Author: Beaver County Radio

Interstate 79 Shoulder Restrictions Next Week in Allegheny County

(File Photo of Road Work Ahead Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) PennDOT District 11 announced that shoulder restrictions on I-79 in Robinson and Kennedy townships in Allegheny County will occur next Tuesday through Friday, September 8th-11th, weather permitting.

From 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. each day, shoulder restrictions will occur in both directions of I-79 between the I-376 Airport/Pittsburgh (Exit 59 A/B) interchange and just north of the Route 60 Moon Run/Crafton (Exit 60 A/B) interchange. 

These restrictions will happen for the accommodation of crews conducting preparatory work and the installation of traffic control devices in advance of upcoming overnight and weekend patching operations, which are anticipated to occur in mid-to-late September. 

Pirates rookie shortshop Konnor Griffin eligible to return from the 60-day injured list

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (6) in action during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Sunday, July 5, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Konnor Griffin is ready to get back to work.

The Pittsburgh Pirates rookie shortstop said Thursday that he feels good and is hopeful of being activated off the 60-day injured list on Friday when Pittsburgh opens a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels.

The 20-year-old Griffin hasn’t played since early July due to an issue with the knuckle on the ring finger of his left hand. Griffin wore a splint for about six weeks and has played a handful of games while on a rehab assignment.

“It’s been driving me nuts watching the games on my phone,” said Griffin, who signed a massive contract extension in April shortly after making his debut. “It’ll be fun to finally be back in there competing.”

The Pirates have fallen off the pace in the National League playoff race in Griffin’s absence. Pittsburgh entered Thursday’s game against San Francisco 5 1/2 games back of the final wild card spot.

Pittsburgh remains intent on having Griffin return this season. The team says the risk of re-injury is small and it’s important to get him more experience during the nascent stage of his career.

“He’s a huge piece of the offense, defense, base-running, everything that goes on,” Pirates manager Don Kelly said after a 5-2 win over San Francisco on Thursday. “Anytime we can get him back, certainly not expecting him to pick up maybe exactly where he left off, just want Konnor to go out there, have fun, play baseball and do what he does to help us win.”

Griffin has been electric at times. He’s hitting .276 with five homers, 25 RBIs and 20 stolen bases in 59 games during a season that’s been disrupted by multiple trips to the injured list.

“It’s just cool to see how my body has been able to overcome these injuries,” he said. “I feel like it’s a good sign for me. I’m pumped to be back here.”

Perhaps most importantly, Griffin is pain-free.

“I did some grip strength testing,” he said. “Those numbers were actually a lot higher than they should have been, which was a good sign for me. That gave me a lot of confidence, squeezing a bat, squeezing a glove wasn’t gonna be an issue.”

Skywalk at Kinzua Bridge State Park in the Pennsylvania Wilds Reopens for Fall Foliage Viewing

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Mount Jewett, PA) The Skywalk at Kinzua Bridge State Park, one of Pennsylvania’s iconic fall destinations in the Pennsylvania Wilds, reopened for fall foliage viewing this week.

This gave visitors a chance to experience breathtaking views of the Kinzua Valley at the peak leaf-peeping season.

The Skywalk at Kinzua Bridge State Park offers visitors a unique opportunity to see stunning views of the Kinzua Valley by walking out and peering down on a viaduct which was reimagined as a skywalk after being partially toppled by a tornado.

The Skywalk of this destination is now open, and the Kinzua Creek Trail will reopen tomorrow.

Both of these areas will remain open through October 31st, 2026.

Both areas will close again after that date so that contractors can resume work on the structure.

Rehabilitation work on that structure is scheduled to be completed in time for fall foliage viewing in 2027.

One-of-a-kind outdoor music venue opens near the Beaver County line

SCOTT TADY

FREDERICKTOWN, OHIO — The Beat Box, a  backyard live-music venue featuring a stage built from a converted shipping container, has opened a few miles from the Beaver County line.

Situated off Ohio Route 170, north of East Liverpool, The Beat Box hosts a variety of live music, with an emphasis on singer-songwriters. The atmosphere is casual and intimate, with the feel of a backyard listening room.

The centerpiece of the venue is a shipping container — like you’d see on a large cargo ship — converted into a functional performance stage.

The Beat Box, a new music venue near East Liverpool, Ohio.

Beat Box owner Brian Peese phoned into the Beaver County Radio Morning Show on Friday to discuss the venue. Hear that interview here:

The next concert there is Sunday, Sept. 6, featuring Grammy Award-winning songwriter Aaron Raitiere, a Grand Ole Opry alum.

“If you were with us for our very first show, you know just how special this night will be,” the Beat Box website says.” Aaron helped us launch this stage… and now he’s coming home. From writing hits for some of the biggest names in music to delivering one of the most genuine, raw live performances you’ll ever experience — this is storytelling at its finest.”

Opening the night is Adam Stasik, a Pittsburgh area singer.

The Beat Box, a new music venue near East Liverpool, Ohio.

Other shows are Amos Evans and the Joyful Noise Celebration on Sept. 20, and Southern soul-rocker Ben Chapman on Oct. 3.

Food trucks are at some shows, though concertgoers also can bring their own snacks and drinks.

The Beat Box sells tickets on its website, thebeatbox43920.com, which also lists the venue’s goal: “To bring talented songwriters to the East Liverpool area and create a memorable experience for both the artists and the people attending.”

The Beat Box, a new music venue near East Liverpool, Ohio.

Events are held periodically throughout the warmer months and feature both regional and touring artists.

Pennsylvania Correctional Industries Opens New Optical Lab at SCI Chester

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Chester, PA) The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (DOC)hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony in Chester yesterday for a new optical laboratory at the State Correctional Institution at Chester (SCI Chester).

The Pennsylvania Correctional Industries (PCI) optical lab is providing additional opportunities for incarcerated individuals to gain hands-on vocational training, develop their skills, and prepare for employment after release.

This optical lab at SCI Chester was opened in late August and is staffed by a crew of 10 incarcerated workers, with plans to increase to 16, who each graduated from a training course to earn their optician certificate.

The men were hired after interviewing with the lab foreman upon certification.

This new optical lab will serve as a finishing facility for glasses started at SCI Cambridge Springs.

The optical lab at SCI Chester will support the local Lions Club because the lab will process donated eyeglasses before they are distributed to people in need.

Eleanor Jean Govel (1929-2026)

Eleanor Jean Govel, 97, of Hopewell Township, passed away on September 3rd, 2026 leaving behind a legacy of love, devotion, and quiet strength.

She was born in Aliquippa on September 1st, 1929, the beloved daughter of Michael Barron and Eleanor Nalepa Barron.

Eleanor was the firstborn of three children who grew up alongside her two younger brothers, the late Robert Barron and Richard Barron of Santa Ana, California. She became affectionately known to many as Jean because she shared her first name with her mother,  a name that reflected the warmth and familiarity with which family and friends held her. She was a 1947 graduate of Hopewell High School continued her education at Robert Morris Business School in downtown Pittsburgh, which was where she developed the professional skills that would serve her well throughout her early career. She became an accomplished typist and short-handed stenographer.

From the ages of 19 to 29, Jean worked as a secretary in the Safety Department at J&L Steel. In that role, she not only provided essential administrative support but also carried out meaningful duties that reflected her compassion, visiting families of injured steel mill workers and offering care during difficult times.

Throughout her life, she continued to use her sharp office skills in various part-time secretarial positions, always bringing dependability, organization, and pride to her work. She found joy at home in the familiar comforts of everyday life. She enjoyed playing pinochle, a game that brought laughter, conversation, and friendly competition to the table. She was also known for her baking, the warmth of her kitchen, and the care she put into making things for the people she loved. She found quiet satisfaction in knitting and working in her yard, where she tended to her home with patience and dedication. In 1952, she married Edward John Govel, who also worked at and later retired from J&L Steel. Together, they built a home in Hopewell Township, where they created a life centered on family, comfort, and love. It was there that they raised their two children, Grant and Lynn, and enjoyed the simple blessings of home and togetherness.

She was also blessed with two grandchildren, Grant Dorian and Carli, who live in California with her son, Grant and his wife of 26 years, Linda. Her daughter, Lynn, lives locally and remains close to her mother, whose presence will be sadly missed. She will be remembered with deep affection by her family, including her children, grandchildren, her brother, Richard, her nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law, and all who were fortunate to know her. Her life was marked by steadfast devotion, kindness, and a gentle spirit that touched those around her.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who knew Eleanor and to all who helped with her care during her brief stay at Concordia at Villa St. Joseph in Baden.

They are especially grateful to the wonderful staff of the Carondelet Unit for the kindness, compassion, and attentive care they provided to Jean and her family during those months.
Family and friends are welcome to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, September 5th at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 2270 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa.
Private interment will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 2186 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Eleanor Jean Govel, please visit the Sympathy Store of the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Sheetz offering gas discounts ahead of the 2026 Labor Day weekend

(Credit and Caption for Photo: Sheetz logo. Courtesy of PRNewsFoto/SHEETZ, INC.)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Sheetz recently announced a series of fuel discounts ahead of the 2026 Labor Day weekend to help drivers cut gas expenses. 

One of these discounts is 20 cents off per gallon on all fuel grades, excluding high-flow diesel, at Sheetz’s over 850 locations through September 8th. 

Customers must select the offer under the OFFERZ tab in the Sheetz mobile app and scan their My Sheetz Rewardz at the pump before completing their purchase to receive the 20-cent discount.

This discount applies to up to 25 gallons per transaction across Sheetz’s seven-state footprint. 

Customers can also earn another 20 cents off per gallon by purchasing any Made-to-Order menu item or specialty drink during the promotional period that ends September 8th.

This offer requires users to activate it in the Sheetz mobile app in the same way as the aforementioned discount before scanning their My Sheetz Rewardz card at the pump.

Customers can earn this additional discount once per day. 

Sheetz is also offering discounted diesel exhaust fluid so they can recognize Truck Driver Appreciation Month in September.

Bulk diesel exhaust fluid is priced at a total of $1.99 per gallon at 55 Sheetz locations across its footprint of seven states through September 30th. 

This reduced rate on diesel exhaust fluid applies exclusively to the bulk sales at truck diesel dispensers.

That fluid is commonly used in heavy-duty equipment and vehicles, which includes agricultural equipment, buses, commercial trucks, construction machinery,  and marine diesel engines.

Ellwood City boys high school golf team breaks school record

(File Photo of the Ellwood City Wolverines Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Wampum, PA) The Ellwood City boys high school golf team broke a school record in a recent match. 

The Wolverines broke the school’s course record at Delmar Golf Course by shooting a team score of 181 in a section match against Laurel on Tuesday. 

That record was lower than the previous record of 183, that was set in 1996.

Inclement weather cancels several 2026 Week 2 high school football games

(File Photo of a Football)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) Some high school football games that were supposed to be played yesterday were cancelled because of the recent inclement weather.

The game at Geneva College’s Reeves Field between Shenango and Beaver Falls was cancelled because of lightning in the area.

The game between Moon and Bethel Park at Bethel Park was also cancelled and the game between North Hills and Seneca Valley at Martorelli Stadium was cancelled because of the heavy rainfall and storms.

None of these games will be rescheduled and the results will be considered a no contest. 

American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania urges community to donate on National Blood Donation Day

(File Photo of the American Red Cross Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) Governor Josh Shapiro made an official proclamation in Harrisburg and proclaimed September 4th, 2026 as Blood Donation Day in Pennsylvania.

The American Red Cross is urging people to not wait to give blood to people that need them.

The proclamation also honors donors of blood and it calls on Pennsylvanians to support blood drives in their respective communities.

The date of September 4th falls inside National Blood Donation Week, which is observed September 1st through 7th.

According to a release from the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania, here are more ways to donate blood:

How to donate blood

Download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org (click here), call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment. A blood donor card, 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 (click here) or use the Blood Donor App.