft (Chester County)
  • Judge of the Commonwealth Court (10 Years) – Republican
    • Matt Wolford (Erie County)
    • Josh Prince (Berks County)

Beaver County’s contested primary races

  • Magisterial District Judge 36-2-01 (Conway, Economy, Freedom, New Sewickley, Rochester, East Rochester) – Cross-filed (Pick one)
    • John Farmer
    • Ronald Leindecker
    • Adam Johnston

Local offices’ contested primary races

  • Ambridge Borough Council (Four Years) – Democratic (Pick four)
    • Scott Prentice
    • Russell G Basalyga
    • Mary Jane Jones Gilliam
    • Nadine Marie Palichat
    • Tony Cafarelli
  • Beaver Borough Mayor (Four Years) – Republican (Pick one)
    • Thomas Todd Hamilton
    • Lincoln Kretchmar
  • Beaver Borough Council (First Ward – Four Years) – Republican (Pick two)
    • Justin Ankrom
    • Margaret Mckean
    • Jarrod Thomas
    • Ron Stidmon
  • Beaver Borough Council (Second Ward – Four Years) – Republican (Pick one)
    • Ellen Kretchmar
    • Phil Oshaughnessy
  • Beaver Borough Council (Third Ward – Four Years) – Republican (Pick two)
    • Bill Egley
    • Roberta Good
    • Rebecca Beem
    • Whitney A Learn Conjeski
  • Bridgewater Borough Council (Four Years) – Republican (Pick two)
    • Anthony Ellis
    • Gage Gimbus
    • Charles Bates
  • Darlington Borough Council (Two Years) – Republican (Pick one)
    • Zander Mckeel
    • Glenda L Tetemanza
  • East Rochester Mayor (Four Years) – Democratic (Pick one)
    • Bob Knox
    • Walter Pat Duffy
  • Economy Borough Tax Collector (Four Years) – Republican (Pick one)
    • Amy L Miller
    • Nicole Thompson
  • Franklin Township Supervisor (Six Years) – Republican (Pick one)
    • Steve Bailey
    • Rod Richard
  • Midland Borough Council (Four Years) – Democratic (Pick four)
    • Patsy Esposito
    • Joseph Donald Checca
    • Connie Ditri Drozdjibob
    • Gregory Gutierrez
    • Ivee Jo Roach
  • Monaca Borough Tax Collector (Four Years) – Democratic (Pick one)
    • Angel Zampogna
    • Barbara J Brummitt
  • New Sewickley Township Supervisor (Six Years) – Republican (Pick one)
    • Artie Evans III
    • Jonathan Stragand
    • Daniel R Plunkett
    • Barbara Blake
  • Shippingport Borough Tax Collector (Four Years) – Republican (Pick one)
    • Kayla Carpenter
    • John G. Depaolis
  • South Beaver Township Supervisor (Six Years) – Republican (Pick one)
    • Jake Rosenberger
    • Caine A Laderer

Local school boards’ contested primary races

Note: Many candidates for school boards are cross-filed in primary races.

  • Aliquippa School District – Democratic (Pick Four)
    • Sandra Gill
    • Tina Price Genes
    • Brian M Sims Sr.
    • Nakita L Strickland
    • Yvonne Jackson
    • Ezra G Lowe Jr
    • Torri Durham Flannigan
  • Ambridge Area School District – Democratic (Pick Four)
    • Kelly Romasco
    • Joshua Gill
    • Kaylin Majeran
    • Amy Fitsko
    • Michael Jackson
    • Thomas Samarco
    • Mark D Reichard
    • Kathleen A Curtis
    • Jesse Hernandez
    • Thomas G Short III
  • Ambridge Area School District – Republican (Pick Four)
    • Mark D Reichard
    • Joshua Gill
    • Amy Fitsko
    • Jesse Hernandez
    • Kathleen A Curtis
    • Thomas G Short III
    • Thomas Samarco
    • Kelly Romasco
    • Michael Jackson
    • Kaylin Majeran
  • Beaver Area School District – Democratic (Pick Four)
    • Michael Litchfield
    • Donald E Phillips
    • Peter Grundberg
    • Aaron Bovalino
    • Celina Petronzi Hendershot
    • Andrea Walker
    • Steven Neeley Jr
    • Karin M Pilarski
  • Beaver Area School District – Republican (Pick Four)
    • Donald E Phillips
    • Andrea Walker
    • Aaron Bovalino
    • Michael Litchfield
    • Peter Grundberg
    • Steven Neeley Jr
    • Karin M Pilarski
    • Celina Petronzi Hendershot
  • Blackhawk School District (Region Two – Four Years) – Democratic (Pick Two)
    • Frank Makoczy
    • Thomas A Wire
    • Chad McMillen
  • Blackhawk School District (Region Two – Four Years) – Republican (Pick Two)
    • Frank Makoczy
    • Thomas A Wire
    • Chad McMillen
  • Ellwood City Area School District (Four Years) – Democratic (Pick Four)
    • Kathy C Tillia
    • Robyn Nicklas
    • Nick J Mancini
    • Norm Boots
    • Victoria Kincaid
    • Brady Guy
    • Claire Fauzey
  • Ellwood City Area School District (Four Years) – Republican (Pick Four)
    • Kathy C Tillia
    • Robyn Nicklas
    • Nick J Mancini
    • Norm Boots
    • Victoria Kincaid
    • Brady Guy
    • Claire Fauzey
  • Ellwood City Area School District (Two Years) – Democratic (Pick one)
    • Robyn Nicklas
    • Brady Guy
    • Victoria Kincaid
    • Kathy Galbreath
    • Norm Boots
    • Kathy C Tillia
  • Ellwood City Area School District (Two Years) – Republican (Pick one)
    • Robyn Nicklas
    • Brady Guy
    • Victoria Kincaid
    • Kathy Galbreath
    • Norm Boots
    • Kathy C Tillia
  • Freedom Area School District – Democratic (Pick Four)
    • Christian A Brenckle
    • Michelle Micija
    • Wes Sterrett
    • Laura B Stofan
    • Monica Grunnagle
  • Freedom Area School District – Republican (Pick Four)
    • Christian A Brenckle
    • Michelle Micija
    • Wes Sterrett
    • Laura B Stofan
    • Monica Grunnagle
  • Hopewell Area School District (Region Three – Four Years) – Democratic (Pick one)
    • Tory Aquino Sims
    • David Piroli
  • New Brighton Area School District (Four Years) – Democratic (Pick Four)
    • Bernadette Saiko Mattica
    • Christeen Deane Ceratti
    • TJ Lofaso
    • Steven Powell
    • Matthew Ledonne
    • Katherine Crisci
  • New Brighton Area School District (Four Years) – Republican (Pick Four)
    • Bernadette Saiko Mattica
    • Christeen Deane Ceratti
    • TJ Lofaso
    • Steven Powell
    • Matthew Ledonne
    • Katherine Crisci
  • New Brighton Area School District (Two Years) – Democratic (Pick one)
    • Matthew Ledonne
    • Katherine Crisci
    • Steven Powell
    • Bernadette Saiko Mattica
    • Christeen Deane Ceratti
  • New Brighton Area School District (Two Years) – Republican (Pick one)
    • Matthew Ledonne
    • Katherine Crisci
    • Steven Powell
    • Bernadette Saiko Mattica
    • Christeen Deane Ceratti
  • South Side Area School District – Republican (Pick Four)
    • Craig Stewart
    • Jonathan Glenn
    • Michael W Rounds
    • Cynthia Cusato
    • Jesse Streeter
  • Western Beaver County School District – Democratic (Pick Four)
    • Shawn Roman
    • Daniel Trent
    • Samantha Trimble
    • Ronald J Bender
    • Michael Smith
    • Erin Majors
    • Peter Kadilak
  • Western Beaver County School District – Republican (Pick Four)
    • Shawn Roman
    • Daniel Trent
    • Samantha Trimble
    • Ronald J Bender
    • Michael Smith
    • Erin Majors
    • Peter Kadilak

Officials investigate why Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s home was set on fire

This image provided by Commonwealth Media Services shows damage after a fire at the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion while Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family slept inside on Sunday, April 13, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pa. (Commonwealth Media Services via AP)

AP-US-Pennsylvania-Governor-Arson, 3rd Ld-Writethru

Apr 15, 2025 10:43 AM

By MARK SCOLFORO and MARC LEVY Associated Press

Eds: UPDATES: Updates Media. EDITS: Tightens throughout.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Investigators are working to uncover the motive behind an arson fire over the weekend at Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s mansion, the latest act of political violence in the U.S. They are digging into Cody Balmer’s background after authorities said he scaled an iron security fence in the middle of the night, eluded police and set fire to the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion. He was denied bail Monday after a brief court appearance. Balmer has not entered a plea to charges that include attempted homicide, terrorism and arson. Authorities say Balmer had planned to beat Shapiro with a small sledgehammer if he encountered him early Sunday.

The great Easter basket question — to Peep or not Peep

Peeps marshmallow treats move through the manufacturing process at the Just Born factory in Bethlehem, Pa., Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

AP-US-Making-Peeps, 1st Ld-Writethru

Apr 15, 2025 10:26 AM

By TASSANEE VEJPONGSA and JOHN SEEWER Associated Press

BETHLEHEM, Pa. (AP) — Love them or hate them, marshmallow Peeps are inescapable around the Easter holiday. Millions of the brightly-colored candies are made daily in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, by Just Born Quality Confections. The family-owned candy manufacturer also churns out Hot Tamales, Mike and Ike fruit chews and Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews. Peeps is the company’s most recognizable brand. It also evokes strong reactions — good and bad. Some say an Easter basket isn’t complete without the multi-flavored Peeps, while others deride them as being indestructible. On average, about 5.5 million are made each day. That adds up to 2 billion Peeps a year.

Beaver County Farmers Markets announce vendors and opening details

Photo provided by Beaver County Farmers Markets

Story by Scott Tady

 

The Beaver County Farmers Markets return April 26, starting with the Beaver market in the parking lot of the County Court House.

The Beaver market opens 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, selling produce and goods from local farmers.
The Ambridge market, along Park Road, runs 4 to 7 p.m. Thursdays, beginning May 1.
A Beaver Falls market, at 12th Street and Ninth Avenue, runs Mondays, 3-6 p.m., starting May 5.
The Chippewa Township market, at 2545 Darlington Road, runs 3-6 p.m. Tuesdays starting May 6.
A New Brighton market, at Fifth Avenue and Fourth Street, also runs 3-6 p.m. Tuesdays.
New vendors this year include a dairy farm selling yogurt and milk and a farmer selling native bare root plants.
Confirmed vendors and locations:
Brown Bear Bread Co. Beaver.
GG Biscotti, biscotti, Beaver and Chippewa.
Megan Epley cut flowers, Ambridge and Chippewa.
Fabyanic Farm, crafts, produce. Indian corn and gourds, Ambridge and Beaver.
Farrow Farm, mushrooms, Ambridge and Beaver.
Fausti Family Farm, baked goods, crafts, produce, furniture, Ambridge and Beaver.
Douds-Floyd Farm, Ambridge and Beaver.
Habrie Brothers, produce, Beaver.
Enon Country Gardens, produce, plants, cut flowers, Ambridge, Beaver, Chippewa.
Harley’s Oak Spring Farm, produce, plants, crafts, cut flowers, Aliquippa, Beaver, Beaver Falls, Chippewa, New Brighton.
May Malone Farm, crafts, cut flowers, produce, wreaths, plants, Ambridge and Beaver.
Bare Native Root Plants, Ambridge.
Fitzgibbon Meadery, mead, wine and viking horns, Ambridge and Beaver.
McConnell’s Hill Farm, produce, Ambridge and Beaver.
McCormack Apiaries, honey, Beaver.
Red Diamond Honey, Chippewa.
Jemila, prepared foods and baked goods, Beaver.
Muetzel Mountain Honey, Ambridge.
Highland Homestead Farm, beef, pork, poultry, eggs, canned/processed goods, Ambridge and Beaver.
Orlo Perennial Nursery, plants, crafts, cut flowers, produce, Beaver.
Ridgemont Farms, cut flowers, crafts, Beaver.
PJ’s Deli, baked goods, canned/processed goods, prepared foods, jams, crafts, Ambridge, Beaver, Chippewa.
Alex Leslie, milk and yogurt, Beaver.
Maddy’s Garden, produce and crafts, Ambridge.
Schweikert’s Greenhouse, produce, plants, Ambridge, Beaver.
Novel Breads, baked goods, bread, Beaver.
Swab Fruits & Vegetables, crafts, cut flowers, produce, plants, Ambridge and Beaver.
Swick Family Farm, produce, Beaver.
The Gray Goat BBQ, seasonings, barbecue sauces, goat milk fudge, sandwiches, Ambridge, Beaver and Chippewa.
Wockenfuss Family Farm, soap, body butters, lip balms, beeswax candles, eggs, chocolate, candy, baked goods, Beaver.
Woodward Orchard, produce, Ambridge, Beaver and Chippewa.
Wood Street Bread, Beaver.
Trisha’s Farm, canned/processed goods, jams, produce, plants, crafts, cut flowers.

Pittsburgh Pirates owner Bob Nutting apologizes in an email for removing the “Bucco Bricks” outside PNC Park

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Pirates Chairman Robert Nutting, left, talks with Pittsburgh Pirates interim manager Tom Prince in the dugout after the firing of manager Clint Hurdle before the final baseball game of the season against the Cincinnati Reds in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019. The Reds won 3-1. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Pittsburgh Pirates owner Bob Nutting wrote an email this weekend to apologize after removing the “Bucco Bricks” outside PNC Park. The personalized bricks went to a landfill to be recycled even though an approval was made last week for a sidewalk replacement project. Nutting wrote in the email that he took the responsibility for the bricks being taken away. Nutting also commented that a mistake was made and that both his late father and himself deserve a better outcome.

Two men are killed and two people are injured in a crash on westbound I-376

(File Photo of Police Lights)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) Two people died and two other people got injured after a crash involving multiple vehicles occurred on the westbound route of I-376 on Sunday. First responders in Allegheny County went to the interchanges of Grant Street and Second Avenue. Two men were in a car that struck another car during the accident and those men were taken to a hospital. The driver and passenger of the car that got hit died. The road is back open and the incident is under investigation. 

 

Gas main installation work will occur on Route 65 in Shenango Township weather permitting

(File Photo of a Road Work Ahead Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Shenango Tonwship, PA) PennDOT District 11 announced that beginning Monday, April 14th weather permitting, gas main installation work will occur on Route 65 in Shenango Township. From 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day between Douglas Drive and Sherwood Drive, single-lane alternating traffic will take place on Route 65 through late July. The gas main installation work will be conducted by crews from Miller Pipeline.

Butler man charged after murder threats to President Donald Trump, U.S. officials, and ICE agents

(File Photo of Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Acting U.S. Attorney Troy Revetti announced Friday that a man from Butler was charged after threatening to murder President Donald Trump, U.S. officials, and ICE agents. Thirty-two-year-old Shawn Monper made threats as the user “Mr. Satan” on YouTube to the President and those other individuals between January 15th, 2025 and April 5th, 2025. According to Revetti, Monper was ordered detained pending preliminary on Thursday and will have detention hearings today.

Pennsylvania man arrested for harassing a woman from Aliquippa in Independence Township

(File Photo of Police Lights)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Independence Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Beaver report that a man from Pennsylvania was arrested on Saturday for harassing a woman from Aliquippa in Independence Township. According to police, an unidentified thirty-three-year-old man had an altercation with an unidentified thirty-year-old woman on State Route 151. The man got two citations from police. One was for criminal mischief and the other was for harassment.

 

Beaver County Chamber Monday Memo: 04/14/25

DEADLINE TO APPLY: Tues., April 15, 2025 at 11:59PM
View Job Description & Details to Apply Here.
REGISTER HERE: Congressional Breakfast
You are invited to register for our Congressional Breakfast featuring the Honorable Chris Deluzio. Thank you to our Presenting Sponsors, Heritage Valley Health System and Shell Polymers Monaca!

Date: Thursday, April 17, 2025

Time:

7:30 AM Registration & Breakfast

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Event

Location: Seven Oaks Country Club

132 Lisbon Rd., Beaver, PA 15009

Fees:

BCCC Member: $35 | Non-Member: $50
Reforest Our Future Ribbon Cutting

Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Time: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Location: Forest Exploration Center & Native Tree Nursery

526 Brady’s Run Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010

Description: FREE & NO RSVP NEEDED

Come down to the nursery on Earth Day to celebrate our Grand Opening! Enjoy refreshments while you mingle with a crowd full of environmental enthusiasts. Listen as Audrey Bodenlos, Nursery Manager and Educator, and Jeff Karwoski, Executive Director of Reforest Our Future tell you about exciting things the Forest Exploration Center and Native Tree Nursery has in store.
REGISTER HERE: CCBC After Hours
You are invited to bring your colleagues, friends, and/or family for a family-friendly After Hours at CCBC.

Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025

Time: 5:00PM – 7:00PM

Location: CCBC

1 Campus Drive, Monaca, PA 15061

Fees:

BCCC Member: $10 | Non-Member: $20

Enjoy escape rooms, refreshments, and networking at this FAMILY-FRIENDLY event!

Below are 3 escape rooms to choose from. Read through each description and find what interests your group the most! When you register, please choose 1 escape room and add to your cart.

No group? No problem! You can go ahead and attend this After Hours solo, and we will pair you with a group in the escape room of your choice. Not interested in an escape room at all? That’s fine, too. Network and enjoy refreshments!

Beginner Escape Room: The Hidden Tale

A mischievous book is hiding in the children’s library, and the librarian needs your help to find it. Can you solve the clues and track it down before it vanishes for good?

Ages 5+, Must be accompanied by an adult

 

Intermediate Escape Room: Secrets in the Shadows

Your partner’s gone missing after a breakthrough in a top-secret case. The crime scene is clean, and he’s not answering his phone. Was he hiding something, or did someone make sure this case stays unsolved?

13+, Must be accompanied by an adult. Caution: dark room, use of fixed laser pointer

 

Advanced Escape Room: The Path of Destruction

A massive storm is brewing, and it’s unlike anything you’ve seen. As a meteorologist, you must figure out where the tornado will strike before it’s too late. Can you save the people in its path?

10+, Must be accompanied by an adult. Caution: darker room, mild fear
View Full Event Calendar
We have launched new ways to partner in 2025!

 

The BCCC is excited to announce our Yearlong Partnership initiative. These unique yearlong partnership opportunities are an investment into the Chamber’s ability to lead and advocate for impactful change. Please consider a Yearlong Partnership as a Bridges ($5,000), Rivers ($10,000), or Legacy ($15,000+) level.

 

Interested in learning more?

Contact Lance Grable, Chamber President, here.

 

As always, you can sponsor any of our events throughout the year. Check out our 2025 Event Sponsorship Guide here.
View all event photos

Submit your member news to msuehr@bcchamber.com

Any opinion and other statement contained in Member News below in no way reflects the views and beliefs of the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce, its staff or Board of Directors.

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