Author: Beaver County Radio

Hopewell grad part of Indiana U. coaching staff

Staff Reports

The Indiana University football team looks to close out an invincible season tonight, making it a special night for a Beaver County native who has been a part of the squad’s success.

Matt Wilson, a Hopewell High School graduate, serves as assistant athletic director for player personnel for the Indiana football team.

Wilson, a Class of 1997 Hopewell alum, was among the first personnel hires made by Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti in January 2024.

“Anyone who knows Matt Wilson knows what has happened in Bloomington (Indiana) the last two seasons is no fluke,” Will Redmond, general manager of recruiting for the Auburn University football team, told FootballScoop,  a source devoted to football coaching news. “Matt has the distinct ability to take a head coach’s vision for a roster, both culturally and athletically, and bring that vision to life. He has done this at every stop along his journey.

Wilson had worked for Tennessee, his alma mater, as well as Mississippi State, Arkansas State and North Carolina State, before he was hired by Cignetti.

Upon taking command of the Indiana program, Cignetti, a Pittsburgh native, made many changes overhauling Indiana’s recruiting department.

“Chiefly among them, Cignetti brought in Matt Wilson as IU’s assistant athletic director for player personnel,” according to the Indianapolis Star newspaper. “Wilson, who also worked for Indiana as senior director of player personnel/recruiting in 2017, had success in helping organize and execute recruiting efforts across multiple stops in his career.”

In a February 2024 interview, Cignetti said, “I was looking for good structure, capable people (and was) “Impressed with Matt. Have known him a long time.”

Wilson, earned his bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Arizona State in 2010.

Wilson’s previous stop at IU happened in 2017, when he helped the Hoosiers sign the third-highest-rated class in that school’s history as the senior director of player personnel/recruiting.

He worked two years at Arkansas State (2021-22) where he served as the assistant athletics director for player personnel.  personnel/recruiting.

Indiana University logo.

Man hospitalized after being stabbed in the neck in the Northview Heights neighborhood of Pittsburgh; one man taken into custody in relation

(File Photo of Pittsburgh Police Cruisers with Businesses in the Background along with a Bystander walking in the Background)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) A man was stabbed in the neck early this morning in the Northview Heights neighborhood of Pittsburgh. A Pittsburgh Public Safety official expresses that police were called to a residence in the 400 block of Mount Pleasant Road in Northview Heights around 5:30 a.m. for the reported stabbing. When officers arrived at the scene, they found a man who had been stabbed in the neck. Officers helped him until medics arrived at the scene and officials confirm that the man was taken to an area hospital and was last said to be in stable condition. Witnesses told police that the man who was stabbed got into an argument with another man inside a home before the stabbing took place. Officials stated that one man was taken into custody and charges are expected to be filed in connection with the stabbing.

Two people hospitalized after crash along Route 51 in Brentwood Borough

(File Photo of the PennDOT logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) According to officials, at least two people were injured following a crash in Allegheny County yesterday afternoon. PennDOT officials confirmed that due to a crash, Route 51 (Clairton Boulevard) was closed to traffic in each direction between Greenlee Road and Town Square Way in Brentwood Borough. The road has now reopened and Allegheny County dispatchers state that at least two people were taken to the hospital as a result of the crash. It is unclear at this time how many vehicles were involved in this crash.

Leonia M. DeRosia (Brenner) (Passed on January 16th, 2026)

Leona M. DeRosia (Brenner) 80, of Renfrew, Pennsylvania, passed away on January 16th, 2026. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Thomas. Leona was a lifelong member of St John’s “Burry’s” Church in Rochester, where she and Tom raised four daughters, Beth, Shari, Carrie, and Kim in the love of the Lord. Leona was born and raised in Rochester, a daughter of the late H. Merrill and Laureme Brenner, along with her two siblings: Donna (William) Wright, and Kay (David) Allen. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Donna and her brothers-in-law, William Wright, Dennis (Jan) DeRosia and Kenneth (Sue) DeRosia.She is survived by her twelve grandchildren: Robert (Katie), Aleesha (Manny), Sarah, Ryan, Emma, Katherine (Charles), Hannah, Michael, Matthew, Josiah, Nathanael, Abigail and her three great grandchildren Thomas, Madilynn, and Ava Jo.

Tom and Leona married on September 30th, 1967, and moved to a town just outside of Detroit where they started their family. However, the draw to Western Pennsylvania brought them back to Freedom, where they built a house on a country road and continued to grow their family. Together, they had four beloved daughters: Elizabeth Henry, Sharon (Christopher) Huggins, Carrie (James) Blawas, and Kimberly (Josef) Funyak.

To know Leona is to know how much she delighted in life and in her family. She spent her days steadfastly pursuing Goodness, Truth, and Beauty, and pointing others to God, who is the Source of it all. Besides her Lord and her family, her chief delights included reading, playing the piano, gardening, raising horses, and going to horse events with Tom, playing card games, and making her family laugh.

Calling hours will be held at St. John’s “Burry’s” Church, 1835 Rt #68, Rochester (New Sewickley Twp.) on Sunday, January 25th from 3-5 p.m. and on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. at the church, with reception to follow immediately after the service. A private burial at St. John’s “Burry’s” Church Cemetery, which is in the same location, 1835 Rt #68, Rochester.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Leona’s memory may be made to St John’s “Burry’s” Church, 1835 Rt #68, Rochester, PA 15074 or your local church.

“I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the Earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see Him, with my eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” Job 19:25-27

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

To share online condolences, view Leona’s video tribute or get directions, please visit www.simpsonfuneralhome.com

Helen V. Krisa (1925-2026)

Helen V. Krisa, 100, formerly of New Brighton, passed away peacefully on January 15th, 2026, at Concordia at Villa St. Joseph of Baden.

She was born in New Brighton on April 26th, 1925, the daughter of the late Louis and Mary (Grdenich) Zuzak. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Pete Krisa, a daughter, Rosemary Rudnicki, a daughter-in-law, Marjorie Krisa and a brother, John Zuzak. She is survived by her children, Walter Krisa and Michael Krisa, her grandchildren: Kelci (Jason) Robbins, Stephanie (Jeffrey) Christian, Michael (Stacy) Krisa, Issac (Dana) de Vyver, and Timothy Krisa; as well as her great-grandchildren, Willoh, Arwyn, Bella, Hollyn, Grace, David, Michael, Anna, and Owen; along with her nieces, nephews, friends, and church family.

Helen was a homemaker and was a devoted member of Holy Family Church of Our Lady of the Valley Parish. She loved volunteer work at Heritage Valley Hospital in Beaver. She was an avid bingo player and a member of the New Brighton Croation Club.

Friends will be received on Thursday, January 22nd from 3-7 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where departing prayers will be offered on Friday, January 23rd at 10:15 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 A.M. at Holy Family Church, 521 7th Avenue, New Brighton with Fr. Howard Campbell as the celebrant.

Private interment will be in Grandview Cemetery, 139 Norwood Drive, Beaver Falls.

Laura Lee Staub (1965-2026)

Laura Lee Staub, 60, of Fort Myers, Florida, formerly of Beaver, passed away on January 14th, 2026, following a courageous battle with Cancer.

She was born in New Brighton on April 12th, 1965, a daughter of the late Robert “Greek” and Margaret (Moravec) Staub. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Thomas Anzio. She is survived by her sisters: Vicki Staub, Cindi Anzio, Patti (Regis) McLaughlin, Shari Pfender, Terri Owoc, Ami (Mike) Schlack; as well as her nieces and nephews: Anna (Matthew) McGonigal, Evan (Megan) Anzio, Robert (Stephanie), Melissa, Patrick and Meghan McLaughlin, Tyler (Krista), Brett, and Jesse Pfender, Matthew (Savana) and Beth Owoc, Ashley (Joe) Patzuk, Justin and Allison Schlack and Katelyn (Josh) Peabody-Young; as well as great nieces and nephews: Luke and Molly McGonigal, Brayden Query, Waylan Pfender, Joe and Jack Patzuk. To her nieces and nephews, she will always be remembered as the “fun” aunt.

Laura was a E.C.O. analyst for Saminco Solutions LIC for the past 20 years. She loved her job at Saminco. Her friends and colleagues became her Florida family and she loved them. She also had a unique friendship with her “Beaver Besties”, high school friends forever! She always loved their gatherings. She was Catholic by faith. She had a deep passion for crafting a love she shared with family and friends. Her hands were always busy creating each piece infused with her love, generosity and creativity.

Friends will be received Tuesday, January 20th, from 3-7 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home Inc, 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of her arrangements. A mass of Christian Burial will be conducted on Wednesday January 21st at 10 a.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 200 Third Street, Beaver.

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

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Laura Lee Staub, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Harriett G. McDonald (Passed on January 15th, 2026)

Harriett G. McDonald, 92, of Monaca, passed away peacefully on January 15th, 2026 at Rochester Manor where she has resided for the past year.

She was born in Aliquippa, a daughter of the late Samuel and Esther (Stickle) Stillwagon. She was the last of a lively household of eleven children. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, J. Patrick McDonald on September 18, 2019 and her siblings: James, Robert, Richard, LeRoy, Samuel Jr. Stillwagon, Dorothy Phillips, Geraldine Grim, Etta Engle, Anna Stillwagon, and Betty Stillwagon. Her legacy continues through her family, including her son, Michael (Deborah) McDonald, her daughter, Kathleen Spencer, her adoring six grandchildren, and her cherished eleven great-grandchildren, as well as her two treasured great-great-grandchildren.

Harriett’s life was marked by her unwavering dedication to her family. Her son, daughter, grandchildren: Justin, Jason (Pam), Jonathan (Nicole), and Joel (Kylee) McDonald, Johnny Spencer, and Nicole (Jakob) Brannen, along with her eleven great-grandchildren: Paige (Marcus), Brooklyn, Shaelyn, Garen, Max, Emrys, Grace, Anne, Maggie, Michael, and Stella; as well as her two great-great-grandchildren, Quintin and Alanni, will remember her as a constant source of love, support, and encouragement. She celebrated their achievements with immense pride and was their most enthusiastic supporter in all their endeavors.

Harriett’s professional life included time spent as a waitress at the Hollywood Gardens and Conway Corners. She was a person known for her hard work and her ability to connect with people from all walks of life. She was a former member and president of the Monaca Football Mothers, supporting both midget and high school teams. Her enthusiasm for the game was only surpassed by her dedication to her family, especially her husband and grandchildren, whom she supported wholeheartedly from the sidelines. She was a lifelong member of both the Monaca American Legion Post 580 Auxiliary and the Bunker Hill Community Church, Harriett’s commitment to service was evident. She took great pride in her church, which her father helped to build. She also devoted over two decades of her life serving as the Monaca judge of elections. She was also known for her love of bowling, participating in women’s bowling leagues at Monaca, Sheffield, and Center Lanes on Tuesday and Friday evenings.

As we bid farewell to Harriett, we celebrate a life well-lived and a woman well-loved.

Friends will be received on Monday, January 19th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where services will be held on Tuesday, Jan 20th at 10 a.m. with Pastor Ross Fichter officiating. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, Aliquippa.

Brian K. James (1960-2026)

Brian K. James, 65, of Beaver, passed away on January 16th, 2026, at Heritage Valley Sewickley Hospital, surrounded by his loving family, listening to the music he loved. He was born in Easton, Pennsylvania on February 29th, 1960, a son of the late Ruth Jean (Coyle) James and Howard James. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brother-in-law, Jack Emery. He is survived by his wife of some 35 years, Susan (Webb) James, daughters, Alina and Sabrina James, his brothers: “Mike” (Patricia), Patrick (Renee), Thomas (Amy) and Greg (Debbie); as well as his sister, Barbara Emery, his mother and father-in-law, Ruthann (Jack)  Webb, his sisters and brothers-in-law, Wendy (Joe) Hammel and Cathy (Kurt) Lane; as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and many friends.

Brian was a husband, father, musician, artist and athlete. He was the kind of guy you meet and 12 minutes later, he’ll make you feel like an old friend. The Phillies, The Cowboys, Talking Heads, and Springsteen: his passion for his favorites was endless and enthusiastic. Oh, and he was hilarious. Completely hilarious and could have you laughing like crazy, often at his own expense. He was a graduate of Phillipsburg Catholic High School and Moravian University (class of 1983), Brian knew the secret of making friends; and keeping friends. The best guys; the funniest friends with the craziest stories….the kind you can have only with lifelong friends. He was the first person to support you in every way; to respond to your ideas with a smile and an enthusiastic exclamation like “That’s tremendous!”

Family meant everything to Brian and although his illness posed many significant challenges,  his resolve was formidable, and he made it his goal to be at as many family events as possible, especially over the past few years. His beautiful daughters, Alina and Sabrina, were the jewels of his life, and he supported their many activities and took so much pride in their accomplishments. His wife Susan was his strongest, most loving advocate, and they built a life together for some 35 years. Even as they faced Brian’s health challenges together, they shared a partnership filled with love.

Friends will be received on Monday, January 19th from 3 P.M. until the time of services at 7 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made in Brian’s name to the National Kidney Foundation, support.kidney.org.

Deborah A. Mosholder (1973-2026)

Deborah A. Mosholder, 52, of Crescent, Pennsylvania, passed away unexpectedly at her home, on January 15th, 2026.  She was born in Heath, Ohio, on October 23rd, 1973, a daughter of Merle and Patricia (Cattley) Mosholder. In addition to her parents, she is survived by 2 brothers, Bruce (Missy) Mosholder and Brad (Alyssa) Mosholder, 2 sisters, Carla (Shaun) Buckley and Amy (Brian) Herman, 4 nephews: Jacob (Shanie) Mosholder, Tanner (Jordan) Mosholder, Jaxon Herman, River Mosholder; as well as a great-nephew, Tanner Mosholder Jr. and 4 aunts: Anna Cattley, Debi Cattley, Mary Chapman and Co (Jan) Mosholder. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Donald and Angie Mosholder and William and Loretta Cattley, as well as an uncle, John Cattley.

Deborah adored her nephews and loved a good nap.

In accordance with Deborah’s family’s request, a private Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Deborah A. Mosholder, please visit the floral store of the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Pittsburgh man not charged after causing a single-vehicle crash in Brighton Township

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Brighton Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Beaver reported via release yesterday that thirty-eight-year-old Titus Hampton of Pittsburgh was not charged after causing a single-vehicle crash in Brighton Township on Tuesday afternoon. At 3:47 p.m., Hampton was driving on I-376 East south of Tuscarawas Road and hit a pothole in the asphalt of that road. Hampton was not injured after the crash occurred and he was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash.