Author: Beaver County Radio

Pittsburgh Penguins announce franchise’s 2026 Hall of Fame Class

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Gene J. Puskar/AP)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The Pittsburgh Penguins recently announced that they named Marc-Andre Fleury, the late Jack McGregor, Larry Murphy and Jim Rutherford to the franchise’s Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

That class represents the second group of inductees in a three-year plan to relaunch the Penguins Hall of Fame.

Fleury played for the Penguins for thirteen seasons, (2003-2017) and his accolades include being a three-time Stanley Cup winning goalie (2009, 2016 and 2017).

Murphy played for the Penguins for five seasons, (1990-1995) and his accolades include being a two-time Stanley-Cup winning defenseman (1991 and 1992) and recording a plus-102 rating, which leads all defensemen in Penguins franchise history.

Rutherford served as the team’s executive vice president and general manager from June of 2014 to January of 2021, winning three Stanley Cups in that span (2009, 2016 and 2017.)

McGregor, who organized the original effort to bring an NHL franchise to Pittsburgh and served as the Penguins’ president from 1967 to 1970, will be inducted posthumously.

Inductees will be featured permanently in a dedicated Hall of Fame space that is located on the FedEx main concourse level at PPG Paints Arena.  

An on-ice ceremony for the Penguins Hall of Fame Class of 2026 will take place before a Penguins home game against the Ottawa Senators on November 14th.

The four remaining members that are scheduled for induction as part of the relaunch plan, Tom Barrasso, Jaromir Jagr, Chris Kunitz and the late Ray Shero, will be inducted in 2027.

Hershey man identified from crash in Carlisle between plane and PA state police helicopter; two troopers injured

(File Photo: Source for Photo: (File Photo: Source for Photo: Authorities investigate a crash between a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter and a small plane at the Carlisle airport in Carlisle, Pa. Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026. (Sean Simmers/The Patriot-News via AP)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Carlisle, PA) An investigation is now underway into a crash that occurred in Carlisle yesterday at around 7 p.m. in which a Cessna 150 airplane and a Pennsylvania State Police Bell 407 helicopter collided in midair.

The pilot of the plane died as a result of this incident.

He has been identified as fifty-seven-year-old Paul Sokoloski of Hershey, and the Cumberland County Coroner’s Office pronounced him dead at the scene.

According to a report from WJAC and Penn State Health’s website, Sokoloski was an emergency medicine physician for Penn State Health.

Authorities believe that Sokoloski was the only person on the plane.

Two Pennsylvania State Police troopers were injured because of this incident, Corp. Bryce Corman and Tpr. Jason Mills. 

Starbucks coffee shop getting ready to open in Vanport Township

(File Photo of the Starbucks Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Vanport Township, PA) A new business is preparing to open in Vanport Township.

A Starbucks coffee shop and drive through will be opening after several months of planning and building.

It will be located across from the Nick Crivelli Chevrolet in Beaver.

The opening date for this store has not been announced at this time.

Pennsylvania Lottery player wins $1.63 million Match 6 Lotto jackpot

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Lottery)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) A Pennsylvania Lottery player recently won a jackpot of $1.63 million by buying a Match 6 Lotto ticket online.

According to a news release provided by the Pennsylvania Lottery, that ticket correctly matched all six winning numbers, 1, 17, 22, 26, 31 and 41, in yesterday’s drawing.

The winner has not been identified at this time and that person has one year from the drawing date to claim their prize.

Online winnings will appear in the player’s account automatically after the claim has been processed.

Raymond “Ray” S. Rudek (1943-2026)

Raymond “Ray” S. Rudek, 82, of Ohio Township, passed away on August 9th, 2026 in his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Pittsburgh on September 11th, 1943, a son of the late Stanley Rudek & Susan (Farkas) Rudek.

Raymond grew up in Oakland with his identical twin brother, Richard, and his younger sisters, Christine and Marion. He learned the value of hard work early in life being an altar boy before school each day and on weekends and delivering papers throughout Oakland. He graduated from Central Catholic and began his studies at Duquesne University before enlisting in the Marines in 1963. During his service, he demonstrated leadership, honor, and commitment to his country, earning multiple promotions and reaching the rank of Sergeant before his honorable discharge in 1967. He took advantage of the GI Bill to graduate with honors with a degree in Accounting from Point Park College. He joined Price Waterhouse in 1969 and over the course of 5 years he honed his accounting skills and passed the CPA exam. He left Price Waterhouse to run the accounting department of Datatel Resource Corporation. For 35 years, he brought broad expertise and steady leadership to the company, eventually serving as CFO and part owner. He left Datatel and went into partial retirement, consulting along the way. Through his many business connections and friendships, he was requested to help an associate complete the acquisition of a business unit from a large corporation—an opportunity that led to his “last dance” as CFO of Consolidated Graphic Communications. In 2024, Ray officially retired. His relationship with Louise Bellisario began in 1963. Throughout his years in the Marines, he made it a point during leave to drive back to Pittsburgh to spend time with her. After leaving the Marines, the two married on August 26th, 1967. They had two children, Ray Jr. and Michelle. Ray dedicated himself to providing the best life possible for his family, always prioritizing time together. He especially loved the Carolina beaches, where the family vacationed every year. He spent countless hours attending athletic events or coaching the kids as they grew up. His greatest joy was the welcoming of his grandchildren, who lovingly referred to him as “Papster.” He remained a constant and loving presence in their lives, guiding them with wisdom and devotion as they grew into young adults. In partial retirement, He and Louise found joy in wintering on Marco Island. Their love of travel and exploration also took them to many memorable places throughout the United States and Europe, in the company of dear friends.

He is survived by his beloved spouse of 58 years, Louise, his son, Raymond Jr. (Kimberly), his grandchildren, Remi and Ryan Rudek and Kiran Renaut, his brother, Richard (late wife Mary) and his sisters, Christine Silvestri (Alvin) and Marion Rudek. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death a daughter, Michelle Rudek Renaut (survived by Paul Renaut).

A gathering to honor and remember Raymond will occur on Thursday, August 27th, from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M., at Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Moon Township, 1522 Coraopolis Heights Road, Coraopolis, who was in charge of her arrangements.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, August 28th, at St. Margaret Mary Church, 1 Parish Place, Coraopolis, starting at 12 noon. Committal and Full Military Funeral Honors will occur at the Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville, starting at 2:30 P.M.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Dr. Michelle Rudek Memorial Fund. Gifts made payable to Johns Hopkins University may be mailed with a memo indicating that this gift is in honor of Dr. Rudek and sent to Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, 750 E. Pratt Street, Suite 1700, Baltimore, MD 21202, or make a gift online at https://secure.jhu.edu/form/Kimmel, choose “other” and specify Dr. Michelle Rudek Fund.

World War II POW story from Pennsylvania gets told at Sewickley theater

BEAVER COUNTY RADIO

SEWICKLEY — In 1943, Italian prisoners of war captured in North Africa and Sicily ended up at Letterkenny Army Depot outside of Chambersburg, Pa. Their fairly short stay left an impact on that region that is still felt today.

That’s the topic of an award-winning documentary, “Fedeltà. Soldier. Prisoner,” making its Pittsburgh area debut Sept. 3 at the Lindsay Theater in Sewickley.

The film’s maker, military veteran Steve Mancini, a native of Pittsburgh’s Bloomfield neighborhood, will attend, hosting a Q&A session as part of the 7:30 p.m. screening.

Mancini appeared as a Thursday guest on the “Beaver County Radio Morning Show with Scott Tady.”

Hear his full interview here:

As part of the Lindsay’s latest Emerging Filmmakers Showcase, “Fedeltà. Soldier. Prisoner.” is an internationally acclaimed film. Tickets are free, and RSVPs are recommended in advance due to space limitations.

“The film shows that the people of Chambersburg were so kind that to this day, the families of the prisoners still make trips to visit,” says Mancini. “It’s a way of remembering their fathers and grandfathers, and also a display of appreciation because of how kindly those communities treated their fathers and grandfathers.”

Movie poster for “Fedelta. Soldier. Prisoner”

“Fedeltà” chronicles the prisoners’ journey from war to peace, leveraging original documents and footage from numerous sources. It’s a moving and hopeful film that depicts how this difficult situation turned into a prime example of community-building that left a lasting, positive mark on Chambersburg.

“After more than 80 years, people who have never been here still speak well of our community,” says Mancini. “How incredible is that!”

Mancini spent 20 years in the military before returning home to Pittsburgh. In addition to filmmaking, he hosts two podcasts—Talking Business and Life (formerly Italian Impact Weekly) and The Unlikely Catholic— and serves as an assistant professor of computer and information systems at Robert Morris University.

His formative years in Pittsburgh’s Little Italy inspired him to pursue documentary projects such as “Fedeltà.” The film has already earned numerous festival honors, including Best Feature Documentary at Dallas MovieFest; Best First Time Director at the 2025 Bomarzo Soulplace Film Festival; and both Best Director Debut and Best Historical Film at the 2024-25 Beyond the Screen Film Festival.

“Fedeltà” premiered in Chambersburg, and this Lindsay screening will be Western Pennsylvania filmgoers’ first chance to watch Mancini’s work on the big screen.

“The film shows that even during our worst moments, kindness and goodness can still be found,” says Mancini. “This is a deeply personal lesson that everyone should remember. Seeing it in a theater is a wonderful way to get people together, looking across the aisle and seeing others—hopefully in an even better light.”

Jacqueline “Jackie” (Manganello) Battalini (1970-2026)

Jacqueline “Jackie” (Manganello) Battalini, 56, passed away unexpectedly on August 18th, 2026. She was born on February 1st, 1970, a daughter of James A. Manganello and the late Donna Marie (Contray) Manganello. In addition to her mother, he was preceded in death by her cherished infant daughter, Maria Grazia Battalini, her loving mother, Donna Marie (Contray) Manganello and her beloved mother-in-law and father-in-law, Anthony and Angelina Louise Battaglini.

Jacqueline was a shining light in the lives of all who knew and loved her. She treasured nothing more than spending time with her family and her special friends. Her daughter, Francesca (Justyn) Francona, held a particularly special place in her heart, and the two shared a beautiful bond built on love, friendship, laughter, and countless memories. She was not only a devoted mother, but one of Francesca’s greatest sources of love and support, and their connection was something that will remain with Francesca forever.

She also shared a deep and unwavering love with her husband, Aaron Battalini. Their relationship was a beautiful example of true companionship, and she cherished the life they shared. Aaron was her partner, her comfort, and someone who brought so much happiness to her life. He and Jacqueline were looking forward to celebrating their 30th anniversary together.

She also treasured her special friends, including the dear friends she made during her high school years, whom she remained close with throughout her life. She especially loved her vacations to Aruba, where she relaxed, laughed, and made many cherished memories.

Family was at the heart of her life. She was raised with a strong work ethic and worked alongside her family at Center Bowling Lanes and Baden Bowl, as well as at Shadow Lakes Country Club. The people she met and the relationships she formed there were a special part of her life.

In addition to her father, daughter and husband, she is survived by her sisters, Jennifer Manganello and Janet Manganello, her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Chris and Sarah Battaglini, Justin and Karra Battalini and Marc Battalini; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, many loving friends and a special great nephew, Kaden, who always put a smile on her face.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, August 21st from 3-7 p.m. at the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa, who was in charge of her arrangements. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, August 22nd at 10:30 a.m. at Good Samaritan Catholic Church, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge.
Everyone is asked to meet at the church. Entombment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery,

Jackie’s life was a gift to her family and friends. Though her absence leaves a heartache that cannot be healed, the memories of her love, laughter, kindness, and the beautiful moments shared together will remain forever. She will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved her.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Jacqueline (Manganello) Battalini please visit the Sympathy Store of the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Allegheny Health Network Launches New Clinic for Advanced COPD

(File Photo of the Allegheny Health Network Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Allegheny Health Network (AHN) announced today the opening of a new specialized clinic that is dedicated to providing advanced care for patients with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).

It is called the AHN Advanced COPD Clinic, and it offers therapies that are cutting-edge and an approach that is multi-disciplinary to significantly improve the quality of life for patients that are suffering from COPD that is severe.

It is based at AHN Allegheny General Hospital (AGH) and the Breathing Disorders Center at the AHN McCandless Outpatient Center.

COPD is a progressive lung disease which causes breathing difficulties and hinders airflow.

It is caused primarily by prolonged exposure to smoke from cigarettes and pollution from the air.

COPD stands as the third-leading cause of death worldwide and it affects millions of Americans.

2026 Pirates break record for most home runs ever hit at PNC Park

(Credit and Caption for Photo: Pittsburgh Pirates’ Oneil Cruz wears a welding hood as he is congratulated in the dugout after hitting a two run home run during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, Tuesday, March 31st, 2026, in Cincinnati. (Kareem Elgazzar/Associated Press)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The 2026 Pittsburgh Pirates have now broke a record for the most home runs that a Pirates team has ever hit at PNC Park.

PNC Park opened in 2001 and this year’s Pirates team has hit 84 home runs in Pittsburgh in 2026 as of today, which broke the previous record of 81. 

Pirates catcher Rafael Flores, Jr. hit a home run in the seventh inning of yesterday’s game against the Detroit Tigers in Pittsburgh to break this record.

The 2026 Pirates could break another home run record this year that was set by the 1999 Pirates for the most home runs a Pirates team has ever had in a single MLB regular season.

The 1999 Pirates hit 171 home runs in that season, and the 2026 Pirates have 155 home runs with 33 games left to go in their 2026 regular season.

Trump Administration Announces $35 Million Investment to Advance Screening Technology, Secure Additional Operating Rooms and Modernize Rural Pennsylvania Healthcare

(File Photo: Source for Photo: President Donald Trump arrives at the White House after speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Washington, D.C.) The Trump Administration made an annoucement yesterday that an investment in $35 million is being delivered to improve health outcomes for Pennsylvanians through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP).

This investment will make expansions, upgrades and modernizations for screening technology, as well as make purchases of equipment to bring more operating rooms online, and also make expansions for options of transportation that remove access barriers for patients.

This investment in both equipment and supplies, which will help improve care and services, advances the commitment of the Trump administration to strengthen rural healthcare and the investment ensures that Americans can access this high-quality no matter what their zip code they have.