Beaver County Commissioner Jack Manning may run as independent for County Commissioner in 2027

(File Photo of Beaver County Commissioner Jack Manning)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) Beaver County Commissioner Jack Manning has officially changed his voter registration from Republican to independent.

This occurred at a recent local meeting, and Manning announced that he may run as an independent against a potential Republican candidate for county commissioner next year.

New signage in place on part of the Montour Trail regarding regulations for e-bikes

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Megan Shinn / KDKA, Caption for Photo: New signage has been installed along a stretch of the Montour Trail in Peters Township surrounding electric bike and scooter regulations.)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Peters Township, PA) A stretch of the Montour Trail that is in Peters Township has new signage that has regulations regarding electric bikes and scooters.

The Montour Trail sees more than 400,000 trail usages every year, and both electric bikes and e-scooters can go up to around 50 to 60 miles per hour.

That is why the new signs are up in that area to warn people to be safe.

The new signage states that e-bikes cannot go over 15 miles per hour, all operators of those bikes must be 16 or older and it states what types of vehicles are prohibited on the trail.

The signs were also put up in the area because instances caught by the Montour Trail Safety Team in July that show an e-bike flying by during the moments of dogs, strollers, runners and walkers on the rail.

Parents can be held liable under Peters Township or Pennsylvania state ordinances.

These signs are part of a larger effort for the Montour Trail to continue to be a space for people to enjoy safely.

New Castle man cited after two-vehicle crash in New Sewickley Township

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(New Sewickley Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Gibsonia reported today that twenty-three-year-old Gabrial Yanssens of New Castle was cited for careless driving was filed against after a two-vehicle crash occurred in New Sewickley Township on July 26th

Yanssens was driving on I-76 East on the Pennsylvania Turnpike at 2:34 p.m. and hit the vehicle driven by twenty-year-old Emmitt Gillespie of Pittsburgh.

According to police, Yanssens entered Gillespie’s lane of travel as both drivers negotiated a slight right curve.

The vehicle of Gillespie hit an embankment before it rolled onto its roof as a result of this crash.

There were no reported injuries. 

New Castle Music Festival returns Saturday with something for everyone

SCOTT TADY

NEW CASTLE — An MTV-era pop star, an “American Idol” finalist and on-the-rise bands from Beaver, Butler and Lawrence counties compose the lineup for the New Castle Music Festival.

Returning for its seventh year on August 8 at Cascade Park, the festival is headlined by platinum-selling pop-rock artist Ryan Cabrera.

Indie-pop artist Kayko, popular with “American Idol” viewers, also will entertain.

Beaver County bands Fyath and Better Think Twice are part of the lineup.

Other regional acts set to perform are Pop Baby, Darrin Salzano, the Rev. Gill & The Fishermen, Third Attempt, Parks & Company, Arden Webster, Oh Bother, Neglekted Channel, Suite 6 and DTSK.

From indie and alternative to acoustic and hip hop, the music runs all day across back-to-back stages with no downtime.

Festival coordinator Adam Alfano discussed the event as a guest Tuesday on the Beaver County Radio Morning Show with Scott Tady.

Hear his full interview here:

Along with the music, expect local food trucks, vendors and family friendly activities throughout the park.

Gates open at noon. Music starts at 12:30 p.m. and runs through the early evening.

Lineup and set times for Saturday’s New Castle Music Festival.

Tickets cost $20 in advance at newcastlemusicfestival.com

Tickets purchased at the gate are $25.

Ryan Cabrera (Submitted)

Eleanor Carol Havranek (1931-2026)

Eleanor Carol Havranek, 94, of Conway, passed away on August 3rd, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

She was born in West Aliquippa on September 2nd, 1931, a daughter of the late Mike and Anna (Petrako) Simon.

In addition to her parents, Eleanor was preceded in death by her husband, Rudolph Havranek, two brothers, Mike and Joseph Simon and five sisters: Mary Maynard, Annie Slobodian, Helen Rutkowski, Irene Janicki and Agnes Myers.

She is survived by her three children, Dr. Gary (Carrie) Havranek of Beaver Falls, Lori Havranek of Beaver Falls and David (Maureen) Havranek of Monaca, four grandchildren: Andrew Havranek, Brandon Havranek, Emily (Luke) Reynolds and Orion Czarnecki; as well as a great-granddaughter, Hazel Reynolds and several nieces and nephews.

Eleanor worked at the former J&L Steel and retired from Complete Family Vision Care in 2019. She was a longtime member of the former Our Lady of Peace Roman Catholic Church in Conway. She was an avid reader who enjoyed vacationing in both Key West and Las Vegas with her family. She also enjoyed going to Penguins games.

All services for Eleanor were private. Arrangements have been entrusted to the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

Private entombment at Sylvania Hill Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester, PA 15074.

Brian McCarl (1951-2026)

Brian McCarl, 74, of Beaver Falls, passed away on Sunday, August 2nd, 2026. He was born in Beaver Falls on September 20th, 1951.

Brian graduated from Beaver Falls High School in 1969 and earned his B.A. degree from Gettysburg College in 1974 where he was a proud member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and played football for the Bullets. He went on to build a respected career as a Commercial and Industrial Plumbing Estimator with McCarl’s Inc. before starting his own company, BMC Mechanical Contracting, and then retiring from D. Dennis & Son, Inc. in Pittsburgh. For more than three decades, Brian devoted himself to the Little Beaver Lions Club, serving in numerous leadership roles including three terms each as President and Vice President, four terms as Membership Chairman, twenty terms on the Board of Directors, and Chairman of eleven club committees.

His dedication to Lions Clubs International extended throughout District 14-N and Multiple District 14, where he headed many district and statewide committees, served as Zone and Region Chairman, and ultimately was elected as the District Governor (1999–2000). He contributed extensively to officer training, long-range planning, and state convention leadership, earning respect from Lions across Pennsylvania.

Brian’s leadership at the non-profit Pennsylvania Lions Beacon Lodge Camp was among his most cherished work. Over 16 years as a board member, he served as Vice President, President, Fundraising Chairman, and Chairman of the Property Committee. His efforts helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for critical improvements, including underground water and sanitary line projects and annual fundraising events that strengthened the camp’s mission of providing camping experiences for physically challenged children and adults, as well as disabled veterans and their families. He also served with distinction on the PA Lions Sight Conservation & Eye Research Foundation, where he spent 18 years as a board member, including 4 years each as Vice Chairman and Chairman. Brian was deeply engaged in his local community. He was a life member, past President, and past Treasurer of the Little Beaver Historical Society. He managed the McCarl Family Foundation, served on the Chippewa United Methodist Church Board, was Past President and Director of the Lighthouse for the Blind in New Brighton, PA and volunteered more than 15 years coaching girls’ softball where his daughters competed. Throughout his life, Brian received numerous honors for his service, including the Lions International Presidential Medal, four International President Certificates of Appreciation, multiple Progressive Melvin Jones Fellowships, club president excellence awards, the Pennsylvania Lions Foundation Award, Founders Membership Growth Awards, and several other district and international recognitions.

Heis survived by his loving daughters Megan McCarl Brown (Hon. Todd E. Brown), Maura McCarl Chick (Tony Chick), and Melissa McCarl (Chad Kraynyk), and his grandchildren Andrew, Acen, Avery, Annaliese, Vesper and Rowan. He is also survived by his brothers, Foster J. McCarl (Carol) and Shawn McCarl (Kim). He was preceded in death by his father, Foster McCarl, his mother, Muriel P. McCarl, his brother, Kevin McCarl, and his grandchild, Carter James Brown. Brian lived a life of generosity, leadership, and heartfelt service. Through his volunteerism he touched countless lives and his legacy will continue to be felt in Beaver County, across Pennsylvania, and throughout the Lions community for generations. He will be remembered by his family for his passion for American history, his support of Pittsburgh sports teams and the memories shared together on Hilton Head Island. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Brian’s memory to the Pennsylvania Lions Beacon Lodge Camp, 114 State Route 103 South, Mount Union, PA 17066.

Friends may visit with family to honor Brian on Friday August 7, 2026, from 4-6 p.m. at Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services located at 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements. Visitation is also offered from 10a-12p on Saturday August 8th followed immediately by a Memorial Service at the same location. The Little Beaver Lions club, 808 Plumb Street, Darlington, will also hold a memorial service for him on Saturday, August 8th at 11:30 a.m.

Interment will be private at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273-PA 68, Rochester.

John B. “Yo” Hannan (1949-2026)

John B. “Yo” Hannan, 76, of many places, passed away on July 9th, 2026. He was born on August 31st, 1949.

He was known to many as “Yo”, his friends called him quirky, unique, opinionated, and unforgettable. He could look intimidating, but those who knew him found him to be a kind and gentle soul.

He grew up in Pittsburgh’s Mt. Washington neighborhood with his parents, Tom and Victoria (Furno), (who preceded him in death), his brothers, Tom and Tim and his sister, Caroline. The true loves of his life were his wife and partner, Carol (Howe) and his daughter, Rowan.

As a child, John contracted polio and spent many months being treated in the iron lung at Pittsburgh Municipal Hospital under care of Dr. Jonas Salk. In high school, he toyed with the idea of becoming a priest (for the easy life) and did a brief stint at Bishop’s Latin School before finishing at St. Justin’s High School, where he made many lifelong friends. His strict Catholic schooling often resurfaced when a newscaster used improper grammar. He would shake his head and remark, “It’s their only job.”

During the Vietnam War, he served in the U.S. Air Force and used his skill with languages to become a Vietnamese translator with the 6994th Security Squadron. He flew many missions in his favorite aircraft, the EC-47, and later enjoyed yearly reunions with his squadron.

After his military service, he attended community college for IT and then motorcycle mechanics school in Florida before settling on the profession he loved as a Steamfitter with UA Local 449. He combined his skills as a steamfitter with his love of diving to become a commercial diver, navigating Pittsburgh’s rivers with Vince Hammill on the sternwheeler Katie H. Through his connections working on the river, he had the rare opportunity to bring towboats all the way up the Mississippi and Tombigbee rivers from Texas to Pittsburgh.

He led an interesting life and followed his passions wherever they led. He loved snow skiing and scuba diving, often sharing those adventures with his wife Carol. Together, they traveled the world, eventually falling in love with Australia during a trip to the Great Barrier Reef and decided to make their home in Sydney. For many years they enjoyed sampling the beer in pubs and playing trivia with friends.  Later, work took his family to The Netherlands where they enjoyed Dutch culture in The Hague before returning to where they started in Pittsburgh.

Motorcycles stood above the rest of all his passions, His garage was always full of Harleys, BMWs, Triumphs, Guzzis, and a rotating cast of “projects.” He always had a rally or poker run to attend, and he rode his motorcycles back and forth across the USA and Australia many times. His unique “biker look” even got him cast in the movie Striking Distance. In everything he did, he only knew one speed: fast! Much to Yo’s surprise and delight, he found out he was a father at 47 while backpacking around the world. His daughter, Rowan, was born during a brief stint in California and grew up playing in the nose of his sidecar. She made him the proudest papa ever.

In his later years, he loved spending time at his friend Red’s house in Florida, searching for his beloved Astrovans, reading science-fiction, watching the birds, and smoking his cigars. He will live on in our memories and the small moments he leaves behind – the sound of a motorcycle passing by or scent of cigar smoke in the air. Hopefully his best friend, the Big E, is there to greet him for his next journey.

An Irish Wake is being planned by family and internment will be at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

To add tributes, visit www.huntsmanfuneralhomes.com (click here)

Paul L. Zmok (1950-2026)

Paul L. Zmok, 76, of Center Township, formerly of New Brighton, passed away peacefully on August 1st, 2026, at Allegheny General Hospital.

He was born in Mishawaka, Indiana on January 21st, 1950, the son of the late Michael J. and Anna Lajciak Zmok.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Christine L. Grant Zmok and a nephew, Thomas Zmok. He is survived by one son and daughter in law, Michael J. and Becky Zmok of New Sewickley Township, a daughter, Bobbie-Jo Brelloch of Center Township, six grandchildren: Tyler Brelloch and his fiance, Alex, D.J. Brelloch and his girlfriend, Ashley, Dustyn Brelloch, Sr. and his girlfriend, Lauryn, Carson Brelloch and his girlfriend, Riley, Landon Zmok and his girlfriend, Isabella and Logan Zmok and his girlfriend Mackenzee; as well as six great- grandchildren: Kennedy, Weston, Trayce, Averi, Dustyn, Jr., and Dawson; along with one brother and sister in law, Frank and Gail Zmok of Deer Island, Oregon, a cousin, who Paul considered a brother, Nick Pintur of Beaver Falls and several nieces and nephews.

Paul was a retired maintenance employee with the New Brighton Water Treatment Plant. He was Catholic by faith and loved fishing, attending car cruises, going to the family camp and riding his Harley-Davidson. He mostly enjoyed spending time with his family and cherished his grandkids.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, August 5th, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. in The William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where a blessing service will be held on Thursday, August 6th at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester. The family wishes that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Kenneth Edwin McClain, Sr. (1965-2026)

Kenneth Edwin McClain, Sr., 60, of Enon Valley, passed away on August 2nd, 2026.

He was born in Beaver Falls on September 1st, 1965, a son of the late Eugene and Rebecca McClain.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Kevin McClain, Kitty Francis and Karen Iser.

He is survived by his son, Kenneth McClain, Jr. and his stepdaughter, Aimee Peel.

Kenneth was a man of simple pleasures who found joy in the smallest of life’s offerings. He was a diligent laborer in the manufacturing industry until his retirement, showcasing an ethic that was both hardworking and dedicated. His life was a testament to the beauty of an honest day’s work, and he held a deep-seated belief in the dignity of labor. He loved fishing and hunting and spending time outdoors in nature. He was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan, following both the Steelers and Pirates diligently.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no services.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls.

Pirates make trades for some relief pitchers including Luke Weaver before the 2026 MLB trade deadline

(File Photo: Source for Photo: New York Mets pitcher Luke Weaver throws out Los Angeles Dodgers’ Teoscar Hernández at first base during the eighth inning of a baseball game, Sunday, July 26, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The Pittsburgh Pirates traded for some right-handed relief pitchers yesterday to help their bullpen before the 2026 MLB trade deadline expired at 6 p.m.

The Pirates acquired Luke Weaver from the New York Mets in exchange for twenty-one-year-old shortstop prospect Sammy Stafura.

The thirty-two-year-old Weaver is 2-1 with a 1.84 ERA in 42 appearances for the Mets this season.

The Pirates also acquired Kirby Yates from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for Double-A right-handed pitcher Kyle Robinson.

The thirty-nine-year-old Yates is 0-5 with a 3.95 ERA in 31 appearances with the Angels this season.

The Pirates also acquired Lake Bachar from the Miami Marlins in exchange for twenty-five-year-old right-handed relief pitcher Brandon Bidois, twenty-two-year-old High-A outfielder Brian Sanchez and eighteen-year-old Florida Complex League infielder Hyun Seung Lee.

The thirty-one-year-old Bachar is 1-2 with a 3.84 ERA in 38 appearances with the Marlins this season. 

The Pirates also recently traded right-handed relief pitcher Hunter Stratton to the San Diego Padres for prospect pitcher Andrew Moore.

Moore was designated to Triple-A Indianapolis as a reult of this move and the 26-year-old posted a combined 3.46 ERA, 62 strikeouts and a .160 batting average across his 30 minor league appearances which were split between Double-A San Antonio and Triple-A El Paso this season.