Mary Rasicci Holt (1930-2026)

Mary Rasicci Holt, 95, of Marietta, Georgia, formerly of Beaver, passed away peacefully on February 1st, 2026 from complications of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Mary was born in Ridgeway, Pennsylvania on June 4th, 1930 and eventually married her high school sweetheart, Laurence G. Holt, in 1954. They moved to Beaver to raise their growing family and spent over 60 happy years together, sharing their love of music, theater, art, literature, and travel. During the start of the COVID epidemic, Mary moved to Marietta, Georgia to be closer to her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Isabella and Guerino Rasicci, her sister, Betty Geitner and her beloved husband, Laurence G. Holt. She is survived by their five children and spouses; Maj. Laurence D. Holt, U.S. Army (ret.) and Christine Holt of Marietta, Georgia, Elizabeth (Betsy) and Kurt Swanson of Richmond, Virginia, Christine Hughes and Scott Loehr of Ballwin, Missouri, Ellen and Andrew Reeher of St. Paul, Minnesota and James Carl and Mary Pat Holt of The Woodlands, Texas; as well as 20 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, her sister-in-law, Barbara Holt of Grove City, Pennsylvania, along with several nieces and nephews.

Mary was a lifelong learner and educator who received a BS in Education from Lock Haven State Teachers College and a MA in English from Slippery Rock University. She retired from Beaver Area Senior High School after decades of teaching and sharing her love of foreign language, international travel, and reading with her students. Many of her former students and their families will fondly remember the educational trips led by “Madame Holt” to France and England over the years. She was an enthusiastic and prolific reader who instilled her love of books in her children and grandchildren. She was a lifelong member of The Beaver Friends of the Library. She also enjoyed her time volunteering with the Beaver Area Women’s Club, Tusca Ridge Garden Club, AAUW, PSPE Auxiliary and Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church.

Friends will be received on Friday, March 6th from 3-7 p.m. at the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third St., Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 7th at 11 a.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 200 Third Street, Beaver. Interment will be private. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 200 Third Street, Beaver PA 15009. or the Beaver Area Memorial Library, 100 College Avenue, Beaver PA 15009.

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

James D. Conner (1938-2026)

James D. Conner, 87, of Beaver, passed away on January 30th, 2026 with his loving family by his side.

He was born in Rochester on March 11th, 1938, a son of the late Richard D. and Elizabeth Eaton Conner. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Cheryl Conner, his brother, Dick Conner, his sisters, Betsy Sullivan and Nancy Conner, his infant brother, Thomas Michael Conner and his brother-in-law, Bruce Logan.

He is survived by his son, Robert (Tracy) Conner, his step daughters, Jacquie Gomez, Elisa Lind and Michelle Shiner, his brothers, Bill (Judy) Conner, and Bob (Denise) Conner, his sister, Peggy Logan, his grandchildren, Clinton McShane and Mikayla McShane and his great grandchildren, Easton Cohen and Chance McShane.

James retired from the airlines as a supervisor with Delta Airlines and was a proud U.S. Navy veteran.

A Memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, February 21st from 12 noon to 3 p.m. at the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements. Friends are invited to gather at Kelly’s, Riverside Saloon, 1458 Riverside Drive, Beaver, after visitation. Private Interment will take place at a later date.

Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in James’ name may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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

Total of $237,500 awarded to three Beaver County community projects to encourage outdoor recreation

(File Photo of a Dollar Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) Three Beaver County community projects were recently awarded a total of $237,500 by the state Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to encourage outdoor recreation in those Pennsylvania municipalities. The Commonwealth Financing Authority awarded the grants on behalf of the DCED’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Grant program, which distributes funds from gas well impact fees that are unconventional under the Act 13 of 2012 Marcellus Legacy fund. According to Ambridge Borough Manager Mario Leone, Ambridge received a $42,000 grant to fund a feasibility study for its future wellness and recreation center. The borough of Ambridge is planning to build a wellness and recreation center on a former steel mill brownfield site that is along New Economy Drive. The grant application for Center Township confirms that it received $120,500 to construct a 2,400-square-foot pavilion at Center Municipal Park, which will add another outdoor gathering area that will also serve as a central location for events in that community. Construction on that pavilion should start this summer and will be completed by this winter. Monaca also received $75,000 towards its phase two upgrades at John A. Antoline Memorial Park, which is intended to offer its residents more options for outdoor recreation. According to Monaca Borough Manager David Kramer, this new project includes the addition of both a pavilion and the two bocce ball courts as well as the installation of new fencing both along the hillside area of the park and around the new pickleball and basketball courts of the park.

Picklesburgh returning to Pittsburgh in 2026 is a big dill!

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of WTAE-TV Pittsburgh, Posted on February 16th, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership recently announced the dates for this year’s Picklesburgh festival. The highly anticipated and well-loved festival that celebrates all things pickles will be held from July 16th to July 19th, 2026, and it has been running in Pittsburgh since 2015. More details about the event will be announced at a later date. Anyone that is interested in being a vendor at the festival is encouraged to apply by clicking here. 

Truck rollover causes crash on I-79 near Carnegie and reduces part of the road to one lane

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of WPXI-TV Pittsburgh, Posted on Facebook on February 16th, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Carnegie, PA) A truck rollover that occurred this morning reduced a part of I-79 near Carnegie to a single lane. According to PennDOT, the southbound lanes are restricted between the Carnegie and Heidelberg/Collier exits. Emergency dispatchers confirmed to WPXI that one person was taken to a hospital. The cause of this crash is unknown at this time.

Outfielder Jack Suwinski designated for assignment by Pirates

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Pirates’ Jack Suwinski (65) celebrates with teammates after hitting a home run against the San Francisco Giants during the seventh inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Monday, May 29, 2023. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Bradenton, FL) The Pittsburgh Pirates designated outfielder Jack Suwinski for assignment today, as the team held its first full-team workout at spring training in Bradenton, Florida. The move clears a roster spot for veteran slugger Marcell Ozuna, who signed a one-year deal with the Pirates with a mutual option for the 2027 season. The 27-year-old Suwinski slashed .147/.281/.253 with an OPS of .534 last year, as well as hitting three home runs while striking out 57 times in 150 at bats. Suwinski started that season on the opening day roster for the Pirates, but played in only 59 games and had two stints at Triple-A Indianapolis. Suwinski has struggled at the plate after hitting 19 home runs as a rookie in 2022, and 26 the following season.

Maryland man charged after two-vehicle crash in Cranberry Township

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Cranberry Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Gibsonia reported via release today that sixty-three-year-old Jiuping Ji of Rockville, Maryland was charged after causing a two-vehicle crash in Cranberry Township on Saturday morning. At 7:33 a.m., Ji was traveling on I-76 West, PA Turnpike, when he side swiped the vehicle of forty-six-year-old Brandie Sberna of Harmony on its passenger side. Ji also hit a guide rail with his vehicle. There were no injuries.

New Castle woman causes single-vehicle crash in Big Beaver Borough by hitting a coyote

(File Photo of Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Cars)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Big Beaver Borough, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Gibsonia reported via release today that fifty-one-year-old Brandy McManus of New Castle caused a single-vehicle crash in Big Beaver Borough on Saturday morning. At 11:01 a.m., McManus was driving on I-376 East, PA Turnpike, when she hit a coyote that ran into the road. McManus also damaged a coolant line with her vehicle and she was not injured.

Celtic Tenors to sing in Zelienople

BEAVER COUNTY RADIO

ZELIENOPLE — The world renowned Celtic Tenors will headline the Strand Theater on the evenings of Feb. 25-27.

The Celtic Tenors’ Matthew Gilsenan, Daryl Simpson and George Hutton will showcase their exquisite harmonies and the ability to bridge the timeless beauty of Celtic tradition with the warmth and accessibility of contemporary song.

The Celtic Tenors will entertain three nights in Zelienople. (Photo courtesy of Slammin Media)

From the heartfelt intimacy they bring to “Grace” and playful medley of “Spanish Lady/Marie’s Wedding” to the lively spirit of “Galway Girl,” and covers of Guns ‘N Roses, Van Morrison and Ed Sheeran hits, The Celtic Tenors also are celebrating the release of a new album, “Live at The Empire Theatre.”

Combining heritage, artistry, and human connection through song, the Celtic Tenors will be featured in a new PBS Television special, too.

Reserved seat tickets for the Strand concerts are $47. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Feb. 25-26 and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27, available at the strandtheater.org.

Celtic Tenors member Gilsenan appeared Monday on the Beaver County Radio Morning Show and had this to say:

Judith (Smith) Hampe (1939-2026)

Judith (Smith) Hampe, 86, peacefully passed away on February 12th, 2026.
She was born in South Heights, Pennsylvania on April 7th, 1939, the daughter of the late Ronald and Mildred (McCallister) Smith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Gustav “Gus” Hampe, her grandson, Michael Miller, and her sister-in-law and brother-in-law Louise (Barry) Bunner.

She is survived by her children, Robert Hampe (Chrissy Baker), Sherry (Jim) Grady, and Lisa Hampe-Miller, with whom she lived, her sister and brother-in-law, Coralee and Michael Syrko, her sister-in-law, Marjorie Straub and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was blessed with seven grandchildren: Erin (Jake) Grossi, Megan (Nolan) Shank, Robyn Hampe (Austin Tisch), Mark (Naomi) Miller, Robert (Stephen) Beresik-Hampe, Michela Grady (Jesse Moore), Nicholas Grady (Emma Ciaramella) and Amanda (Jeff) Marsch, great-grandchildren: Robbie, Leena, Eli, Maverick, Easton, Samuel, Abigail, Grady, Maddox; as well as a joyous addition, baby Jameson, due in April.

Judith was a faithful member of New Bethlehem Presbyterian Church in Aliquippa. She valued her family and appreciated spending quality time with them. She will also be remembered for her outstanding French toast that was enjoyed by everyone. A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 21st, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of a service at 10 a.m. at New Bethlehem Presbyterian Church,183 Bethlehem Church Road, Aliquippa, with Reverend Randall Clow officiating. Private interment will follow at Sylvania Hills Cemetery, 273 PA-68, Rochester. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa. In place of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to either Camp Lambec (13110 Old Lake Rd, North Springfield, PA 16430) to support children’s tuition for summer camp, or to New Bethlehem Presbyterian Church (183 New Bethlehem Church Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001).

The Hampe family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Gallagher Hospice and the compassionate caregivers that took care of Judith: Patty, Dawn, Chasity, Becky, Chrysta and Patience.