Author: Beaver County Radio

AAA: Cruises, National Parks, and European Cities Popular Among Labor Day Travelers

(File Photo of the AAA East Central Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Many travelers are taking advantage of the last long holiday weekend of the season during Labor Day weekend as summer comes to an end.

According to AAA booking data, Seattle, Orlando, Boston, Denver, and New York are the top domestic destinations, while Rome, Vancouver, London, Dublin, and Paris top the international list.

This is also the point of year when travelers start planning vacations for next spring and summer.

According to a release from AAA East Central, here are AAA East Central’s Top Labor Day Weekend Destinations:

RANKING

DOMESTIC

INTERNATIONAL

1

ANCHORAGE, AK

NASSAU, BAHAMAS

2

ORLANDO, FL

VANCOUVER, CANADA

3

HAWAII

LONDON, ENGLAND

4

LAS VEGAS, NV

DUBLIN, IRELAND

5

ANAHEIM, LOS ANGELES, CA

PARIS, FRANCE

6

CHICAGO, IL

CALGARY, CANADA

7

ANAHEIM/LOS ANGELES, CA

BARCELONA, SPAIN

8

LAS VEGAS, NV

ATHENS, GREECE

9

ANCHORAGE, AK

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

10

ATLANTA, GA

HALIFAX, CANADA

Rush returning to Pittsburgh

Scott Tady

PITTSBURGH — Rock legends Rush will perform in Pittsburgh on Nov. 15.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, and co-founders Geddy Lee [bass, keys, vocals] and Alex Lifeson [guitar, vocals], today announced four new arena shows on their celebrated 2026 headline tour, Fifty Something.

The band will perform at PPG Paints Arena. General on-sales begin 10 a.m. Friday with presales beginning on Tuesday, also at 10 a.m., for Citi cardmembers.

Lee and Lifeson shared about the significance of these newly added dates, “When we initially booked this tour we didn’t know how well we would hold up to the rigors of the road – so we played it safe with lots of days off to recover – but life is nothing if not surprising and we’re doing fine and having a blast – so why not try to hit a few more of the cities that have always treated us so well.”

Rush returns to Pittsburgh. (Richard Sibbald)

Julie Chirstner Belcher Baskal (1951-2026)

Julie Christner Belcher Baskal, 74, of Baden, passed away peacefully on August 26th, 2026. She was born on October 21st, 1951, the daughter of the late Bud and Bessie Christner.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Baskal, and her son, Richard J. Belcher.

She is survived by her son, Brian (Kathy) Belcher, her grandchildren, Brandon Belcher, Tristin Lippert, and Chloe Lippert and a very special friend, Nancy.

Julie was a graduate of Ambridge High School and later worked for many years at Eat ’N Park. She enjoyed shopping, gardening—especially tending to her roses—and watching the Home Shopping Network. She also loved decorating for every holiday and making each occasion special.

Above all, she cherished her grandchildren, whom she loved and adored.

She was affectionately known as “GiGi,” and she treasured the time she spent with them and the special memories they shared.

Services are private for Julie.

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

CCBC Foundation Welcomes Four New Board Members

(File Photo of the CCBC Logo, Credit for Four Photos Below: Photos Provided with Release Courtesy of the Community College of Beaver County)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Monaca, PA) The Community College of Beaver County (CCBC) Foundation recently welcomed four new members to its Board of Directors: Aubrey Plane, Pamela M. Johnson, Dr. Joseph A. Guarino, and Paul Duty.

They will assist CCBC and its mission to expand opportunities for students.

Aubrey Plane (pictured below) graduated from CCBC and she currently serves as a Business Development Manager at BELFOR Restoration.

 

 

Pamela M. Johnson, RN, BSN, (pictured below) also graduated from CCBC. She is a retired hospice nurse that has 47 years of experience in clinical care and administration. She previously served for 10 years as a trustee for CCBC and Beaver
County residents, which included serving as Chairperson of the Board during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Joseph A. Guarino (pictured below) currently serves as the Superintendent of the New Brighton Area School District and will be serving as the Superintendent of both the New Brighton Area School District and Rochester Area School District through a shared superintendent model in the future. Guarino has spent over 23
years working with the New Brighton Area School District, starting his career there as a teacher before becoming the principal of New Brighton Middle School.

Paul Duty (pictured below) is an airline captain with the regional carrier of American Airlines, Envoy Air. He is currently a flight instructor and an aviation curriculum developer with over 20 years of experience in aviation training and leadership. Duty graduated from CCBC’s Professional Pilot program in 2002.

New York man cited after hit-and-run crash in Big Beaver Borough

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Big Beaver Borough, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Gibsonia reported today that forty-six-year-old Giorgi Bokuchava of Brooklyn, New York was cited after a hit-and-run crash occurred in Big Beaver Borough on Thursday.

The crash took place on I-76 East on the Pennsylvania Turnpike at 11 a.m.

Bokuchava was driving in the work zone for the Big Beaver River bridge construction project and sideswiped a vehicle driven by seventy-one-year-old Arsenios Paliobeis of Cleveland, Ohio.

Bokuchava kept driving after the collision and was given three citations after his vehicle was located during a traffic stop on I-76 eastbound at the Cranberry acceleration ramp.

There were no reported injuries. 

Maurice Shawan Fisher (1975-2026)

Maurice Shawan Fisher, 50, formerly of Baden, passed away unexpectedly on August 25th, 2026.

He was born in Aliquippa on September 3rd, 1975, a son of James and Naomi Steals.

Maurice was a graduate of Ambridge High School, Class of 1992, and continued his education by earning a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University and a master’s degree from Point Park University.

Following his education, Maurice began his career with Pittsburgh Regional Transit, where he dedicated more than 10 years of service. During his time there, he formed close friendships with his coworkers, Terry and Shelley, who held a special place in his life.

He was also passionate about giving back to his community. From 2005 through 2012, he was an active part of Ambridge youth sports, helping coach basketball, soccer, and baseball. He enjoyed being involved with the youth and sharing his knowledge, encouragement, and love of sports with others.

Outside of work and coaching, he enjoyed traveling, continuously gaining knowledge and learning in many different ways, and most of all, spending time with the people he loved. He will be remembered for the love he had for his family and the many lives he touched throughout the years.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Patrice, his two children, Christian and Jacqueline, his two beloved grandchildren, Dezmond and Dru (“Dru-Bear”), whom he adored and lovingly called his grandchildren. He is also survived by his three siblings, Richard, Niecey, and Jawaya, all of Ambridge, his niece, Raven, the daughter of his late brother Tekoah, as well as many other loving family members and friends.

Maurice’s memory will live on through the family, friends, and community who were blessed to know and love him.

In accordance with Maurice’s wishes, there will be no formal service. The family appreciates the love, prayers, and support extended to them during this difficult time.

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

CCBC inaugural men’s soccer team ties in first ever soccer match

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Beaver County Radio’s Scott Tady)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Chippewa, PA) The Community College of Beaver County’s inaugural men’s soccer team had its first ever soccer match on Saturday at Wright Field in Chippewa.

The Titans began their first ever men’s soccer season under first-year head coach Marcus Burrows and played against the College of Southern Maryland Hawks.

The audience that attended the game enjoyed free admission and saw a 1-1 tie between the Titans and the Hawks.  

You can view the full schedule for men’s soccer at CCBC by clicking here.

Patricia Ann “Patty” Kohar (1956-2026)

Patricia Ann “Patty” Kohar, 70, a resident of Sewickley, passed away peacefully on August 28th, 2026 at AHN Forbes Hospital.

She was born on January 9th, 1956, the daughter of the late Joseph M. Kohar and Mildred “Millie” Kohar.

Patricia graduated from Hopewell High School and the Community College of Allegheny County. She spent much of her professional career working with Highmark of Pittsburgh, where she dedicated many years of her working life.

She was a devoted Catholic and a member of Mary Queen of Saints Parish and Our Lady of Fatima Church in Aliquippa. Her faith was an important part of her life, providing her with strength and comfort. In her free time, she could always be found reading an extensive book or crafting homemade jewelry pieces in her free time. She also enjoyed having fun afternoons out with her close friends and family at dinner, where she always made someone share a smile.

She was also devoted to her beloved pets, Pepper and Pippa, who brought her tremendous joy and companionship. She also had a special love for the beach and treasured the many trips she took over the years to Ocean City and Destin, Florida. Those trips and the memories made there held a special place in her heart.

She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Michele Kohar of Economy Borough, her uncle and aunt, Edward and Marie Kohar of Baden, two nieces, Anne Kohar of Monaca and Sarah (Lance) Huppenthal of Economy, one nephew, Michael (McKenzie) Kohar of Conway and two great-nephews, David and Domenic Huppenthal. She is also survived by several loving cousins on the Kohar and Batista side. The family of Patricia would like to send their heartfelt gratitude for the compassionate medical staff and doctors at AHN Forbes Hospital for caring for her in her time of need.

Friends and family will be received on Wednesday, September 2nd from 3 P.M. until time of funeral service at 6 P.M. in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements. Father Joe Carr will officiate the service. Private Interment will take place on Thursday, September 3rd in the Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery, 2186 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa.

Steelers trade offensive tackle Broderick Jones to the Cowboys in several moves before the 2026-2027 NFL season

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Broderick Jones (77) lines up during an NFL exhibition football game against the Green Bay Packers in Pittsburgh Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Dallas, TX) Sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that the Pittsburgh Steelers traded offensive tackle Broderick Jones to the Dallas Cowboys.

Sources confirmed to ESPN’s Todd Archer that along with Jones, the Cowboys will also receive a 2027 fourth-round pick while the Steelers will receive a 2027 third round pick and a 2027 sixth-round pick.

Jones was drafted by the Steelers as the 14th overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft out of Georgia and played 45 games in three seasons with the Steelers.

The Steelers also traded running back and 2025 third round pick Kaleb Johnson to the Green Bay Packers yesterday.

Johnson was a rookie last year who was drafted out of the University of Iowa.

The Steelers also recently finalized their 53-man roster for the 2026-2027 season, and cuts included linebacker Elandon Roberts, who was traded back to the Steelers after playing for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025.

Roberts played for the Steelers from 2023-2024.

Alice Grace (Wadsworth Monestersky) Harris (1948-2026)

Alice Grace (Wadsworth Monestersky) Harris, 78, of Sewickley, formerly of Ambridge, passed away surrounded by her loving family, following an extended illness on August 28th, 2026.

She was born in Claysville on February 26th, 1948, the youngest of nine children that were born to the late Alva Carl Wadsworth and Elizabeth Grace (Cassidy) Wadsworth. She grew up in Lemont Furnace, Pennsylvania.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by numerous brothers and sisters, as well as aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, including her former husband, Anthony Monestersky and her best friend, Crystal Littell.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 27 years, Michael Harris, her sisters and brother-in-law, Janet Bess, Ella Faye Lowe and Richard Lowe, her daughter, Tanya Capone (John), her son, Tony Monestersky (Nancy), her grandchildren: Anna (Eddie Bachurski), Johnny, Krista, Kalysa and Kyla Capone, Katera Bentz (Blaze), Zachary Allen (Ashley), Khira Monestersky, Johnathan Ballard and Don Ballard; as well as her great-grandchildren, Isabella, Elizabeth and Susie Bachurski, and Kaylin Bentz.

Alice had a special place in her heart for her precious kitties, Smudge, Silky and Tiger. She worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at D.T. Watson and the Convent of Villa of St. Joseph in Baden before retiring from working Heritage Valley Hospital in Sewickley. She enjoyed spending time with her family, friends and loved ones. She found great joy in gardening, planting and growing flowers, with roses being her absolute favorite. Her gardens were always filled with beautiful flowers that reflected the love and care she put into them. She also enjoyed reading, playing bingo and taking bus trips to casinos. Her loving spirit, kind heart and devotion to her family will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew and loved her.

A memorial visitation will be held on Monday, August 31st from 3 P.M. until the time of funeral services at 5:30 P.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.