Author: Beaver County Radio

Jazz evening benefits Catholic education in Beaver County

Beaver County Radio

OHIOVILLE — Blue Notes & Blessings brings together some of Pittsburgh’s finest jazz artists for an elegant evening benefitting Our Lady of Fatima School, Saint Monica Catholic Academy and Saints Peter & Paul School.

Blue Notes & Blessings takes place 6:30 p.m. May 7 at Seven Oaks Country Club, 132 Lisbon Road, Ohioville.

Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Eric DeFade and acclaimed vocalist Kelley DeFade headline the night, performing two sets of jazz classics alongside a band of all-star players.

Grammy Award-winning jazz musician Eric DeFade will perform at Blue Notes & Blessings.

The program will feature selections by Mary Lou Williams — the legendary Pittsburgh jazz pianist and composer whose conversion to Catholicism profoundly shaped her work.

Guests will enjoy exceptional food and handcrafted cocktails in a warm, sophisticated atmosphere.

Adding a distinctive touch to the evening, noted local cigar sommelier Vince Orend will be on hand with custom cigars rolled especially for the occasion — or for those feeling adventurous, the chance to roll their own under his expert guidance.

The night concludes with coffee and desserts, leaving guests with a memorable send-off into spring.

Blue Notes & Blessings is a unique opportunity to celebrate the season with extraordinary music, fine dining and the company of those who share a commitment to Beaver County Catholic schools.

Tickets are $150 at bluenotesandblessings.org. Cocktail attire and evening dress are encouraged.

Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers still has not decided on future with the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh taking place this week

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) leaves the field after an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Houston Texans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The Pittsburgh Steelers still do not know who will be their quarterback in 2026 as this year’s NFL draft will be hosted in the Steel City this Thursday through Saturday. According to Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Steelers have not received word from Aaron Rodgers on his future and there is no expectation of a final decision prior to the 2026 NFL Draft. Will Howard is the starting quarterback for the Steelers’ bonus minicamp today.

Police: Mother and her six children die in Central Pennsylvania house explosion

(File Photo: Caption for Photo: police car lights at night in city with selective focus and bokeh background blur, Credit for Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images/iStockphoto/z1b)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Clinton County, PA) According to Pennsylvania State Police, a mother and her six children died when their Central Pennsylvania home exploded and caught on fire yesterday. The explosion and fire happened at around 8:30 a.m. at a home on Long Run Road in Lamar Township of Clinton County, which is roughly 35 miles from State College. Crews arrived on the scene and found the home fully engulfed in flames, with the mother and her six children trapped. State police confirmed that they identified the 34-year-old woman who died in the fire as Sarah B. Stolzfus, and her 11-year-old son, 10-year-old son, 8-year-old daughter, 6-year-old daughter, 5-year-old son and 3-year-old son also died in the flames. State police also expressed that a propane leak inside the house might have caused the explosion and fire and propane tanks outside the home did not explode or contribute to the fire. The explosion and fire are under investigation by state police.

Police: Cranberry Township man charged after gun discovered in his carry-on bag at Pittsburgh International Airport

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of the Allegheny County Police Department)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) A man from Cranberry Township is facing charges after police said a gun was found in his carry-on bag at Pittsburgh International Airport today. TSA officers found the loaded handgun in the passenger’s bag at the main security checkpoint and alerted Allegheny County Police. Police determined that the passenger, forty-three-year-old Garrett Beattie, did not have a valid concealed carry permit. He is charged with carrying a firearm without a license. The FBI was also notified about this incident. According to Allegheny County police, passengers who bring firearms into an airport security checkpoint can face federal civil fines from the Transportation Security Administration up to $10,000 and repeat offenders can also be fined up to $13,910.

Sweetwater Center for the Arts set to take ownership of the historic Old Sewickley Post Office building

(File Photo of the Sewickley Bridge)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Sewickley, PA) The Sweetwater Center for the Arts is set to take ownership of the historic Old Sewickley Post Office building after occupying the building since 1988. The Old Sewickley Post Office Corporation (OSPOC) and the Sweetwater Center for the Arts have been working together over the past year and a half on the transition. The OSPOC is a nonprofit that was founded in the early 1980s to purchase the post office and maintain the building as a National Historic Landmark. According to a release, the Pennsylvania Attorney General has approved the OSPOC to dissolve and gift building ownership to the Sweetwater Center for the Arts.

Roger Michael Rexroad (1951-2026)

Roger Michael Rexroad, 74, of Economy Borough, passed away on April 13th, 2026 at Heritage Valley Hospital. He was born in Buckhannon, West Virginia on June 22nd, 1951, the son of the late Jack Rexroad and Rosemary Lauf. He is also preceded in death by his son, Michael Rexroad, and his brother, Mark Rexroad. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Whipple Rexroad, his sons: James Rexroad, Jeff (Danese) Rexroad, Randy Rexroad and James (Hope) Edwards; as well as his daughters, Angie Rexroad and Jennifer Edwards Parison, his sisters, Tracy McCaskey-Angley, Greta Prosser and Shannon Wakely, grandchildren: Tiera, Michalena, Ashley, Rachel, Riley, Evan, and James Rexroad, Michael Roman, Amanda Mussi, Niko Mussi, Julia (Zach) Bizzarri, Jackie Parison, Joey Parison, Samantha Peluchette, Nicole Edwards, Kayla Edwards, Haley Edwards; as well as his great-grandchildren: Averi Rexroad, Mason Dunton, Avery McGeehan, Jonathan Mussi, Blesslyn Jones, Brazley Edwards, Nathaniel Mussi, Paisley Galloway, Ethan Mussi, Rosalynn Bizzarri, Wyatt Rexroad, and Faith Mussi; along with his dear cousins who meant the world to him, as well as he and Joyce’s friends at Beaver Valley Bowl.

Roger was a graduate from Ambridge Area High School in 1969. After high school, he went on to earn a degree in Nuclear Medicine from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. He was formerly a resident of Galveston, Texas and St. Mary’s, West Virginia. He held a variety of jobs throughout his life. Over the years, he worked at Eat n’ Park and American Bridge Manufacturing, he spent time on Oil Rigs, used his degree in Nuclear Medicine, as well as a CDL driver, and at Todd Shipyard in Galveston, Texas.

He was Christian by faith and was an active member of many organizations that reflected his passions and friendships. He belonged to the Elks Club, IDPA, Beaver Valley Rifle and Pistol Club, Castle Pistol Club, Pistol Boys at LCSA, Beaver Valley Yacht Club, and Bedford County Pistol League. He found great joy and had a deep love for his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. He poured his heart into everything he did. He cherished the camaraderie he found in his gun clubs and organizations, treasured his time boating and the friendships built at the Beaver Valley Yacht Club, and attending Carpenter Camp with his cousins. He also spent time traveling to Texas to visit with his mother, son, grandkids, and his dear cousins.

Friends will be received on Saturday, April 25th, from 12 noon to 4 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements. Refreshments to follow at the Beaver Valley Yacht Club, 219 Front Street, New Brighton, PA 15066.

Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

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

Lilly B. Bittenbender (1950-2026)

Lilly B. Bittenbender, 76, of Rochester, passed away peacefully on April 14th, 2026, in her family home. She was born in Rochester on February 19th, 1950, a daughter of the late Earl J. Campbell and Virginia Mae See Campbell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one son, Edward Bittenbender, two sisters, Judy Perry and Earla Jarzombek and one nephew, E.J. Campbell. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Donald A. Bittenbender Sr., three sons and two daughters in law, Ronald and Barb Duncan of New Brighton, Timothy and Lynette Duncan of Virginia, and Donald A. Bittenbender, Jr. of Rochester, nine grandchildren: Diana, Tiffany, James, Josh, Keighgan, Michael, Selena, Torrrey and Justin, three great grandchildren, Gabriel, Sophia and Shiloh, four sisters and two brothers in law: Petey and Tim Capps, Emma Conner, Jo Jo Anderson and her husband, Dennis Conci and Peggy Campbell, one brother, Bussy Campbell and her former daughter in law, Tonya Scheck and her husband, Gregory and numerous nieces and nephews.

Lilly retired after 22 years from Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center and she was Methodist by faith.

Friends will be recieved on Tuesday, April 21st, from 4-7 p.m. in The William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester, who was in charge of her arrangements, where a service will be held that evening at 7:15 p.m. Officiating will be Pastor Joe Simonette. Interment will be private at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.

Scott Patterson of ‘Gilmore Girls’ fame brings rock band to Pittsburgh

SCOTT TADY

WARRENDALE — Scott Patterson savored his role as Luke Danes, the grumpy-yet-golden-hearted diner owner in the beloved TV series “Gilmore Girls”

Before taking on such an iconic TV part, Patterson played minor league baseball for the top affiliates of the New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves.

Though the Philly/Jersey native’s earlier passion was music, a craving he satisfies today as a songwriter and touring rock-and-roll artist.

With a bevy of original songs featuring elements of power-pop, punk, Americana and straight-up rock, Patterson brings his band to Jergel’s Rhythm Grille in Warrendale on May 4. Tickets are at etix.com, starting at $37.15 and going up to $316 for the included backstage meet-and-greet.

Patterson appeared by phone on Monday’s Beaver County Radio Show with Scott Tady.

If you missed it, here’s the interview with Scott and Scott:

Paul Dunham (1940-2026)

Paul Dunham, 86, of Darlington, passed away on April 18th, 2026 at Christian House Home Health and Assisted living in East Palestine. He was born in Darlington on April 2nd, 1940, a son of the late John “Jack” and Mary Pearl (McCowin) Dunham. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings: his infant sister, Carolyn Dunham, as well as John “Henny” Dunham and Kay Hughes and his step-grandson, Joseph Urgitus. He is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Louise (Tunno) Dunham, his children, Kimberly (Steve) Hodges and Paul (Nancy) Dunham, his step children, Tammy Littell, Terri (Jim) Cashdollar, and Jamie (Tim) Greenier, his siblings: Virginia Fawcett, Mary Grace Ferguson, Dennis Dunham and Betty Taylor, his three grandchildren, his eight step-grandchildren, his numerous step-great-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Paul graduated from Darlington High School in 1958. He worked at McKay & Gould and then co-owned Jenkins & Dunham excavating with his brother-in-law, Keith Jenkins, for numerous years. he then drove a tri-axle truck for Ron August Trucking, retiring in 2008. Throughout his life, his loved bowling, hunting, and snowmobiling, and had a passion for his Corvette, broncos and trucks. He was also a Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Pirates fan. Later in life, he enjoyed feeding and watching birds every day. He was sustained by the unwavering love and care of his wife, Louise over his 20-year journey with Alzheimer’s disease. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).

A thank you goes out to the Christian House staff enough for their love and care during this time, along with Patriot Hospice.

Friends will be received on Monday, April 20th 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, and where friends will be received on Tuesday April 21st from 10 a.m. until the time of a funeral service at 11 a.m. Pastor Fritz Nelson will officiate.

Interment will take place at Duff Cemetery in Darlington.

Charleen R. Wilkinson (1949-2026)

Charleen R. Wilkinson, 76, of New Sewickley Township, passed away on April 15th, 2026, in her home. She was born in Aliquippa on November 17th, 1949, a daughter of the late Charles J. “Chick” and Bernice R. Inman. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her uncles: Russel Inman, Junior & Olga Inman, William & Doris George. She is survived by her beloved husband of 52 years, Fred C. Wilkinson, Jr., her son, Stephen C. Wilkinson, her special cousins: Robert & Diana Fisher, Lynn & Jack Davies, and Amy & Chuck Cowen, along with numerous other beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Charleen graduated from Hopewell Area School District and an active member of the Kiwanis, Rochester Legion Post 512, and the Beaver County Conservation League. She loved her family and her friends. She enjoyed working outdoors, planting flowers, gardening, doing yard work and fishing.  She also enjoyed going to Flea Markets.  Most of all, she loved going to her camp in Tionesta, Pennsylvania, which was where she watched the deer and would occasionally see a bear, which she named Jake. While at camp, she enjoyed her evening campfires with her friends and family. She would always say that camp was her Heaven on Earth.

In accordance with Charleen’s wishes, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at her camp in Tionesta. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Huntsman Funeral and Cremation Services.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Beaver County Sportsman’s Conservation League Youth Foundation PO Box 376 Monaca, PA 15061.