Author: Beaver County Radio

George J. Perez (1963-2026)

George J. Perez, 63, of New Sewickley Township, passed away on October 27th, 2026.

He was born on October 22nd, 1963, the son of Mario and Margie Perez.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Jesus Arroyo.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his spouse, Paulette Perez, his children: Jonathan James Perez, Jessica Patterson, Jared (Jennifer) Sinchak, Deana (Stefan) Longo, and Breanne (Gary) Sherman; as well as his cherished grandchildren: Isabella, Rocco, Jaden, Mitchell, Prosperina, Jaylah, Amelia, Santino, Maurice, Mele, Tatum, Hayley, Emerik, and Maddox; along with his beloved dog, Macy and numerous dear friends.

George proudly served his country in the United States Army and continued his dedication to fellow veterans through more than 20 years of service at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Bridgeville, a place where he took great pride in his work.

He was a devoted Pittsburgh sports fan who also enjoyed traveling with his family and spending time outdoors. Above all, he treasured the time spent with his loved ones and the lasting connections he made throughout his life.

A funeral service with full military honors will be held at 2 P.M. on Tuesday, November 3rd, at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville.

Arrangements are entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Mary Ilene Soos (1950-2026)

Mary Ilene Soos, 75, of Beaver Falls, passed away on October 15th, 2026. He was born in Beaver Falls on November 26th, 1950, the daughter of the late Arthur and Helen Nichols.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Jim Nichols; sister, Lila; nephew, Calvin Duane McCon.

She is survived by her children: John (Bobbi Jo) Soos, Sheila Soos, Mark (Marlene) Soos, Kelly (Justin) Hare; as well as several grandchildren and great grandchildren, her nieces: Brenda Lee (Jack) Smith, Paula Jane (James) Hawkins, Cynthia Lynne McCon, Rhonda (The late Ronald) Gail; along with her nephews, Donald Allen (Kathy) McCon and Randal Scott (The late Jenne) McCon.

Mary was a devoted homemaker who took pride in creating a nurturing and loving environment for her family. She spent many years working at the Red Bull Inn and Guiseppe’s. She will be remembered for her love of car cruises and the Golden Oldies.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Corless Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls.

November 3rd, 2026 election, William Penn Peace Tree among topics discussed at Commissioners’ work session

(File Photo of the Beaver County Courthouse)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver, PA) Several topics were discussed at today’s Beaver County Commissioners’ work session at the County Courthouse.

One of them was the November 3rd election in Pennsylvania, which is approaching.

County Solicitor Garen Fedeles reminded that the County Courthouse is closed for the public during that day, and this is regarding the front doors.

However, Fedeles stated that the back doors of the County Courthouse will be open only for any issues that are election related.

The return rate for the county’s mail-in ballots is 80%, which is the highest in the state for the size that has been sent out at this point.

Fedeles also confirmed that there are 90 ballots that are now defective and consistent of what was done in the past and on this Friday, these individuals will be posted on the website on the county so that they can get the opportunity to correct them before Election Day.

Fedeles also affirmed that there will tentatively be a voting meeting for the county budget on November 19th and another voting meeting to pass the budget on the date of December 17th.

There was also a presentation regarding the William Penn Peace Tree that has now been planted in Beaver County.

This is a white pine tree, and this tree will be placed in all 67 counties in Pennsylvania.

According to County Recreation and Tourism Director Tony Caltury, Beaver County is one of the first counties to get this tree.

One of the reasons that this tree was received was because of a project to represent the values that William Penn believed in like friendship, and he believed that people that had different backgrounds and faiths could live togheter with mutual respect and as well as peace.

David Thompson, the Assistant Director of the Beaver County Office of Planning and Redevelopment, also stated to the Commissioners and the audience: “the county’s hazard mitigation plan has been accepted at the state level by FEMA. It is being forwarded on to FEMA for a final review and acceptance.”

Caltury also let the public know that there will be controlled goose hunts at Brady’s Run Park starting next week.

The dates that these will be happening are November 2nd, 5th, 9th, 12th, and 16th and signs at the ark will indicate where people can walk while these are taking place.

Beaver County Chamber of Commerce to Celebrate Long John Silver’s Remodeled Location with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(East Rochester, PA) The Beaver County Chamber of Commerce will join Long John Silver’s on Friday, November 13th at 9:45 a.m. to celebrate the reopening of its remodeled location in East Rochester with a special ribbon cutting ceremony at the restaurant on 750 Ohio River Boulevard.

This event will celebrate the refreshed space and reopening of the restaurant.

Long John Silver’s is known for its offerings of seafood, which includes its signature battered fish, chicken, shrimp, and sides.

Pirates hiring Astros Triple-A pitching coach Sean Buchanan

(Caption and Credit for Photo: Feb 18, 2026; West Palm Beach, FL, USA; Houston Astros coach Sean Buchanan poses for a photo during media day at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) According to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, the Pittsburgh Pirates are hiring Houston Astros Triple-A pitching coach Sean Buchanan.

Buchanan was the Triple-A Sugar Land pitching coach for the past two seasons and he was the organizational pitching coach of the Astros for the past five seasons.

A report from Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette confirmed that the Pirates will have Buchanan working in the upper levels of the minor league system.

However, there is no official role for him yet.

Mary Catherine “Kathy” (Sebastian) Roknich (1951-2026)

Mary Catherine “Kathy” (Sebastian) Roknich, 75, of Alliance, Ohio, passed away on October 25th, 2026, at Orchards of Alliance in Alliance, Ohio.

She was born on April 26th, 1951, the daughter of the late Edward L. and Catherine M. (Petak) Sebastian.

In addition to her parents, she was was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Michael Roknich Sr. and her sons, Tony and Alexander Roknich.

She is survived by her loving sons, Michael (Jennifer) Roknich and Nicholas Roknich and her cherished grandchildren, David, Chloe, Addison, and Jillian.

Mary Catherine enjoyed spending time with her family, whom she loved dearly. She also had a creative side and found joy in making jewelry and creating beautiful diamond art projects.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, October 29th at 10 a.m. at St. Monica Church, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls, with Father Kim J. Schreck as celebrant.

Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 2152 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls.

In Luie of flowers, Memorial Contributions can be made to Make a Wish Foundation in Kathy’s name, online at https://wish.org/greaterpawv.

The GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, was honored to care for Mary Catherine and her family during this difficult time.

To send flowers with our preferred florist or plant a memorial tree, please visit the flower store of Gabauer Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services by clicking here.

Consider a donation, as requested by her family.

Judith A. Werner (1954-2026)

Judith A. Werner, 72, of Economy, passed away on October 26th, 2026.

She was born on April 22nd, 1954, a daughter of the late MaryLou and Robert Miller.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved son, Michael Werner and her brother, Ronald Miller.

She is survived by her loving children, Carrie Tuszynski and Nichole Werner, her sister, Susan (Randy) Hall, her cherished grandchildren, Brenden King, Lainey Tuszynski and Logan Tuszynski, her nieces, Leighann, Lauren, and Lindsey, her special dog, Princeton and numerous extended family members.

Judith was a graduate of Ambridge Area High School and went on to attend Community College of Beaver County, which was where she pursued her nursing education. She became a registered nurse and dedicated her career to caring for others at Villa St. Joseph Nursing Home, Masonic Village Nursing Home, and Sherwood Oaks Nursing Home. In her free time, she enjoyed crafting and making memories with her family, which included trips to Erie. Above all, she treasured the time she spent with her loved ones, especially her grandchildren, who brought her great joy.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Judith’s neighbors, friends, and the staff of Good Samaritan Hospice for the kindness, compassion, and wonderful care they provided to Judith over the years.

In accordance with Judith’s wishes, all services for her will be private.

Arrangements have been entrsuted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral and Cremation Services, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

House fire occurs in New Brighton

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Gavin Thunberg)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(New Brighton, PA) A house fire occurred in New Brighton yesterday.

Fire crews went to the scene on 6th Avenue near 8th Street.

Crews were on the scene as of 3:20 P.M.

Firefighters worked for more than an hour on overhaul.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.

Vicki Lee Shane (1951-2026)

Vicki Lee Shane, 75, of Beaver, passed away on October 20th, 2026, at AHN Beaver.

She was born in Sewickley on August 6th, 1951, the daughter of the late Clifford W. and Jeanne Johnston Shane.

Vicki was a retired law enforcement officer with the Pennsylvania State Police, the Beaver Police, and the Columbia South Carolina Police Department. She was a graduate of Duquesne University, receiving her Masters Degree in Behavioral Science, and was a mobile Therapist as a Behavior Specialist Consultant. She was a former member of Park Presbyterian Church in Beaver, a former member of the Heritage Club, and a former volunteer with the Beaver County Red Cross.

She is survived by numerous cousins.

In accordance with Vicki’s wishes, there will be no services for her.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the William Murphy Funeral Home Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester.

Memorial contributions are requested to be made to Park Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, 275 Commerce Street, Beaver, PA 15009.

Woman says she was sexually assaulted on United flight from Pittsburgh to Chicago

(File Photo of the Pittsburgh International Airport Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) A woman who says that she was sexually assaulted by a passenger on a United Airlines flight from Pittsburgh to Chicago wants answers from federal authorities just over five weeks after the reported incident happened. 

The victim told WPXI that she was traveling for work on September 22nd when a man who was sitting next to her started touching her and exposed himself.  

She stated that this happened about 30 minutes into the flight.  

She noted that she was sitting in a window seat and initially made conversation with the man who was beside her.  

She said she put in her AirPods later on and turned toward the window because she wanted to be left alone. 

The man raised the armrest between them repeatedly after she put it down. 

She confirmed that he pulled out a blanket at one point during the flight, and according to the victim, she began to feel something against her arm, but initially thought it could have been because the passengers were sitting close together. 

However, she affirmed that he was rubbing her arm and he positioned the blanket so that it blocked the view of the two of them. 

She also said that he touched her inner thigh and her leg. 

That is when he exposed himself and touched himself. 

She remembered him mouthing the word “no” after she told him she wanted to get up. 

She eventually woke another passenger up and went to the back of the plane, which is where she told a flight attendant what occurred. 

She was then moved to another seat. 

According to a statement from United Airlines: 

“We take this issue seriously, and this customer was moved to a different seat after reporting the incident to the flight crew. We also spoke with the customer and apologized for her experience. Law enforcement met this aircraft upon arrival in Chicago, and we have banned the other person involved pending our investigation.”