Author: Beaver County Radio

Nancy Jo Moritz (1953-2026)

Nancy Jo Moritz, 73, of Brighton Township, passed away on October 28th, 2026 at home. She was born in Rochester on March 22nd, 1953, the daughter of the late Jefferson and Nancy Higby Burchett.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph S. Moritz Jr., as well as two brothers, Jeffery and James Burchett.

She is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law, Katy J. and Bill Mittica-Cunningham of Brighton Township, Michelle J. and Rudolf Diesing of Brighton Township and Nicole J. and Andy Smith, of Indiana Township, two sons and daughters-in-law, Dr. Joseph S. III and Natalie Moritz, of Dillinger, Pennsylvania and John J. and Kristin Moritz of Brighton Township, ten grandchildren: Joe Henry, and Sam Moritz, Josey and Roland Moritz, Dominic and Michael Mittica, Rudolf and Mason Diesing, and Jonah and Luke Smith; as well as one sister and brother-in-law, Jennifer and William Penney of Rochester, and one brother and sister-in-law, Rick and Debbie Hughes of Brighton Township.

Nancy was a retired owner of Nancy’s Dog Grooming, she attended Pathway Church in Chippewa, and was a member of St. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church in Beaver and Our Lady of the Valley Parish. She was a devoted mother of five and a loving grandmother to ten grandchildren. She was a natural caregiver and she spent much of her life taking care of the people she loved and was always there when her family needed her. She had a special love for animals, was an amazing cook, and found joy in caring for those around her. She will be remembered most for her loving heart, her strength, and the countless ways she showed her love for her family.

A private family gathering and service will be held on Friday, October 30th, at the William Murphy Funeral Home Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester, who was in charge of her arrangements.

The family wishes memorial contributions be made to the New Horizon School PTO 128 Friendship Circle, Beaver PA 15009.

House adopts resolution from State Representative Rob Matzie to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer

(File Photo of State Representative Rob Matzie)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) Before the nationally recognized Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month this November, the Pennsylvania House adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie’s resolution to raise awareness about the disease in a vote of 202-1 on October 21st.

Pancreatic cancer is expected to kill over 52,000 people in the United States this year. 

Matzie introduced H.R. 538 which makes a designation for November of 2026 as “Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month” in the state of Pennsylvania, so people can be aware of a disease that is still one of the most difficult forms of cancer to treat. 

According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that more than 67,500 new cases of pancreatic cancer cases will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2026 and that more than 52,500 people will die of the disease.

Matzie confirms that common symptoms of pancreatic cancer include jaundice, and that may cause yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine, itchy skin, and light-colored, greasy or floating stools; as well as abdominal pain that spreads to the sides or back, sudden-onset diabetes or diabetes that becomes harder to manage, unintended weight loss and poor appetite, nausea and vomiting, weakness and fatigue and unexplained blood clots.

Pittsburgh International Airport “Snow Fighters” conduct winter readiness training

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of WTAE-TV Pittsburgh, Posted on Facebook on October 28th, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Crews that are known as the “Snow Fighters” conducted winter readiness training along the runway at Pittsburgh International Airport during an October exercise yesterday.

These equipment operators tested specialized brooms and plows to ensure operational readiness for the upcoming winter season.

Pittsburgh International Airport typically experiences approximately 40 inches of snowfall between November and March.

However, the facility recorded over 50 inches of snow last winter, which included major operational challenges that were caused by Winter Storm Fern in January of 2026.

CCBC and Beaver County Jail Expand Access to Higher Education Through Prison Education Partnership

(File Photo of the CCBC Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) The Community College of Beaver County (CCBC) and the Beaver County Jail are now expanding access to higher education through a partnership that gives incarcerated individuals the opportunity to earn college credits, develop essential skills, and prepare for continued education and future career opportunities. 

This began in the fall of 2025 with an inaugural group of eight students and this prison education initiative has served fourteen students to date.  

Two students have continued their education at CCBC after their release from the Beaver County Jail, which demonstrates the potential of the program to create pathways in education that extend beyond incarceration. 

A key outcome of this partnership is to establish a connection between education during incarceration and opportunities after release. 

Wegmans location to open in Galleria at Mt. Lebanon

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Mt. Lebanon Municipality – Government, Posted on Facebook on October 29th, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) Roadside Development and Wegmans Food Markets announced today that Wegmans will serve as the anchor tenant of the Galleria of Mt. Lebanon.

This proposed grocery store will occupy approximately 110,000 square feet within the two-story, 168,000-square-foot commercial complex.

The existing retailers at the Galleria will stay open while redevelopment plans move forward.

The new location is expected to open in 2027.

Route 168 Shippingport Bridge Inspection Activities Friday in Beaver County

(File Photo of Road Work Ahead Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) PennDOT District 11 announced that inspection work on the Route 168 Shippingport Bridge over the Ohio River in Industry and Shippingport boroughs will occur tomorrow, weather permitting. 

From 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. tomorrow, single-lane alternating restrictions controlled by flaggers will occur on the Shippingport Bridge. 

Bridge inspection work will be conducted by crews from Mackin Engineering Company. 

Harry E. Zehnder III (1956-2026)

Harry E. Zehnder III, 70, of Baden, formerly of Ohio Township, passed away on October 26th, 2026 at Cambridge Village in Beaver Falls.

He was born in Pittsburgh on January 17th, 1956, a son of the late Harry E. and Laverne I. Bennett Zehnder.

He is survived by his wife, Diane S. Baker Zehnder, his son, Patrick Zehnder, his daughter, Katelyn (Mike) Conner, his brother, Steven (Donna) Zehnder and his grandchildren, Luke and Sydney Conner.

Harry was a resident of Evans City and enjoyed a long career as a high school teacher and coach. He was Christian by faith and very active with the New Community Church, Wexford, Wilmington Area High School, Penn State Alumni Association, Avonworth High School and Westminster Alumni Groups.

Friends will be received on Saturday, October 31st, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where a service will be conducted on Monday, November 2nd at 11 a.m.

Interment will take place at Allegheny Memorial Park Cemetery, 1600 Duncan Avenue, McCandless Township. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Harry’s name, may be made to Wilmington Area School District, 300 Wood Street, New Wilmington, PA 16142.

To send flowers with our preferred florist or plant a memorial tree, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

James R. Hammond (Passed on October 27th, 2026)

James R. Hammond, 59, of Baden, passed away unexpectedly on October 27th, 2026.

He was a son of the late Robert J. and Ann Hammond, and he carried the values they instilled in him throughout his life.

James lived a life marked by hard work. For much of his working career, he was a self employed contractor. Outside of work, he found joy in the things that brought him peace and happiness. He loved fishing, and time spent near the water gave him a chance to relax, reflect, and enjoy the quiet moments. He also enjoyed traveling, and he especially valued the experiences that came with seeing new places and making lasting memories along the way. He leaves behind two sons who will carry forward his memory with pride and affection. He was also a proud grandfather to two grandsons. In addition to his sons and grandsons, he is survived by his brother and sister. He will be deeply missed by family and friends.

In accordance with his family’s wishes, all services will be private.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

Patricia L. “Pat” Troy (1930-2026)

Patricia L. “Pat” Troy, 96, of Chippewa Township, passed away peacefully on October 26th, 2026, at home, surrounded by her family.

She was born in Washington, Pennsylvania on March 31st, 1930, a daughter of the late John and Catherine (Burns) Cavanaugh.

Patricia graduated from Claysville High School, moved to Chippewa and received her Nursing Degree from Providence Hospital. That is where she met, and later married her husband, Carl. Besides raising her family of 7 children, she enjoyed playing cards with her card club and playing bingo. She was an outstanding bowler – she even joined the “600 club” at White Township Lanes in 1984 (and her family will cherish the commemorative cross stitch that proves it!). She was also active in her church, St. Monica Church in Beaver Falls.

She belonged to the Christian Mothers and later enjoyed the activities of the VSPs. She loved attending any and all events that her children and grandchildren were involved in. She was an excellent baker and provided delicious desserts for family dinners every Sunday. Most of all, she loved people and they loved her. Her children and grandchildren often joked about her immense FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) – she was the life of the party and hated to miss any event!

She is survived by her husband of 72 years, Carl S. Troy, her children, Marianne (Rick) Knouse, Patricia (Robert) Selby, Janet Coy, Kathleen and Michael Troy; as well as her daughter-in-law, Judy Troy, her grandchildren: Katie (Bill) Arensberg, Cameron Knouse, Katie (Michael) DiSantis, Marianne (Brad) Ginther, Rose Selby, Jesse (Becca) Coy, Heather (Keith) Fritz, Maria (Xavier) Crown, Jaye, Troy, and Carly Garcia, David and Sarah Troy, Rumer, Elizabet, and Salome Troy; along with eight great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant daughter, two sons, Carl J. Troy and David J. Troy, son-in-law, Robert Coy, her siblings: Catherine (George) Murphy, John (Evelyn) Cavanaugh, Charles (Dolores) Cavanaugh, Bill (Ella) Cavanaugh, and Jim (Shirley) Cavanaugh; as well as his brother-in-law, Richard (Charlene) Troy and his sister-in-law, Jean (Tony) Nudi.

The family would like to thank Pinnacle Hospice and the wonderful care she received from their team and especially her nurse, Jenna. Many thanks also goes out to Arcadia Home Care for her caregiver, Terri, who helped immensely.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, November 3rd from 3 P.M.- 7 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., Chippewa Township, 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements.

Departing prayers will be offered in the funeral home on Wednesday, November 4th at 9:30 A.M., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 A.M. at St. Monica Church, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls. Fr. Kim Schreck will serve as celebrant.

Interment will be private at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville.

To send flowers with our preferred florist or plant a memorial tree, please visit the flower store of the Gabauer Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services by clicking here.

Radio Recall continues Beaver Valley Community Concert Association’s 2026-2027 concert season

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of the Beaver Valley Community Concert Association)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver Falls, PA) Radio Recall will perform live to continue the Beaver Valley Community Concert Association’s 2026-2027 concert season.  

They will perform at Beaver Falls Middle School at 7 p.m. tonight and it is sponsored by Live On Stage Inc. and the Beaver Valley Community Concert Association (BVCCA). 

Radio Recall is made up of Broadway stars Aaron LaVigne (“Jesus Christ Superstar”) and Jenna Rubaii (“Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Groundhog Day”). 

The duo will perform some of the biggest radio hits from the 1970s, ’80s, ’90s and beyond. 

Individual tickets will be sold at the door of Beaver Falls Middle School, and they cost $25 for adults and $5 for students.