Author: Beaver County Radio

John R. Christian Mar 4, 1937 to Aug 10, 2026

John R. “Dick” Christian, 89, of New Brighton, passed away peacefully Monday, August 10, 2026, at his home.

Born March 4, 1937, in Freedom, he was the son of the late John W. and Alice (Potter) Christian. Dick was a veteran of the United States Army and a graduate of Freedom High School and Geneva College.

Dick is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Tamara (Addison) Christian; his son, Thad (wife Dana) Christian; his grandchildren, Hunter, Sierra, and Giavanna; his sister and best friend, Kay Yohn, and her children Scott, Sherry, and John; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Dick’s greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He never missed a single birthday, dance recital, school concert, family trip or any other important moment in the lives of his grandchildren. He was always there for the people he loved, no matter what they needed.

If something was broken, Dick was the person you called. He was a master at fixing just about anything and was always working on something for someone. Whether it was a car, a household project, or something that simply needed a little figuring out, he was happiest when he could lend a hand. He never hesitated to drop what he was doing and show up to help.

One of Dick’s greatest accomplishments was the cabin he built 62 years ago. It became a special place where he spent countless days enjoying the outdoors, hunting, and making memories with his family. He also loved traveling to the beach, especially Topsail, North Carolina, and could often be found working on cars or tinkering with his latest project.

He will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him. His hands were rarely still, and he was always ready to fix something, help someone, or simply be there. The cabin he built became a special place that will be cherished for generations, but the greatest thing Dick ever built was his family. His greatest legacy is the laughter and memories he created with the people he loved. Those memories will be the pieces of him we carry with us forever.

Friends will be welcomed Saturday, August 15, from 10 a.m. until the time of the Blessing Service at 1 p.m. at J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Ave, New Brighton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pennsylvania SPCA in Dick’s memory.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.

Bo Bichette goes 5 for 5 and Sean Manaea strikes out 11 in Mets’ 11-1 rout of Pirates

(File Photo: Source for Photo: New York Mets’ Francisco Alvarez, right, is greeted by A.J. Ewing (9) as he returns to the dugout after hitting a solo home run off Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Kirby Yates during the fifth inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Bo Bichette went 5 for 5 with a three-run double and scored three times, Luis Robert Jr. homered and drove in four, and the New York Mets routed the Pittsburgh Pirates 11-1 on Sunday.

Sean Manaea pitched seven strong innings and struck out 11, most by a New York starter this season. Francisco Alvarez also went deep and Jared Young had three hits for the last-place Mets, who improved to 5-1 on a nine-game trip following a substantial selloff ahead of last Monday’s trade deadline.

Coming off a 9-0 defeat Saturday night, New York turned the tables and outhit Pittsburgh 15-4. Bichette had a bases-loaded double in the fourth that pushed the lead to 8-1. Robert launched a two-run shot in the third, and Alvarez homered leading off the fifth.

Manaea (4-5) allowed only Jake Mangum’s homer in the third. The big left-hander gave up three hits and walked none.

Jack Weisenburger, just called up from Triple-A Syracuse, tossed two scoreless innings in his major league debut to finish it.

Pirates starter Jared Jones (2-4) was tagged for eight runs and six hits in three-plus innings. He walked three and hit two batters with pitches as Pittsburgh lost for the fifth time in six games.

Rookie outfielder Carson Benge returned to the Mets’ lineup from a sore left wrist and went 2 for 5 with an RBI single and a walk.

Up next

Mets: Travel to Atlanta to open a three-game series Monday night with RHP Christian Scott (3-3, 3.15 ERA) starting against RHP Bryce Elder (8-6, 3.69).

Pirates: Begin a three-game series at Miami on Tuesday night as RHP Paul Skenes (9-10, 3.96 ERA) faces RHP Eury Pérez (5-9, 3.61).

Richard Paul Miller Oct 5, 1946 to Aug 9, 2026

Richard Paul Miller, 79, of Beaver, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on August 9th, 2026, at Allegheny General Hospital, after a brief illness. He was born on October 5th, 1946, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the late Robert and Mary Louise Miller.

Richard was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. He shared 58 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Linda Rae Miller, whom he loved deeply.

Richard was the proud father of Jeffery (Marcie) Miller, Rebecca (Mike) Petrella, and David (Tracey) Miller. He cherished his seven grandchildren Julie (Codey), Emily, Christopher, Hannah, Isaac, Haley, Nathan, and his six great-grandchildren. His family was one of the greatest sources of joy and pride in his life.

He is survived by his siblings, Dorothea, Roberta, Debbie, Christine, Robert, and preceded in death by his brother, Thomas Miller.

Richard proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. Following his military service, he built a long and distinguished career as a leader in the railroad industry. He was highly respected by those he worked with and led, known for his integrity, dedication, and wisdom.

Faith was an important part of Richard’s life as well as his deep love for the Bible. He was a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church in Beaver and served as an elder at Park Presbyterian Church in Beaver.

Richard enjoyed many things throughout his life. He loved being on the water, spending time around boats, gardening, leatherworking, and reading.

Those who knew Richard will remember him most for his kindness and generosity. He cared deeply for others, gave freely of himself, and always offered guidance, wisdom, and support. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, service, and love.

Richard’s legacy will live on through the family he loved and the many lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Friends will be received from 3 PM – 5:30 PM on Thursday. August 13, 2026, in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, PA 15009. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, August 14, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church, 252 College Ave., Beaver, PA 15009, at 11:00 AM. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.

Linda M. Yothers August 15, 1948 to August 10, 2026

Linda M. Yothers, age 77, of Freedom, passed away, Monday August 10th, 2026, at Friendship Rehab and Health. Born August 15th, 1948, in Monaca, Linda was the daughter of the late Robert W. and Dorothy Mae Cozad Miller. She was a retired employee with Giant Eagle, of Rochester, and Lutheran by faith. Linda enjoyed camping and fishing at their camp, at Pymatuning, as well as bird and animal watching. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Larry Vuletich (1989), and her second husband, Frank M. Yothers Jr. (2024). Linda is survived by two daughters and a son-in-law, Sue Ellen and Steven Dill, of Hopewell, and Karen Stuckwish, of Freedom, two sons and a daughter-in-law, John and Tracy Yothers, of Monaca, and Adam Yothers, of Oakdale, three grandchildren, Ashley Moakley and her husband Walter, Mason Elmer, and Abigale Yothers, and a great-grandson Jason, as well as three sisters, Barbara Huth, of Tionesta, Robin Tolbert, of Freedom, and Karen Willison, of Salem, OH. Friends will be received Friday, August 14th, 2026, from 3pm until 5pm, at the William Murphy Funeral Home Inc., 349 Adams Street Rochester, PA 15074. A service will follow at 5:15pm. Officiating will be Linda’s Aunt, Reverend Harriet Hutton. Interment will be in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorial contributions be made to the Beaver County Humane Society.

Joseph Richard Boyer August 9, 2026

Joseph R. Boyer, 85 known lovingly to many as Joe, YaYa, PawPaw, Dad, and Pops, passed away on Sunday morning, August 9, 2026, at his daughter’s home in Medina, Ohio. He had previously resided in Economy Borough, PA where he raised his family. Joe was a man of steady faith, deep devotion to his family, and quiet strength.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Joe was the son of the late Joseph S. and Stella C. Boyer.

He graduated from Central Catholic High School and later attended Point Park College. His education served him well in his career as a senior program analyst for Mellon Bank, where he worked for 32 years before retiring. He found his work exciting and meaningful, and he took pride in contributing his knowledge and experience to the people around him. His professional life was marked not only by skill and dedication, but also by his willingness to help others find practical solutions and make their lives easier.

In addition to his career, Joe served in the Air National Guard, an experience that reflected his sense of duty and commitment to something greater than himself.

Joe was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 53 years, Kathleen Edna Boyer, who passed away on January 28, 2015. Their life together was a treasured part of his story, and her memory remained close to his heart. Those who knew him understood how deeply he valued family and the bonds that hold people together through the years.

He is survived by his children, Joseph E. Boyer and his wife Jennifer, Daniel J. Boyer and his wife Tracy, and Kathy Jo Fronk and her husband Darren, known to many as Chip. Joe was a proud grandfather to ten grandchildren, Kayla and husband Jonathan, Chalee and husband Oliver, Madison and fiance Justin, Emilee and husband John, Devan and wife Alexa, Tanner, Jessica, Chandler, Wyatt, and Coleson, and he cherished each of them deeply. He was also blessed with six great-grandchildren, Bradley, Romi, Mathias, Eleanor, Kathleena, and James, who brought additional joy and light to his later years. His family was the center of his life, and he took great pride in watching it grow across generations.

Joe’s love extended beyond people to the pets who shared his life over the years, including Foxxy, Bud, Hope, Abigail, Kevin, Rubee, Wesley, JD, Mike, and Ashley. Each one held a special place in his heart.

As a child, Joe enjoyed playing baseball and football. As an adult, he found satisfaction in doing projects around the house, and talking with work associates about their projects. He wished for peace and tranquility, kept God in his plans, and never gave up. In time, he felt he had met all of the things he hoped for, and he lived with gratitude for the life he was given.

Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, August 12th from 2-4 pm and 6 – 8 pm at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday, Aug 13th at 10 am at Divine Grace Parish, St Ferdinand Catholic Church, 2535 Rochester Road, Cranberry, Pa. (Please meet at the church). Interment will follow in Allegheny County Memorial Park.

To leave an online condolence, view Joe’s video tribute, or get directions, please visit www.simpsonfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph , please visit our floral store.

AHN researchers help develop blood test that detects colorectal cancer and high-risk polyps

PITTSBURGH (Aug. 11, 2026) — Researchers at Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Cancer Center contributed to a new international study led by City of Hope, a cancer research and treatment organization, showing that a blood-based test may help detect both colorectal cancer and the precancerous growths that can lead to it.

The study, published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology, found the test detected approximately 90 to 92 percent of colorectal cancers and 81 percent of advanced adenomas, or high-risk polyps.

Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in the United States, with more than 55,000 deaths expected this year. Rates are increasing among younger adults, even as screening has reduced cases in older populations.

At the same time, screening rates remain below national targets, and about one in three eligible adults are not up to date on recommended screening.

Colonoscopy remains the most effective screening tool, but some patients delay or avoid it due to preparation or discomfort.

“This is an important step toward making colorectal cancer screening more accessible,” said Ali H. Zaidi, MD, medical director of aerodigestive research at the AHN Cancer Center, professor of surgery and medicine at Drexel University College of Medicine, and a co-author of the study. “A blood test could provide a more convenient option for patients and help identify those who need follow-up care.”

David L. Bartlett, MD, director of the AHN Cancer Center and president of the AHN Research Institute, was also a co-author of the study.

The test works by analyzing small molecules in the blood, called microRNAs, and using advanced analytics to identify biological signals associated with colorectal cancer or precancerous changes.

Unlike many existing blood-based tests, this approach is designed to detect not only cancer but also advanced adenomas, allowing for earlier intervention.

“For years, most blood-based cancer screening tests have focused on finding cancer after it has already developed. Our goal was to move detection further upstream by identifying advanced adenomas and early-stage colorectal cancers, when intervention can have the greatest impact. If we can reliably detect these lesions through a simple blood test, we have an opportunity not only to find cancer earlier, but also to help prevent it altogether,” said Ajay Goel, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Experimental Therapeutics at City of Hope and senior author of the study.

AHN Cancer Center served as a key participating site in the international study, which enrolled more than 1,600 participants undergoing colorectal cancer screening.

“One of the most exciting aspects of this research is its potential to identify patients at risk before cancer develops,” said David L. Bartlett, MD, director of the AHN Cancer Center, president of the AHN Research Institute and co-author of the study. “By finding advanced precancerous polyps through a simple blood test, we may be able to reach more people with screening, intervene earlier and ultimately reduce the burden of colorectal cancer.”

While this blood test is still being studied and is not yet a replacement for colonoscopy, experts say it could eventually help more people take that first step toward screening.

“Too many patients are diagnosed with colorectal cancer after the disease has already progressed,” Dr. Zaidi said. “Our goal is to change that by making screening easier, more accessible and more effective.”

Experts emphasize that while the blood test remains under investigation, patients should continue to follow recommended screening guidelines and discuss the most appropriate screening option with their physician.

Route 3038 Heights Road Utility Repair Work Begins Wednesday in Hopewell

Pittsburgh, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is announcing lane restrictions on Heights Road (Route 3038) in Hopewell Township, Allegheny County will begin Wednesday, August 12 weather permitting.

Single-lane alternating traffic restrictions controlled by flaggers will occur on Heights Road between Hill Street and Buchannan Avenue from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, as needed, through mid-September as crews from D&M Contracting conduct gas main repair work for Peoples Natural Gas.

Aliquippa appoints new Fire Chief

Story by Beaver County Radio News Staff. Published August 11, 2026 9:59 A.M.

(Aliquippa, Pa) The City of Aliquippa announced their new chief Monday.
Mayor Dwan B Walker and the City Council announced the appointment of Brent Peacock as Fire Chief of the Aliquippa Bureau of Fire.
In a post on Facebook, the City wrote “Chief Peacock has proudly served the City of Aliquippa for nearly three decades. His commitment to the community began in the 1990s, when he worked as a paramedic out of the Kennedy Boulevard Fire Station. He later served as a Crew Chief with Beaver County Emergency Services before joining the City of Aliquippa as a firefighter in 2006.”
They went on to say that “Throughout his career with the Aliquippa Bureau of Fire, Chief Peacock has consistently demonstrated dedication, leadership, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to the residents he serves. He was promoted to Captain in 2019 and appointed Interim Fire Chief in June 2026.”

Trump officials propose new requirements for food additives and ingredients

FILE – Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks during a news conference on the Autism report by the CDC at the Hubert Humphrey Building Auditorium in Washington, April 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health officials want food manufacturers to provide more information about new additives and ingredients. Under a proposal announced Monday, food companies would have to notify the Food and Drug Administration before introducing new colors, flavorings, sweeteners and other ingredients found in processed food. The change would reverse a decades-old policy allowing companies to self-certify that new ingredients are safe. That policy has long been criticized by health advocates, who blame it for allowing thousands of additives into the U.S. food supply. Reforming the system has been a key pledge for Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his “Make America Healthy Again” movement.

Eastbound I-376 Parkway West Shoulder Restriction Thursday in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is announcing a shoulder restriction on eastbound (inbound) I-376 (Parkway West) in the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, will occur Thursday, August 13 weather permitting.

A shoulder restriction will occur on eastbound I-376 between the on-ramp from Route 19 (Banksville Road) and the Fort Pitt Tunnel from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM Thursday. Crews from the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy will conduct landscaping operations.