Gas prices are two cents lower in Western Pennsylvania this week at $3.901 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report.

This week’s average prices: Western Pennsylvania Average                          $3.901
Average price during the week of October 2, 2023                                            $3.927
Average price during the week of October 10, 2022                                          $3.968

The average price of unleaded self-serve gasoline in various areas:      

$3.898      Altoona
$3.934      Beaver
$3.762      Bradford
$3.813      Brookville
$3.910      Butler
$3.914      Clarion
$3.887      DuBois
$3.936      Erie
$3.871      Greensburg
$3.898      Indiana
$3.955      Jeannette
$3.935      Kittanning
$3.938      Latrobe
$3.772      Meadville
$3.999      Mercer
$3.826      New Castle
$3.930      New Kensington
$3.999      Oil City
$3.896      Pittsburgh
$3.885      Sharon
$3.901      Uniontown
$3.998      Warren
$3.876      Washington

Trend Analysis:

The decline in pump prices accelerated a bit since last week, with the national average falling 11 cents to $3.70. The primary reasons are slack demand and the lower cost of oil, which is hovering near $85 per barrel. Today’s national average is 12 cents less than a month ago and 21 cents less than a year ago.

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand dropped significantly from 8.62 to 8.01 million barrels per day last week. On the other hand, total domestic gasoline stocks increased substantially by 6.5 million barrels to 227 million barrels. Growing supply, amid low demand, has pushed pump prices down.

At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, West Texas Intermediate decreased by $5.01 to settle at $84.22. Oil prices fell sharply due to rising market concern that if interest rates continue to increase, the economy could tip into a recession. If a recession occurs, crude demand and prices would likely drop. Additionally, the EIA reported that total commercial crude stocks decreased by 2.2 million barrels to 414.1 million barrels last week.

Motorists can find current gas prices nationwide, statewide, and countywide at gasprices.aaa.com.

FILE – Powerball lottery tickets are displayed Oct. 4, 2023, in Surfside, Fla. An estimated $1.4 billion Powerball jackpot that has been growing since July is about to be on the line. Saturday night’s jackpot is the world’s fifth-largest lottery prize after rolling over for 33 consecutive drawings. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Powerball jackpot has climbed to an estimated $1.73 billion after no one matched the game’s six numbers and won the giant prize. The winning numbers announced Monday night are: 16, 34, 46, 55, 67 and the Powerball 14. There has been no winner for 35 consecutive drawings. The scarcity of Powerball jackpot winners reflects the game’s long odds of 1 in 292.2 million. The $1.73 billion prize is for a sole winner who is paid through an annuity, with annual checks over 30 years. Most jackpot winners opt for cash, which for the next drawing Wednesday night would be an estimated $756.6 million.

Story by Beaver County Radio News Staff. Published October 10, 2023 7:34 A.M.

(Beaver Falls, Pa) A Volunteer firefighter was killed in an ATV crash in Beaver Falls Saturday night. The crash was said to have happened just before midnight around 24th Street and 8th Avenue. A car was also involved in the collision.
Beaver County Coroner, David Gabauer, identified the ATV rider as Cody Vorderbruggen, age 30 of Beaver Falls. His death was ruled accidental.

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio news Director. Published October 9, 2023 2:45 P.M.

(Beaver Falls, Pa) Geneva College held their 175th homecoming celebration Saturday. The event kicked off with a parade through downtown Beaver Falls to the campus on College Hill. Students, guests, and returning alumni got to enjoy varoious activities and food vendors. Beaver County Radio’s Mike Romigh and Curtis Walsh performed a live event highlighting the festivities and speaking with distinguished individuals associated with the college and the event, as a large crowd made their way in to attend the football game between the Geneva Golden Tornadoes and Grove City. Photos and video from the event can be viewed below:

(Beaver County, Pa) – The Beaver County FOCUS Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee encourages residents, business owners, and the larger community to take the Community Survey this fall. Participation will help to identify priorities for Beaver County’s infrastructure, community amenities, economic development, and recreational facilities.

The comprehensive plan, called Beaver County FOCUS, is a planning initiative that takes place at the County level every 10 to 15 years. Community input is a critical component of the plan, and residents, business owners, and larger community are encouraged to participate through the survey.

The survey asks residents about their priorities, what they would like to see in Beaver County, and how the County can better serve their specific needs. It has been designed to be quick and easy to fill out, taking 10-15 minutes to complete.

“The Beaver County FOCUS survey responses will play a major role in all aspects of planning for Beaver County’s future,” said Lance Grable Director of the Beaver County Office of Planning and Redevelopment.”

To take the survey, visit the Survey Monkey page at

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/beavercountysurvey on your phone, tablet, or computer. There will also be in-person opportunities to complete the survey on paper at Beaver County FOCUS Comprehensive Plan survey pop-ups throughout the fall.

If you have any questions regarding this study or would like to request a printed copy of the survey, please email Sue Jamery, Senior Administrative Assistant, at sjamery@beavercountypa.gov.

To learn more about Beaver County Planning and Redevelopment, visit their website at: www.beavercountypa.gov/departments/planning-commission

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published October 9, 2023 10:46 A.M.

(Hopewell Township, Pa) Hopewell Township Police reported that on Friday at 6:58 a.m., they were dispatched to the area of Brodhead and South Heights Road for an accident. According to the report, a male driver struck a utility pole. No charges were reported. The driver was advised to seek medical treatment, police said.

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published October 9, 2023 10:42 A.M.

(Greene Township, Pa) A school official reported that something in a Valley Waste Disposal truck in the area of the truck’s hydraulic line caused a small fire near the South Side School District early Friday morning. The driver was able to drive the vehicle to continue his route. Valley Waste didn’t return a call to Beaver County Radio about the incident.

HARRISBURG – Several communities in Beaver, Butler, and Lawrence counties will soon benefit from the $3.3 million in grant funding for park and recreation projects awarded by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (DCNR) Community Conservation Partnerships Program, according to Sen. Elder Vogel Jr. (R-47).

“Our local parks serve as a central place in our communities to bring together residents and visitors alike,” said Vogel. “Investing these critical funds in their upkeep and rehabilitation is a way we can continue to boost tourism in our area, stimulate our local economy, and help revitalize our communities for a better, brighter future.”

The following grants were approved by DCNR:

Beaver County

Ambridge Borough will receive $280,400 for the rehabilitation of P.J. Caul Memorial Park. The work will include renovation of plaza; installation of lighting and utilities; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.

Brighton Township will receive $160,900 for payment toward the acquisition of approximately 13 acres along Brighton Road for an addition to the Two Mile Run Park Extension.

Butler County

Cranberry Township will receive $2,789,700 for further development of Cranberry Township Community Park. The work will include construction of pedestrian walkways, pavilion, comfort facility, multipurpose fields, access drive, parking area and stormwater management measures; installation of lighting and utilities; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.

Harmony Borough will receive $55,600 for the rehabilitation of Harmony Borough Park. The work will include construction of pedestrian walkway; installation of play equipment with required safety surfacing; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.

Lawrence County

Wampum Borough will receive $73,000 for the rehabilitation of Wampum Park. The work will include renovation of the baseball field and dugouts; construction of pedestrian walkway; installation of fencing; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.

The DCNR Community Conservation Partnerships Program is funded with a variety of state and federal funding sources including: the Keystone Recreation, Park, and Conservation Fund; the Environmental Stewardship Fund; the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, subject to National Park Service approval; the federal Pennsylvania Recreational Trails Program, and the Pennsylvania Heritage Area Program.

Story and photo by Frank Sparks, Beaver County Radio 

(Beaver Falls, Pa.) On Saturday, June 17, 2023 Beaver County Radio moved from our 7th Avenue in Beaver Falls location to all new studios on on Dutch Ridge Road in Brighton Township. St. Barnabas Broadcasting wanted to thank Beaver Falls for the 75 years that WBVP broadcasted from the city. On Friday morning a sign was installed on the former studio building saying “Beaver Falls, Pa.” with “Go Tigers” underneath of it.

Beaver County Radio General Manager Frank Sparks said that “St. Barnabas Broadcasting wanted to thank the City of Beaver Falls for the last 75 years and felt this was the appropriate way to do it.” “While we enjoy our new state of the art facility in Brighton Township we will truly miss Beaver Falls.”