Constance “Connie” (Tuccinard) Javens (1937-2026)

Constance “Connie” (Tuccinard) Javens, 88, of Monaca, passed away peacefully on August 18th, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family, and by her dogs who had been such a constant and cherished part of her life. She was born in Rochester on August 25th, 1937, the daughter of the late Nicholas Tuccinard and Rose (Taormina) Braddick.

Connie was a proud graduate of Monaca High School, with its Class of 1955, who lived a life marked by independence, determination, service, humor, and an unwavering devotion to the people and community she loved. She was a lifelong member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and took great pride in her Italian heritage. She carried that heritage into her home and family, most famously through the homemade sauce and meatballs stuffed with cheese that she made and shared with those she loved.

She was a woman who never waited for life to happen around her. Shortly after graduating high school, she earned her pilot’s license, an accomplishment that reflected the adventurous, independent spirit that stayed with her throughout her life. She was never afraid to try something new, speak her mind, or take up space in a world that did not always expect women to do so.

That same determination defined her extraordinary commitment to public service. She loved Beaver County and the people who called it home, and she devoted herself to making her community better. She became the first woman to serve as Treasurer of Beaver County, a position she held for 28 years and was immensely proud of. Her leadership extended beyond Beaver County when she served as Secretary of the State Treasurers’ Association for seven years, followed by service as Second Vice President, First Vice President, and ultimately President. She continued her commitment to her community through her service on the Monaca School Board and the CCBC Board of Trustees, but for all that she accomplished, the titles and positions she held only tell part of her story.

Connie had a presence that was impossible to miss. She lit up a room, and somehow everyone in it felt it. She could strike up a conversation with anyone, regardless of their background or station in life, and she had a remarkable ability to make people feel as though they had known her forever. She was funny, outspoken, quick-witted, confident, and never afraid to say exactly what she thought. Her humor was unmistakable, her personality larger than life, and her warmth and authenticity brought sheer joy wherever she went. She believed in people. She encouraged those around her to have confidence, to stand up for themselves, and, as she often reminded them, to “always vote for yourself.” She wanted the people she loved to know their own worth, and she never hesitated to cheer them on, and Connie certainly knew how to cheer.

Her family was her greatest source of pride and joy. She treasured her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and was happiest when she was surrounded by them. She proudly attended all of her grandchildren’s sporting events, celebrated their accomplishments as though they were her own, and made sure the people she loved knew that she was in their corner. She was especially proud to support her son Mark throughout his basketball career as a head coach, standing beside him through the many winning programs he built. She celebrated his successes, and was there to support him through every season. She was a familiar face in the crowd, and the loud voice yelling at the referees.

Her love extended far beyond her family. Connie had a special place in her heart for animals. Throughout her life, she was rarely without a dog by her side, and she devoted her time and resources to helping animals throughout Beaver County. In her final moments, she was surrounded by the dogs she loved, a fitting reflection of the life she lived, always giving and receiving love from her animals who brought her so much happiness.

She found a special place of happiness in Myrtle Beach. She loved the beach, the sunshine, and, most of all, the memories made there with her daughter Renee, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Those trips became part of the family’s shared history—stories, laughter, traditions, and moments that will continue to be told long after her passing.

She also was the ultimate Pittsburgh sports supporter and enthusiast, but her deepest loyalty belonged to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Her game-day devotion was unmatched. She routinely expressed her team pride by wearing Steelers gear from head to toe, even down to her shoes.

She accomplished more in her lifetime than can be captured in a list of titles, positions, or achievements. She was a trailblazer, a public servant, a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, advocate, dog lover, and a woman who never seemed to enter a room without changing it, but perhaps her greatest gift was something much simpler: she made people feel seen.

She used to tell people, with that unmistakable sense of humor, “It’s better to be seen than viewed.”

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Francis “Sonny” Javens, and her brothers, Phill Tuccinard and Ron Tuccinard.

She leaves behind her loving children, Dan Javens, Mark Javens (Lisa McLean), Renee Zuk (Rick) and Randy Javens (Victoria), her cherished grandchildren: Melissa Thomas (Lenny), Michael Javens (Faith), Michelle Brown (Marcus), Mitchel Javens, Ashlee Garner (Matt), Mark Javens (Brooke), Alexa Javens, Ricky Zuk, Jocelyn Zuk (Bobby Tempalski), Jacqueline Zuk (Christian Vreen), Austin Javens, and Taylor Javens; as well as 17 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who were blessed to know her.

Friends will be received on Monday, August 24th from 1-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC, 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements.

Private interment will take place at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery in Monaca.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Connie’s name to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, an organization that reflected her lifelong love and compassion for animals.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Pinnacle Hospice and Connie’s nurses, Rhonda and Jenna, for the extraordinary care, compassion, and kindness they provided to Connie and her family during her final days. Their support brought comfort during a difficult time and will always be remembered.

The family would also like to offer a very special and heartfelt thank-you to Connie’s daughter, Renee, who stepped forward to care for her mother with tremendous love, patience, and thoughtfulness. Her devotion and presence were a beautiful gift to Connie and to the entire family.

Sadie Lucy Betke (1941-2026)

Sadie Lucy Betke, 84, of Brighton Township, passed away on August 19th, 2026 at AHN Beaver.

She was born on November 1st, 1941.

Friends will be received on Monday, August 24th from 1-3 p.m. and 5 p.m. until the time of services at 7 p.m. in the GABAUER FAMILY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES. Inc., 1133 Penn Avenue, New Brighton.

Private interment will take place at Grandview Cemetery, 149 Norwood Drive, Beaver Falls.

Del Beyers (1934-2026)

Del Byers, 92, of Vanport, passed away peacefully on August 18th, 2026, with his wife by his side.

He was born in Pittsburgh on March 1st, 1934, and was a long-time resident of Vanport, where he and his wife lived for forty years.

Del retired as an industrial arts teacher from New Brighton middle school after thirty-three years of dedicated service. He also worked as a projectionist at several Beaver County theaters. He was a faithful member of Vanport Presbyterian Church for forty years. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Army and was a member of St. James F&AM for over fifty years. He enjoyed woodworking and the art of motion pictures.

He is survived by his wife of forty-years Dee Byers, his five children: Robert Byers, Bonnie Dudash, Rhonda Garrett, David Boyle, and Lori Boyle; as well as his ten grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren.

Friends will be received Monday, August 24th, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements. A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 25th, at Vanport Presbyterian Church, 289 Georgetown Lane, Beaver. Light refreshments will be served following the service. Interment will take place on Wednesday, August 26th at 2:30 p.m. at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville. All are welcome to attend. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

Del also loved the Beaver County Humane Society, so in lieu of flowers, donations will be gratefully received in his memory for the cat’s program. (Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa.)

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

Pennsylvania Unemployment Rate Falls to 3.9 Percent, Now Under 4.0 Percent for First Time in Nearly Two Years

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) released its preliminary employment situation report for July of 2026 today.

The unemployment rate in Pennsylvania was down two-tenths of a percentage point over the month to 3.9 percent in July, which is the first time the rate has been below 4.0 percent since October of 2024. The Pennsylvania unemployment rate was two-tenths of a percentage point below the unemployment rate in the United States, which declined a tenth of a point over the month to 4.1 percent.  

The unemployment rate in Pennsylvania has declined by one-half of a percentage point from its July of 2025 level of 4.4 percent. 

The United States employment rate has declined two-tenths over the past 12 months, meaning that Pennsylvania has outperformed the national average over the past year. 

Eleanor Stout Courtney (1927-2026)

Eleanor Stout Courtney, 98, of Marco Island, Florida and formerly of Beaver, a former professional librarian and high school teacher, passed away at her Florida home on August 17th, 2026.

She was born on December 25th, 1927, a daughter of the late Robert C. Stout and Geneva Oppelt Stout, she was the wife of the late Atty. Paul E. Courtney, the love of her life, whom she married on June 25th, 1949. They were married for 67 years. She was a former teacher at Beaver Falls High School and former assistant director and reference librarian at Carnegie Free Library in Beaver Falls. She was an active member of the Beaver United Methodist Church where she served as volunteer librarian of the Courtney Memorial Library for 55 years, the library having been endowed by the Courtneys in 1962. She contributed to the success of the library to the end of her life.

Eleanor was a charter member and first president of the Beaver County Association of Lawyers’ Wives and a former vice president and board member of the international Church and Synagogue Library Association, a popular workshop leader throughout the country at their annual conferences and a book reviewer for the organization’s magazine, all volunteer positions. In 1985 at American University, Washington, D.C., she was the recipient of the organization’s highest award for outstanding contributions to church and synagogue libraries. In the 1980s she was listed in Who’s Who Among American Women for her dedicated library services. One of her most popular national workshops was on the subject of What’s New in Religious Books.

She attended the University of Pittsburgh on a full honor scholarship, graduated cum laude at age 20, received a master’s degree in library science 35 years later. She was an honor graduate of the Beaver High School class of 1945, a member of the National Honor Society, and continued her contact with her high school classmates as a member of the reunion committee for over 75 years, cherishing her high school friends until the end of her life. Her childhood C.O.E.D.S. faithfully had lunch together every Friday.

She was an avid reader, believed in life-time learning, her personal bookplate reading, “I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it for I shall not pass this way again.” Influenced by a Sunday School teacher, as a child, Eleanor pledged to tithe a portion of her time to others. She never deferred nor neglected any opportunity to be of service.

Service to her church included Sunday School teacher, librarian, United Methodist Women, pastor-parish committee, council, Bible study leader, book discussion group organizer and grief group organizer. A favorite of her social organizations was the Book and Play Club of Beaver, which was founded in the year of her birth. She enjoyed the close friendships she made through the church and other organizations. While on Marco Island, she treasured her friends from water aerobics class and very much appreciated her devoted caregivers who treated her with respect and compassion.

She is survived by her children, Christopher, Colleen Bingle and her husband, Chuck, all of Marco Island, Florida, Dr. Julie Courtney Murphy, Gibsonia, and her grandchildren, Courtney, Ryan and Connor Murphy. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers Bob, Jr., Ray and Earle, and her sister, Lois Ann. Eleanor was very devoted to her family and served them with love and wisdom. Her cherished grandchildren will long remember her animated rendition of “Once there was a little boy who wouldn’t say his prayers… “and her whispered farewells, “You are my favorite five-year-old.”

Friends will be received from 4 p.m.-7:30 p.m. on Friday, August 28th at the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of her arrangements. Friends will also be received on Saturday, August 29th from 11 a.m. until the time of a funeral service at 12 noon at the College Avenue United Methodist Church, 345 College Avenue, Beaver. Interment will follow in the Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver. Friends, if they wish, may make contributions to the Courtney Memorial Library of the Church, 345 College Avenue, Beaver, PA 15009.

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

Nancy King (1929-2026)

Nancy King, 97, of Sewickley, passed away on August 19th, 2026.

She was born on May 3rd, 1929.

In accordance with her wishes, burial is private.

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

Cranberry and Jackson Townships unveil new boundary at joint meeting

(File Photo of the Cranberry Township Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Cranberry Township, PA) A proposed joint ordinance that would establish a more defined municipal boundary at the northern border of Cranberry Township and the southern border of Jackson Township has been in the works for months. 

Officials from both townships met at Cranberry Highlands Golf Course at a joint meeting on Wednesday to present the new boundary lines which would establish a precise and up-to-date boundary.  

This proposed ordinance will be up for consideration at the board of supervisors meeting on September 3rd for Cranberry Township and the board of supervisors meeting on September 17th for Jackson Township. 

Route 3001 Monaca Road Utility Work Continues Monday in Aliquippa

(File Photo of a Road Work Ahead Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Aliquippa, PA) PennDOT District 11 announced that utility work on Monaca Road (Route 3001) in the City of Aliquippa will continue on Monday, August 24th, weather permitting. 

From 7 A.M. to 5 P.M. weekdays through mid-September, single-lane alternating traffic controlled by flaggers will occur on Monaca Road (Route 3001) between Sheffield Avenue and 6th Avenue.  

Gas line replacement work will be conducted by crews from Peoples Gas. 

No restrictions will occur from September 4th-7th because of the observance of Labor Day. 

West Nile virus detected in 2 mosquito samples from Zelienople

(File Photo of a Mosquito)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Zelienople, PA) The Mercer County Conservation District reported on Wednesday that two mosquito samples which were collected from Zelienople tested positive for West Nile virus, but no human cases have been reported.

Businesses and residents in Zelienople are asked to take precautions, like applying insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved pants and shirts outdoors during dawn and dusk. 

Local 8-year-old girl receives award in New Brighton for saving her grandmother’s life in Center Township

(Credit for Headline Photo and Photos Below: Photo Courtesy of Beaver County Radio’s Frank Sparks, Posted on Facebook on August 20th, 2026)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(New Brighton, PA) 8-year-old Gabi Sparks received the Mayor’s Good Citizen Award from New Brighton Mayor Valerie McElvy and the New Brighton Borough council yesterday for saving the life of her grandmother, Gigi, by calling for help when Gigi was having a medical emergency on July 14th.

This occurred at Gigi’s house in Center Township.

Gabi acted quickly after shaking Gigi and after she did not receive any response from Gigi, Gabi picked up the phone and called for help 

Center Township Police Corporal Kristen Brown and K-9 Officer Will Peake along with his K-9 partner Tonda also honored Gabi on July 27th for her quick response that saved Gigi’s life.

The officer presented Gabi with a Center Township Police K-9 hoodie, a special bracelet, and Tonda charms for her Crocs.

Gabi was also able to meet Tonda.

Gabi commented that she is just glad that her Gigi is ok.