(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) A Pittsburgh man has been sentenced to 27 months in federal prison and ordered to pay more than $4.7 million in restitution after being convicted of defrauding an investment client. 

Thomas Pipich, 74, was sentenced by United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan, according to U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti. 

Federal prosecutors said Pipich stole millions of dollars from one investment client to conceal losses tied to another client. 

According to court records, Pipich helped create BarTom Investments LLC in 2005. Prosecutors said the investment fund suffered major losses and had minimal account balances by May 2017. 

Authorities said Pipich then created a sham loan between BarTom and another client, transferring more than $3 million to BarTom under false pretenses. Prosecutors said he provided false financial summaries and misrepresented the loan as secured. 

Court records show Pipich paid himself more than $800,000 from the loan proceeds and lost at least $2.6 million through additional investment losses. 

(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Karlin Jones of Beaver Falls was among seven people named in a 16-count federal indictment filed by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania. 

The indictment includes charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, fraud involving unlawful computer access, aggravated identity theft, and receipt and possession of child sexual abuse material. 

Federal prosecutors said two of the defendants, Richard Martz Jr. of Meadville and Dylan Miller of West Mifflin, pleaded guilty this week to charges connected to the case. 

According to prosecutors, the defendants conspired between March 2020 and October 2022 to hack into hundreds of Snapchat accounts to obtain sexually explicit images and videos, including material involving minors. 

Prosecutors alleged Martz and Miller led the scheme. Both remain free on bond pending sentencing hearings scheduled for September 16th. 

(File Photo of a City of Aliquippa Police Department Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Aliquippa, PA) An investigation is underway after shots were fired in Aliquippa yesterday. 

The Aliquippa Police Department said it is working with Pennsylvania State Police, Hopewell Township Police Department and the Beaver County Sheriff’s Office to investigate the shooting in the 1300 block of Main Street at approximately 4 p.m. 

Police said two parked vehicles were struck by gunfire and an exchange of gunfire occurred in the area. No injuries have been reported. 

Investigators described the suspects as a group of younger males wearing black clothing and face masks. 

Residents are being asked to avoid the area. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Pennsylvania State Police Beaver Barracks at 724-773-7400. 

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – A sign outside the Internal Revenue Service building in Washington, on May 4, 2021.
Effective immediately, the Internal Revenue Service will end its decades-old policy of making unannounced home and business visits — in a nod to worker safety and combatting scammers who pose as IRS agents. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Washington, D.C.) The Internal Revenue Service announced new features in its IRS Individual Accounts system yesterday that allow taxpayers to view and submit “Trump Account” elections, aimed at making it easier to invest in certain tax-advantaged accounts.

According to a release from the IRS, here is more information about these elections and links to access them:

Through the IRS Individual Account (click here to access), taxpayers can securely access their tax information and complete common tasks online, including:

• View the latest submission status of their Form 4547, Trump Account Election(s) (click here to access), including next steps.
• Submit Form 4547, Trump Account Election(s), electronically.

(File Photo of the American Red Cross Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The American Red Cross said it has an urgent need for blood and platelet donors as the organization works to maintain a stable blood supply during the summer months.

The Red Cross said donors of all blood types are needed to help meet demand and address seasonal challenges that can impact blood donations.

According to a release from the American Red Cross, here is more information about giving blood and how to do so.

• All of those who come to give by May 31 will get an exclusive Red Cross beach towel, while supplies last. Those who come to give June 1st-28th, will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice and be automatically entered for a chance to win one of two $7,500 gift cards. See RedCrossBlood.org/June by clicking here for details.

 

How to donate blood

• Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org by clicking here or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
• Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass by clicking here or use the Blood Donor App.

(File Photo of Road Work Ahead Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) PennDOT District 11 announced that shoulder and mobile lane restrictions will occur on Interstate 79 and associated Route 60 and Interstate 376 (Parkway West) interchange ramps in Robinson and Kennedy townships today and tomorrow, weather permitting.

Restrictions will occur according to the following schedule:

Friday, May 29th

• Shoulder restrictions will occur Friday from 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. to allow crews to conduct survey and layout work in the following locations:
  • I-79 in both directions between the Route 60 Moon Run/Crafton (Exit 60 A/B) and the I-376 Airport/Pittsburgh (Exit 59 A/B) interchanges
  • All I-79 ramps at the I-376 Airport/Pittsburgh (Exit 59A/B) interchange
  • All I-79 ramps at the Route 60 Moon Run/Crafton (Exit 60 A/B) interchange
  • All I-376 ramps at the I-79 Erie/Washington (Exit 64A) interchange

Saturday, May 30th

• Mobile lane and shoulder restrictions will occur Saturday from 6 A.M. to 3 P.M. to allow crews to conduct roadway patching evaluation and survey work in the following locations:
  • I-79 in both directions between the Route 60 Moon Run/Crafton (Exit 60 A/B) and the I-376 Airport/Pittsburgh (Exit 59 A/B) interchanges
  • All I-79 ramps at the I-376 Airport/Pittsburgh (Exit 59A/B) interchange
  • All I-79 ramps at the Route 60 Moon Run/Crafton (Exit 60 A/B) interchange
  • All I-376 ramps at the I-79 Erie/Washington (Exit 64A) interchange

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of the Beaver Valley Antique Equipment & Crafts Association, Inc., Posted on Facebook on April 10th, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Hookstown, PA) Beaver Valley Antique Equipment and Crafts is seeking vendors for its September show at the Hookstown Fairgrounds.

The event is scheduled for September 18th-20th. Vendor spaces are available for $10 per spot for the weekend, though vendors are not required to participate all three days.

Both indoor and outdoor spaces are available.

Organizers said vendors selling handmade items, baked goods, flea market items, animal treats, jams and jellies, as well as direct sales consultants, are encouraged to apply.

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of the Rochester Borough Development Corporation, Posted on Facebook on May 27th, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Rochester, PA) Vendors are being sought for the 2026 Brighton Up Rochy event scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 19, from noon to 3 p.m. in Rochester.

The event will be held along Brighton Avenue and will feature activities and obstacle courses for children. Adults will receive punch cards to visit participating businesses for free items, shopping opportunities and other activities aimed at supporting the local community.

For more information, email lorianth4@msn.com.

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of the Borough of Midland Police Department, Posted on Facebook on May 28th, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Midland, PA) The Midland Borough Police Department is accepting applications for a full-time police officer position until Friday, June 5.

Applicants must pass testing administered by the Midland Borough Civil Service Board, including physical, written and oral examinations. Candidates must also be Act 120 certified and possess a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license.

The department said the position includes a 2026 starting salary of $76,794, along with health, vision and dental insurance for employees and eligible dependents.

Additional benefits include paid vacation time, 13 paid holidays, annual longevity pay after five years, a $900 uniform allowance, supplied firearm and body armor, overtime opportunities and membership to the Midland Sportsman’s Club.

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of JR Fergersen, Posted on Facebook on May 27th, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Hopewell Township, PA) A $100 reward is being offered for information leading to the identification of the person or people accused of removing stones from The Fez in Hopewell.

The incident happened near the corner of Brodhead Road and Longview Avenue.