Author: Beaver County Radio

Proposal from Representative Marla Brown would restore shop class in Pennsylvania schools

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – A worker collects shopping carts in the parking lot of a Target store on June 9, 2021, in Highlands Ranch, Colo. Target is removing certain items from its stores and making other changes to its LGBTQ merchandise nationwide ahead of Pride month, after an intense backlash from some customers including violent confrontations with its workers. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) According to a release in Harrisburg today from Representative Marla Brown’s office (R-Lawrence), Brown is planning to introduce legislation that would require students in grades six through twelve to participate in shop class, This would help to expand hands-on learning and better prepare students for in-demand careers. The proposal from Brown comes amid a growing concern about workforce shortages in the skilled trades and a renewed focus on practical education opportunities which connect students directly to career pathways, and she stated: “Requiring shop class is about giving students real opportunities to discover skills they may not otherwise be exposed to and putting them on a path toward meaningful, family-sustaining careers. What we heard during our workforce development hearing made it clear increasing awareness of the trades and expanding hands-on learning are essential to closing workforce gaps and strengthening Pennsylvania’s economy.” Brown also noted that the effort builds on conversations and feedback gathered during a recent House Republican Policy Committee hearing that she hosted in Lawrence County, which focused on strengthening development in the workforce in Pennsylvania’s trades. The hearing was titled, “Built in Pennsylvania: Workforce Development in the Trades,” and it brought together educators, employers and labor leaders to discuss solutions to workforce gaps and ways to increase awareness of trade careers. Participants highlighted the value of career and technical education programs while they also identified challenges in expanding access and student participation. Testifiers and lawmakers also agreed that greater exposure to hands-on learning at earlier grade levels could play a critical role in addressing those challenges. Brown expressed that employers, labor organizations and schools all play an important role in preparing the next generation of workers and that stronger collaboration between those groups will be key to long-term success.

Beaver County Transit Authority will provide service to Pittsburgh during the 2026 NFL Draft

(File Photo of the Beaver County Transit Authority)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) The Beaver County Transit Authority (BCTA) is one of the ten regional transit companies that will provide service to Pittsburgh during the weekend of the 2026 NFL Draft, which will be held from April 23rd-25th. The BCTA will utilize three different routes for the draft and this will give passengers connections to Pittsburgh’s “T” light rail system, which will be free to all riders throughout the draft. According to a report from the Beaver County Times, here are the routes that can be taken during that time:

BCTA Draft Express

  • Direct route from the Expressway Travel Center (131 Pleasant Drive, Aliquippa, Pa. 15001) to Downtown Pittsburgh
  • Boarding time from ETC to Downtown Pittsburgh on April 23rd-24th: 3:45-4:10 p.m.
  • Departure time from ETC to Downtown Pittsburgh on April 23rd-24th: 4:15 p.m.
  • Boarding Time No. 1 from Downtown Pittsburgh to ETC on April 23rd-24th: 9:45-10:10 p.m.
  • Departure time from Downtown Pittsburgh to ETC on April 23rd-24th: 10:15 p.m.
  • Boarding Time No. 2 from Downtown Pittsburgh to ETC on April 23rd-24th: 10:45-11:10 p.m.
  • Departure time from Downtown Pittsburgh to ETC on April 23rd-24th: 11:15 p.m.
  • Boarding time from ETC on April 25th: 9:15-9:40 a.m.
  • Departure time from ETC on April 25th: 9:45 a.m.
  • Boarding Time No. 1 from Downtown Pittsburgh to ETC on April 25th: 2:45-3:10 p.m.
  • Departure time from Downtown Pittsburgh to ETC on April 25th: 3:15 p.m.
  • Boarding Time No. 2 from Downtown Pittsburgh to ETC on April 25th: 4:45-5:10 p.m.
  • Departure time from Downtown Pittsburgh to ETC on April 23rd-24th: 5:15 p.m.
  • Riders are encouraged to download the Mobile ticketing app and arrive early to guarantee a spot is available for you.
  • Riders must be present to claim their seat. Holds and reservations by another passenger are prohibited.
  • Fares are $5 each way per rider. Passengers can also purchase a $10 unlimited day pass if purchased on the bus or $9 if purchased on the BCTA mobile app. The pass includes unlimited rides on all BCTA fixed route vehicles when the pass is activated.

Route 4

  • The BCTA Express Route 4 will operate as normal on April 23rd-24th. However, buses may be delayed due to traffic conditions.
  • The route will begin at the Center Township Park & Ride Location

Route 5

  • BCTA Route 5 operates from the Ambridge Park & Ride to Downtown Pittsburgh every hour Monday-Friday
  • There is no Route 5 service on Saturday
  • The last Route 5 bus leaves Downtown Pittsburgh at 7 p.m. Monday-Friday. However, buses may be delayed due to traffic conditions.

Passengers are also encouraged to either download the Mobile Ticketing App to make boarding the bus smoother or download the BCTA Bus Tracker, which you can access by clicking here, or the myStop app to see bus locations with capacity information for Routes 4-5.

PennDOT, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Invite High School Students to Apply to Join Young Ambassadors Program

(File Photo of the PennDOT Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) PennDOT and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful are inviting environmentally-conscious students from 10th through 12th grades to help preserve the natural resources of Pennsylvania through the Young Ambassadors of Pennsylvania program. This program empowers young Pennsylvanians to train and learn from leaders across Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, the private sector, state government and local media to protect the environment of the state and build problem-solving and leadership skills. Applicants should be committed to restoring and protecting the ecological landscape of Pennsylvania through volunteerism and leadership and should be passionate about the environment. Applications are being accepted from now through June 10th, 2026. Students will be chosen through a competitive application process. Students interested in applying should visit keeppabeautiful.org and choose Programs, Education then Young Ambassadors of Pennsylvania to apply. Applicants can also call 724-836-4121, extension 114, or email kmccutcheon@keeppabeautiful.org to apply. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful will also provide education and training to program participants on topics related to the impact of civic engagement and public policy, litter on roadways, litter prevention, social media marketing, volunteer management and waste management and recycling. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful has also partnered with industry leaders, Columbia Gas – NiSource Charitable Foundation and Dow to provide Job Shadow Days to select ambassadors, who will serve a one-year term from September of 2026 through May of 2027 and represent and uphold the mission and values of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. According to a recent release from PennDOT, program requirements include:

  • attending 6 mandatory virtual education sessions;
  • conducting a community assessment and creating a summary presentation;
  • organizing a community cleanup event through Pick Up Pennsylvania and conducting one community education event or activity.

Pennsylvania State Police Begin Hiring Cycle in Search of New Troopers to Join Mission to Protect the Commonwealth

(File Photo of Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Cars)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) has now opened a new selection cycle for men and women who are considering a rewarding career as a state trooper.  Applications should be submitted via the Commonwealth’s employment website, which can be accessed by clicking here, by May 29, 2026. Applicants who meet all of the eligibility requirements will move on to a qualifying written examination. They must also complete a polygraph examination, background investigation, physical readiness test, medical screening, and psychological screening before training at the academy. Applicants must have either a high school diploma or a GED certificate, as well as a valid driver’s license from any state. They must be at least 20 years old at the time of application, and they must be at least 21 years old and cannot have reached age 40 upon the entry into the training academy. Training for cadets lasts approximately 28 weeks and includes formal coursework in Pennsylvania’s crimes and vehicle codes, physical fitness activities, and training in police vehicles, firearms, and equipment. Upon completion of the training academy, cadets are promoted to the rank of trooper and they will receive an increase in salary, which is currently set at $71,647 annually. Troopers can earn approximately $96,225 after five years of service. You can visit PATrooper.com by clicking here for more information on becoming a state trooper, including applicant requirements and job benefits,

Possible agreement about method to pay local Drug Task Force and ESU officers among topics discussed at most recent Commissioners’ work session

(File Photo of the Beaver County Courthouse)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver, PA) Several topics were discussed at the County Courthouse during the Beaver County Commissioners’ work session this morning. The main topic was during the Solicitors’ report when Beaver County Solicitor Garen Fedeles discussed a possible new agreement after a meeting that the Commissioners had yesterday with representatives from various communities that are within the county’s Emergency Services Unit (ESU) and Drug Task Force. They also met up with various police chiefs and solicitors and this agreement between the communities and the county that has been in place since 2017 regarding how officers from the local communities that serve those various task forces are paid. Fedeles confirmed that the Commissioners came out of this meeting “with the hope that we will be able to hope to implement a new agreement between the communities that would keep the Drug Task Force and the ESU members who are from communities who serve on those as employees for their local municipality; in return, the county would give a reimbursement to those municipalities as opposed to those individuals being employees of the county.” Officers of those task forces asked if they could remain employees of their local municipalities because they are county employees. Fedeles confirmed that the reason they asked this is because it helps them with certain fringe benefits that they get when they work for their local communities. Some recent and upcoming events were also brought up during the session. The first was the Pennsylvania First Day of Trout for fishing at Brady’s Run and Brush Creek Parks this Saturday mentioned by Beaver County Recreation and Tourism Director Tony Caltury during the department head report. Commissioner Jack Manning also praised the event that was held yesterday at the county courthouse to introduce the LETI program to the county, which is a program used by Pennsylvania counties to avoid giving criminal charges to individuals who may simply just need help. Manning also talked about the Envirothon event which will be held today at Brady’s Run Park where juniors and seniors in different high schools will be quizzed on different environmental topics to try to make to it the state competitions. That event is run by the Beaver County Conservation District. In other business, it was also addressed during the department head report that if anyone goes into the side doors of the county courthouse to enter or exit, an alarm will ring. If you are either an employee of the county courthouse or not, you must use the front and the back entrances of it to go inside.

Robert Alan “Bob” Kennelly (1970-2026)

Robert Alan “Bob” Kennelly, 55, of Chippewa Township, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family on March 30th, 2026, in the comfort of his home, following a two-year battle with cancer. He was born in Sewickley on December 4th, 1970, a son of Nadine Kennelly and the late Jack Kennelly. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Krisha (Medziuch) Kennelly, their son, Evan Kennelly, his brother, John (Leah) Kennelly, his sister, Andrea Landry, his brother-in-law, Bob (Kim) Medziuch, his sister-in-law, Chris Medziuch, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his parents-in-law, Bronislaw and Emilia Medziuch and his brothers-in-law, Jim Landry and Rich Medziuch.

Robert earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting along with an MBA from Robert Morris University and was recently retired from Bridgeway as Corporate Controller. Throughout his career, he took a special interest in mentoring and guiding those he supervised. He was a member of St. Monica Church in Beaver Falls, part of St. Augustine Parish, where he had served on the parish finance council. He was quick-witted and a gifted storyteller who always brought joy and laughter to any gathering. He was always eager to lend a helping hand to anyone in need with a steady presence of commitment. He was active in the community having coached youth soccer and served as a Cub Scout leader. Most importantly, he was a devoted father to his son, Evan, supporting and encouraging him in all he did.

Friends will be received on Monday, April 6th from 4-8 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where departing prayers will be offered on Tuesday, April 7th 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. John Naugle will serve as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, 2927 Clayton Road, Beaver Falls.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the St. Monica Catholic Academy Angel Fund, 609 10th Street, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

Jacob Wolf (1930-2026)

Jacob Wolf, 96, of Darlington Township, passed away on March 30th, 2026 at his residence. He was born in Ruma, Serbia on February 16th, 1930. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Hilda (Bechtold) Wolf, a daughter, Corinna Lisa Wolf, and a brother, George. He is survived by his children, Ellen (Ken) Wolfe, Ron P. Wolf, and Annette (Wu) Feng, his grandchildren, Josh, Akaela, and Kai: as well as great grandchildren, Emma, Grace, and Benjamin.

In 1958, Jacob and his wife, Hilda, immigrated to the United States from then West Germany to start a new life with their young family. He worked hard to learn skills of the building trade, at first driven by the need to support his family but then by his love of the work. He was a skillful plumber who joined the Plumbers & Steamfitters Local Union #115 in 1969. In the 1980s, he transitioned to Plumbers & Steamfitters LU #47, then most recently to Plumbers LU #27. He will be remembered as a devoted family man whose life was rooted in love, patience, generosity, and quiet strength. He found great joy in his retirement, working outside almost every day to tend to his garden. He cherished the moments spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always looking for opportunities to share his wealth of knowledge, especially when it came to the garden.

Friends will be received on Friday, April 3rd from 3-7 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements. His wishes for cremation will be honored following the visitation.

Pastor Paul M. Strano (Passed on March 30th, 2026)

Pastor Paul M. Strano, 76, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on March 30th, 2026, at Allegheny Health Network Wexford Hospital. He was born in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, and was raised in the Ambridge and Conway area, where the values of faith, family, and hard work took root in his life and remained with him always. He was a beloved son of the late George and Vee Strano. Paul was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Rebecca (Becky) Tedys Strano, his son, Dan Strano and his wife, Aubrey and his cherished granddaughter, Wynn, his brother, Andy Strano and his wife, Linda of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, his brother, Ralph Strano and his wife, Debbie Beck of Lexington, Kentucky and his sister, Susie Vandergrift and her husband, Mark of Clinton, Pennsylvania. He will be dearly missed by his cherished nieces and nephews, as well as many beloved cousins, all of whom he loved deeply.

Pastor Paul lived a life marked by devotion to God, steadfast love for his family, and a warm presence that touched the lives of many. He faithfully filled the pulpit as the pastor of the New Life Assembly of God Church in Conway. His ministry was a meaningful part of his life, and he was deeply respected for the way he shepherded his congregation with compassion, wisdom, and dedication. He loved all sports and had a special appreciation for the excitement and camaraderie they brought. One of his proudest memories was pitching a doubleheader no-hit softball game, an accomplishment that reflected both his talent and his competitive spirit. He also enjoyed hunting. Whether in the pulpit, with family, or enjoying the activities he loved, he lived with enthusiasm and purpose.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 4th from 4-8 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SEVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of his arrangements.

Twila J. Zendt (1952-2026)

Twila J. Zendt, 74, passed away peacefully at home in Rochester on March 30th, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones after a long and courageous battle with MDS blood cancer. She was born on November 24th, 1952, a daughter of the late Jesse Dilling and Rena Hardman. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband and the love of her life, Lee Snyder Zendt. She is survived by her two daughters, Twila Cox of Darlington and Hope Matos of Rochester, her beloved and “favorite” son-in-law, Jose Matos, her two sisters, Sandy Ambrose and Wanda Wright (Donald Wright), numerous nieces and nephews, nine grandchildren: Holly Altenburg (partner David Bailey), Ciera Springer (Joshua Springer), Randy, Zachary, Dennis, Katie Cox, Tiffany Cox, Joe Cox, and Travis Bratt; as well as seventeen great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy, her beloved cat, Dusty, who was always by her side, and her lifelong friends, Winnie Klink, Sherry Bishop, and Barb McBride, who stood by her through the years.

Twila was a loving mother, grandmother, and Great Grandmother, sister, and friend whose strength and devotion to her family never wavered. She had a deep love for those closest to her and found her greatest happiness in the time she spent with them. She would like to extend a special and heartfelt thank you to her daughter, Hope, for the compassionate and devoted care she provided during Twila’s end-of-life journey. Deep gratitude is also extended to the staff of Pinnacle Hospice: Jenna, Jessica, and Christine, for their kindness, compassion, and support during this difficult time. Her strength, love, and unwavering dedication to her family will never be forgotten. She will be deeply missed and forever held in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Friends will be received on Friday, April 3rd from 4 P.M. until the time of a Memorial Service at 6 P.M. in the Huntsman Funeral Home of Rochester, 502 Adams Street, Rochester ,who was in charge of his arrangements. Interment will take place on Saturday, April 4th at 10 A.M. in Crest Haven Memorial Gardens, 6086 OH-7, New Waterford, Ohio.

Claudette “Jane” LaMantia (1943-2026)

Claudette “Jane” LaMantia, 83, of Midland, passed away peacefully on March 30th, 2026. She was born in Midland on February 17th, 1943, a daughter of the late Charles and Agnes Cirelli. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Richard LaMantia. She is survived by her two brothers, Chuck (Ruth) Cirelli of Ohioville and Randy (Bev) Cirelli of Valencia, her sister, Patricia (Rev. Dave) Frank of Erie and her cherished nieces and nephews: Tami (Keith) Burke, Chuck (June) Cirelli, Cristen (Rev. Will) Bridges, David (Kristen) Frank, Steven (Erica) Frank, Jared Cirelli, Caleb (Abbey) Cirelli, Karri (Richie) Hall, and Bill Parsons; along with many great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews who brought her great joy.

Claudette was a lifelong resident of the community she loved. She married Richard LaMantia on October 26th, 1985, and together they built a life rooted in faith. She dedicated 43 years of her life to working at the Beaver County Courthouse in the Data Processing Department before her retirement. She was known for her strong work ethic and kindness. She was a woman of deep faith who was a lifelong member of Christian Assembly Church in Ohioville, where she faithfully served as a board member, teacher, church camp counselor, and active participant in church life. Her love for the Lord and her church family was evident in everything she did. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Beaver Meadows for the excellent care and compassion they provided to Jane during her final year.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, April 8th from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m. at Christian Assembly Family Church, 6241 Tuscarawas Road, Ohioville. Pastor Bill Anzevino will officiate. A private interment will follow at Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christian Assembly Church or Bridges for Life Ministries, 6241 Tuscarawas Road, Industry, PA 15052.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Claudette Jane LaMantia, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.