Author: Beaver County Radio

Two Beaver County schools awarded grants for career education programs

(File Photo of the Big Beaver Falls Area

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) The Pennsylvania Department of Education awarded grants last week to two Beaver County schools so they can help students chase career goals in both vocational training programs and special education.

The Big Beaver Falls Area and Riverside School District received grants of up to $20,000 each through the Developing Future Special Educators program from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

According to Jennifer Ceriani, Big Beaver Falls Area School District’s secondary program director, her district is planning to start its own chapter of the Best Buddies program, which brings students with and without disabilities together to form personal friendships, work together and promote leadership development.

According to Emily Smith, Riverside School District’s director of pupil services, the grant that it received will continue to support its Riverside Rising Educator Club.

Students in the Rising Educator Club have worked with students with disabilities and the special education staff at Riverside School District for the last four years by designing STEAM days and summer camps for elementary students, by designing a sensory playground area and teaching lessons at alternative education programs.

New Brighton Legion Monthly Spaghetti Dinners Through December

The New Brighton American Legion Post 19 is hosting a monthly spaghetti dinner through December. The dinners will be held on the first Wednesday of every month, serving from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Each dinner is priced at $10.00. The meal includes spaghetti and meatballs, a fresh salad, and a roll. The event is located at 415 Thirteenth Street, New Brighton, PA 15066.

Cracker Barrel CEO steps down a year after company’s logo debacle

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – This aerial photo taken with a drone shows a Cracker Barrel restaurant in Binghamton, N.Y., Aug. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey, File)

(Lebanon, TN- AP) Cracker Barrel’s CEO is stepping down nearly a year after an attempted rebrand of the chain led to a fierce customer backlash.

Cracker Barrel said Monday that CEO Julie Masino will step down next month but remain with the company until Oct. 9 in an advisory capacity.

David Deno will succeed Masino on Aug. 10 as CEO. Deno served as the CEO of Bloomin’ Brands, which owns Outback Steakhouse and other chains, from 2019 until he retired in 2024. He has also held executive roles as Best Buy and Yum Brands, which is the parent company of KFC and Taco Bell.

Lebanon, Tennessee-based Cracker Barrel hired Masino, a longtime Taco Bell and Starbucks executive, in July 2023. She was chosen for her record as an innovator with the hope that she would attract new customers to Cracker Barrel, which operates nearly 660 restaurants in 43 states.

Masino introduced updated menu items, like Hashbrown Casserole Shepherd’s Pie, to increase Cracker Barrel’s dinnertime traffic. She also started remodeling the company’s dark, antique-filled restaurants, lightening the walls and installing more comfortable seating.

Then, last August, Cracker Barrel announced plans to ditch its longtime logo, which features an older, overall-clad man leaning on a barrel as well as the words “Old Country Store.” The company said it would continue to honor Uncle Herschel — the man in its logo, who represents the uncle of Cracker Barrel’s founder — on its menu and on items sold in its stores. But the new logo would be simpler and easier to read on road signs and in phone apps.

The backlash was immediate. Fans didn’t like the new logo and also rebelled against the store redesigns. Even President Donald Trump weighed in, saying in a Truth Social post that Cracker Barrel “should go back to the old logo, admit a mistake based on customer response (the ultimate Poll), and manage the company better than ever before.”

Masino reversed course within a few days, but the damage was done. Cracker Barrel’s same-store restaurant sales plunged 5% last fall and 7% in the quarter ending Jan. 30, 2026. Same-store sales at the retail stores connected to its restaurants dropped even further.

Still, the company’s shareholders voted in November to keep Masino in place as CEO, and sales trends had begun to improve in recent months. In the quarter ending May 1, same-store restaurant sales were down 2.6% and the company raised its full-year revenue and profit forecast.

Masino also helped sharpen the company’s focus on the Cracker Barrel brand with the sale of the company’s Maple Street Biscuit Co. stores. Cracker Barrel acquired Maple Street in 2019 and operated 50 locations around the country.

Citi analyst Jon Tower said in a research note Monday that the news of Masino’s departure was surprising given those recent improvements.

Cracker Barrel shares fell 2.7% in early afternoon trading.

Beaver County Firefighters Association Entry Level Academy Class 26-01 completes Pennsylvania State Fire Academy Entry Level Program

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of the Beaver County Firefighters Association)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) The Beaver County Firefighters Association Entry Level Academy Class 26-01 completed their live structure burn and officially finished the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy Entry Level Program over the weekend.
Those students worked for over 350 hours of hands-on training and classroom instruction to reach this achievement over the last several months.
They will now prepare for the Pro Board Firefighter I certification and more firefighter survival training so they can continue building the skills that they will need throughout their careers.

5K and fun run on the taxiways of Pittsburgh International Airport returns in September

(File Photo of the Pittsburgh International Airport Airside Terminal)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The FlyBy 5K and 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk will offer those who participate rare access to the airfield of Pittsburgh International Airport on September 19th.

This event, which includes a first look at the airport’s new terminal from the airfield, will return after a one-year hiatus due to construction.

Registration is now open for the event and it allows people of all ages to run or walk along the same taxiways used by aircraft.

The event features two course options: a timed 5K of 3.1 miles, and a 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk that is untimed, which is presented by CNX Resources.

Both of these routes are stroller-friendly, and children under 4 years old can register for free.

All those who participate will receive a technical finisher shirt and a medal, and awards and post-race festivities will finish the morning.

Proceeds from this event will support the Allegheny County Airport Authority Charitable Foundation.

The event is organized by P3R, which is the group responsible for the annual DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon.

You can click here to register for the event or to get more information.

Dorothy Morris Robinson (1928-2026)

​Dorothy Morris Robinson, 97, of Beaver Falls, passed away on July 16th, 2026, at AHN Beaver – Heritage Valley.

She was born in Conway on July 26th, 1928, a daughter of the late John and Ethel Morris.

Dorothy was a woman of exceptional wisdom, warmth, and depth. Known for her direct yet deeply loving guidance, she offered advice grounded in honesty, compassion, and a true desire to lift up everyone around her. She was also hilarious, fun-loving, and quick-witted, bringing joy and laughter to every room she entered. She was a woman of deep faith throughout her life and was baptized at the age of seventeen at Second Baptist Church in Rochester, living with steadfast devotion to Allah, and inspired many as a member of the An-Nur Islamic Center in Wilkinsburg, PA.

​She spent her life in service to others. Early in her career, she shared her culinary talents as a cook at the United Nations Coronation Club in New Brighton and spent five years cooking at Scrimshaw, where her wonderful meals brought joy to many. She went on to dedicate 35 years as a home health aide with Homemaker-Home Health Aide Service of Beaver County. Her extraordinary empathy and commitment to caregiving were formally recognized with multiple honors, including a 30-Year Outstanding Performance Award.

​Throughout her life, she embraced continuous learning and creativity—from earning her high school diploma to completing a certificate in furniture upholstery. Outside of work, she enjoyed bowling with friends, taking exercise classes for many years alongside her husband, Samuel, and gathering with family to watch classic Western movies. She also held a deep love for animals and nature; she was rarely without a devoted dog by her side and took immense pride in farm life, tending to her cows, chickens, and garden.

​In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Samuel “Sam” Robinson, as well as her six brothers—James, Frank, Landis, Robert Lee, Manuel, and William Morris—and her three sisters—Mabel, Elizabeth, and Nellie. As the last surviving member of her immediate family, she leaves behind an enduring legacy of faith, resilience, and compassion.

​She is survived by her devoted nieces and nephews, her dear friends: Pat Miller, Theresa Yhelka, Debbie Hubby, Katie Shablesky, Sharon Garuccio, Liz and Alfonso Tucker-Saahir, and Mike and Nancy Osman; as well as her former colleagues and the many lives she touched.

​A Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 1st from 10 A.M. until the time of a service at 11 A.M. in the Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements.

Moises Santiago-Rodriguez, Jr. (1974-2026)

Moises Santiago-Rodriguez, Jr. 52, of Ambridge, passed away on July 16th, 2026. He was born in Puerto Rico on May 13th, 1974 and was the beloved son of Margarita Rodriguez and the late Moises Santiago-Rodriguez, Sr.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his devoted wife, Jennifer Colon-Sierra; his children, Aixa N. Torres-Colon, Carolyn Torres-Colon, and Ediel E. Torres-Colon; his brothers, Leris (Juan) Santiago-Gordon, Guillermo Santiago-Rodriguez, and Theophille Thomas; his nieces, Lemaris and Carlos; as well as many cherished friends and extended family members who will miss him dearly.

Moises was known as a hardworking man who dedicated himself to a variety of occupations throughout his life. Gifted with a creative spirit, he had a passion for art and found joy in expressing himself through his talents. His faith in God was a guiding force in his life, and he remained steadfast in his beliefs through every challenge. A proud cancer survivor, Moises faced life’s obstacles with strength, courage, and determination.

In his free time, he enjoyed going to the movies, spending time with his beloved dog, Scooby, and lifting weights with his friend, Austin Warhola. Above all, he treasured the time he spent with those he loved.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where a funeral service will be held on Friday, July 31th at 11:00 a.m. followed by interment at Good Samaritan Cemetery in Fair Oaks.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in Moises’ memory, in care of the funeral home, Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Joseph Stephen Plevel, Jr. (1948-2026)

Joseph Stephen Plevel Jr., 78, of Beaver, passed away peacefully at home on July 22nd, 2026, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with metastatic neuroendocrine cancer.

He was born at Sewickley Valley Hospital on January 10th, 1948, a son of the late Anna Mae Plevel and Joseph Stephen Plevel Sr. of Hopewell.

Joseph graduated from Hopewell High School in 1966. He was a lifelong auto mechanic who spent more than 50 years serving generations of Beaver County families. In 1970, he opened Joe’s Service Station, a well-known Beaver garage and gas station that proudly flew the Gulf, Mobil, and Texaco brands. At one time, Joe’s Service Station was the largest U-Haul dealer in the Tri-State Area and was a popular gathering place for area motorheads and drag racing enthusiasts. After closing Joe’s Service Station in 2000, he continued doing what he loved, spending another 25 years as a service technician at Beaver Tire, where he remained a trusted mechanic and a familiar face to generations of customers.

He shared 55 years of marriage with his wife, Beverly, who was by his side until the very end. After marrying in 1970, they began their life together and, in 1975, made their home in Brighton Township, where they raised their family and spent more than 50 years together.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his three sons, Matthew (Carrie) Plevel of Beaver, Mark Plevel of South Beaver and Tom (Tracy) Plevel of Beaver. He was a proud grandfather to Sgt. 1st Class Phillip (Brittnay) Plevel of West Warwick, Rhode Island, Gianna (Cameron) Sinclair, Tatum Plevel, and Mia Plevel, all of Beaver. He also leaves behind four great-grandchildren: Pennsley Plevel, Rosalie Sinclair, and Briggs and Bowen Plevel. He is also survived by his sister, Ruth Ann Kuba of Hopewell, his brother, Michael (Renee) Plevel of Aliquippa and his nieces, Amy Joe Kuba of Manassas, Virginia, and Jodi Kuba of Hopewell Township.

He was a humble man who always put his family before himself, Joe had a lifelong love of automobiles. Among his favorites were his 427 Tri-Power Corvette and his 1966 Mercury Cyclone, affectionately known as “The Ivory Coach.” In later years, he was rarely without a Ford Ranger, and no matter which one he was driving, he always kept his truck looking immaculate. He enjoyed watching the Pittsburgh Pirates, listening to Elvis Presley, a good comedy, and spending time outdoors, where he took great pride in keeping his yard looking its best. He will be remembered for his quiet strength, steady work ethic, and unwavering devotion to his family.

Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, July 29th from 5 P.M. until the time of prayers at 7:30 P.M. in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements.

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

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Marlene A. Parker (Passed on July 25th, 2026)

Marlene A. Parker, 93, passed away on July 25th, 2026.

She was raised in the close knit community of Monaca and later relocated to Conway, where she raised her family.

Marlene was a daughter of the late Frank and Julia Regney. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, William O. Parker, Sr., and by her sons, Donald D. Parker and William “B” O. Parker, Jr. Her family circle of remembrance also includes her sister, Francina Grab, and her brothers, John, Robert, and Donald Regney, all of whom preceded her in death.

Marlene was a homemaker who devoted herself to the care of her home and the well-being of her loved ones.

Her greatest joy was found in her family, and she took deep pride in each generation that followed. She is survived by her daughter, Pamela J. Brojer, and her sons, Drew Parker and Shawn Parker. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren: Bethany Parker, Dean Parker, Matthew Parker, Shawn Parker Jr., Brandon Parker, Sierra Parker, Brian Brojer, and Evin Brojer; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, July 29th from 5-7 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of her arrangements. Private interment will take place on Thursday, July 30th at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester.

Family has requested NO FLOWERS.

To share an online condolence or get directions, please visit www.simpsonfuneralhome.com.

Robert “Bobby” T. Ricci (1951-2026)

Robert “Bobby” T. Ricci, 75, of Robinson Township, passed away on July 23rd, 2026 at his home with his loving wife by his side.
He was born in New Brighton on March 1st, 1951, a son of the late Louis and Garnette (Keener) Ricci.
Robert was a lifelong source of strength, laughter, and unwavering kindness to all who knew him.
He was raised in Chippewa Township and graduated from Beaver Falls High School in 1969, where he earned admiration as a talented basketball guard before continuing his athletic career at Thiel College.
While his accomplishments on the court were impressive, those closest to him knew his greatest gifts were found in the way he loved others.
He was the devoted husband, best friend, and soulmate of his beloved wife, Debbie, a cherished uncle deeply loved by his nieces and nephews, and a devoted father figure to Kelly and Samantha, whose lives were forever shaped by his
love, guidance, and steadfast support.
He had a remarkable ability to make people laugh, filling every room with warmth, joy, and a comforting sense of safety. He never met a stranger, welcoming everyone with genuine kindness and an open heart.
He was an adventurer by nature, he embraced life’s wonders through unforgettable journeys to the Galápagos Islands, Machu Picchu, Italy, and many other treasured destinations.
He immensely enjoyed the many winters spent at their home in Avon, North Carolina.
He faced illness with extraordinary courage, resilience, and grace, never allowing it to diminish his spirit or his love for life. He will be remembered not only for what he accomplished, but for the countless lives he touched through his generosity, compassion, humor, and the enduring light he brought wherever he went. His legacy lives on in the love he shared, the memories he created, and the immeasurable impact he had on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
In addition to his wife of nearly 45 years, Debra (Abbott) Ricci, he is survived by his mother-in-law, Norma Abbott, his sisters-in-law, Cheryl Abbott and Leona Ricci, his brother-in-law, Carl Robertson, along with many cherished nieces, nephews and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Louis M. Ricci and Jeanne Robertson.
All services for Robert were private.
The GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc. 117 Blackhawk Road Beaver Falls, was honored to care for Robert and his family during this most difficult time and was the funeral home that was in charge of his arrangements.