Author: Beaver County Radio

Pitt sophomore quarterback Mason Heintschel ties school record with 7 TD passes in Pitt’s 59-14 win over Miami (Ohio)

(Credit and Caption for Photo: Pittsburgh Panther Mason Heintschel (6) leads the band after Pitt defeated Boston College 48-7 in a ACC football game at Acrisure Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. (Justin Guido/Post-Gazette)

(PITTSBURGH, PA-AP) Sophomore Mason Heintschel threw seven touchdown passes, tying the school record, and Pittsburgh rolled to a 59-14 win against Miami (Ohio) on Saturday.

Heintschel, a true sophomore, equaled the school record set by Pete Gonzalez against Rutgers on Oct. 25, 1997.

“We came out and executed,” Heintschel said. “I’m just proud of our guys, and I think everybody did a really great job with their preparation.”

Heintschel, who won the job midway through the season last year, completed 31 of 41 passes for 453 yards. His touchdown throws went to seven different receivers during his first season-opening start.

“It’s never by design, but I’m glad we were able to share the wealth,” Heintschel said. “At least eight different guys scored, and you can’t complain about that.”

Pitt scored on its first three possessions and outgained Miami 219-15 in the first quarter, as the RedHawks failed to pick up a first down on three possessions. The Panthers converted all four third-down plays during their first three possessions en route to an early 21-0 lead.

Heintschel threw first-quarter touchdowns to Malik Knight and Ja’Kyrian Turner. Justin Cook scored on a 50-yard run and Elijah Lagg had a second-quarter score. Heintschel threw touchdowns on Pitt’s first three second-half drives, connecting with Blue Hicks, Censere Lee and Bryce Yates, before the record-tying score to Damon Ferguson Jr. in the fourth.

“Overall, Mason played really well,” Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi said. “He didn’t commit any turnovers, and he took care of the ball.”

Last season, Heintschel threw for more than 300 yards in five of his first six starts before struggling in the final month during blowout losses against Notre Dame and Miami.

Heintschel appeared patient and confident while rotating through his reads during Pitt’s season opener. He eluded a sack on third-and-11 and completed a 31-yard pass to Lee, which set up Knight’s touchdown two plays later.

On Pitt’s second drive, Heintschel broke free from two would-be sacks and completed a short pass to Knight for a first down. Two plays later, Cook broke free for a touchdown.

“He’s like a little magician back there,” Narduzzi said. “Not only can he throw, but he has a knack to make people miss and get out of trouble.”

Heintschel found a wide-open Turner on a swing pass from the backfield for a 45-yard score and connected with Hicks, Lee, Yates and Ferguson Jr. for long touchdown throws in the second half.

“The Pitt,” HBO Max medical series based on medical work in Pittsburgh, wins 4 Emmys at early ceremony before 2026 Emmys

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Ernest Harden Jr. poses in the press room with the award for outstanding guest actor in a drama series for “The Pitt” during night two of the Creative Arts Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Noah Haswell, Beaver county Radio News

(Los Angeles, CA) The HBO Max medical series “The Pitt,” which is a day-in-the-life series based on the medical work in Pittsburgh, earned four wins for Emmys in a ceremony yesterday that took place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles eight days before the main awards show and telecast.

The show is the year’s top nominee for Emmys with 25 and is the reigning best drama winner for its first season.

It had wins yesterday in categories that included prosthetic makeup and best guest actor in a drama.

That best guest actor in a drama award went to 73-year-old first-time nominee Ernest Harden, Jr.

Harden portrayed the last days of Louie Cloverfield, who was the emergency room’s constant presence and constantly struggling alcoholic on “The Pitt.”

Christopher Joseph “Vid” Vidovich (1976-2026)

Christopher Joseph “Vid” Vidovich, 50, of Independence Township, passed away unexpectedly on September 1st, 2026 in his home.

He was born in Aliquippa on March 22nd, 1976, the son of Veda Vidovich and the late Joseph Henry Vidovich.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by two sisters, Jennifer Lynn (Chris Hreha) & Toni Marie, a niece, Kyleigh, his nephew, Chase, his great nieces and nephew: Avery, Makayla, Madison, & Grayson; along with his caregiver and friend, Dave Kurchina, a special cousin, Marissa, as well as his aunts, uncles and many cousins. He is also survived by his pets, Karma and Jabbers.

Christopher was a 1994 graduate of Hopewell High School. He was a US Air Force veteran serving in Iraq as a crew chief. He was stationed at Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida from 2001 until the time of his accident in 2008. He was involved in a motorcycle accident that paralyzed him and changed the course of his life. He then moved back to Pennsylvania to be closer to his family.

Friends will be received on Thursday, September 10th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. in the Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Aliquippa, 2345 Mill Street,
Aliquippa, who was in charge of his arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 11th at 10 a.m. in St. Titus Church, 952 Franklin Avenue, Aliquippa.

The members of the Beaver County Special Unit will conduct Military Honors at the Church.

James Curtis “JC” Summers (1971-2026)

James Curtis “JC” Summers, 55, of South Beaver Township, passed away on September 4th, 2026, at UPMC Shadyside, Pittsburgh.

He was born in Rochester on March 18th, 1971, the son of Loretta (Raines) Summers and the late James D. “Jim” Summers.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Jill (Hall) Summers; son, Tyler (Brooke Tomasko) Summers, his daughter, Tesa Summers, his sister, Natalie (Shawn) Stone, his niece, Madalyn Ollis, his nephew, Lane Ollis, his in-laws, Terry (Christine) Hall, Brent Hall, an aunt, Mary Ellen Dean, his special friends, Tina McKenna and her children, Mark and Hannah, Keith (Amy) Pamer and their children, Haylee and Emma, Dr. Morris (Beth) Book, his canine companions, B and Bo; as well as many close extended family members and friends.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a special friend, Chris McKenna.

James was a former physical education teacher. He also was a football coach where he dedicated many years to teaching, mentoring, and encouraging young people. He later became the proud owner and operator of The Butcher and The Baker in Darlington, where his talents as a skilled butcher flourished and he took great pride in providing quality meats to the community.

He was a man of deep faith who attended Pathway Church in Beaver Falls and Fairview Reformed Presbyterian Church in Industry, and his relationship with the Lord remained at the center of his life. He was an avid outdoorsman who treasured every opportunity to be in the woods, especially while hunting. He also had a passion for cooking and found great joy in preparing meals and sharing them with the people he loved. Above all, he will be remembered for his generous heart and willingness to help others. He was the kind of man who would truly give the shirt off his back to someone in need. His compassion extended to everyone, and over the years, he opened not only his home but also his heart to others who needed guidance, encouragement, or simply a place where they felt welcomed and cared for. His faith, generosity, and genuine concern for others left a lasting impression on countless lives.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, September 9th from 2-4 P.M. & 6-8 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 10th at 11 A.M. at Pathway Church, 239 Braun Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010 with Pastor Richard Raines officiating. Friends may call at the church one hour prior to services.

Private interment will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, 1101 9th St Extension, Freedom.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Blackhawk School District’s Middle and High School football programs.

James’ family wishes to extend a heartfelt “Thank you” to the doctors and staff of UPMC Shadyside for their genuine care.

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

Joanne E. (Miller) Lerini (1947-2026)

Joanne E. (Miller) Lerini, 78, of Hopewell, passed away peacefully on September 4th, 2026 surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in New Brighton on November 15th, 1947, the daughter of the late David C. and Estella Miller.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Alberto Lerini.

She is survived by her devoted family: Teresa (Tim) Dietz, Rosanna Lerini, Albert Lerini, and Joseph Lerini; as well as two granddaughters, Alexandra and Elizabeth Dietz, whom she adored and treasured spending time with, her brother and sister-in-law, David and Adele Miller, her sister and brother-in-law, Susan and Rev. Peter Stazen, numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and her cherished cat, Vanessa.

Joanne was a graduate of Aliquippa High School (’65) and Edinboro University (’69), which was where she earned her Batchelor’s degree in Education. She was also member of Mary Queen of Saints Parish and St. Titus Church in Aliquippa, and was deeply devoted to her Catholic faith. She spent many hours reading the Bible and handwriting each page to deepen her understanding of every chapter. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading, crocheting keepsakes for family and friends, and the Aliquippa Marching Band, where she played clarinet many years ago.

In her earlier years, she taught in the Aliquippa and Freedom school districts. She later worked for Gladieux Corporation in Inflight Services.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 9th from 4-7 p.m. at Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where departing prayers will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 10th, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Titus Church, 952 Franklin Avenue, Aliquippa. Entombment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 2186 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa.

Joanne will be remembered for the love she shared with family and friends, her kindness to those around her, and the memories that will bring comfort to all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, if desired, to B.F. Jones Library, 663 Franklin Avenue, Aliquippa, PA 15001 or the Aliquippa Marching Band in Joanne’s memory.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Joanne (Miller) Lerini please visit the Sympathy Store of the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home Inc. by clicking here.

Patricia Ann Staub (Passed on September 5th, 2026)

Patricia Ann Staub, 96, a lifelong resident of Monaca, passed away on September 5th, 2026, at Good Samaritan Hospice House in Wexford.

She was born and raised in Monaca and was the daughter of the late Daniel James and Elizabeth Ann Liston.

Patricia graduated from Monaca High School, carrying with her the values of hard work, faith, and family that would guide her throughout her life.

She married the love of her life, Charles J. Staub, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Beaver on June 30, 1951. Their marriage was a lasting partnership built on love, commitment, and shared devotion. Charles preceded her in death.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her beloved granddaughter, Kelley Rhodes Hope, her sister, Margaret Ullicny and her brother, Daniel J. Liston, Jr., and Bernice.

She is survived by her four children: Timothy J. Staub and his wife, Robin, Gail Ann Rhodes and her fiancée, Gary, Beth McCreary and her husband, Charles, all of Monaca, and Charles C. Staub of Old Town, Florida; as well as her grandchildren, Shawn (Denise) McCreary, Scott McCreary, Shannon (Michael) Noonan, Rachel Staub and Kurtis, all of Monaca, and Amanda Staub and Andrew of Iowa City, Iowa; along with ten grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, each of whom brought her great pride and happiness, as well as her cousin, Judy (Tom) Frazer and her brother-in-law, Edward (Pat) Staub.

Patricia devoted the majority of her life to her home and family as a homemaker, a role she embraced with pride and grace. She also worked for a few years as a school crossing guard.

Faith was an important part of her life. She was a member of Mary, Queen of Saints Parish, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Monaca and the Christian Mothers. She also gave generously of her time and energy to civic and community organizations. She was a member and three-term past president of the Monaca American Legion Post #580 Auxiliary and held numerous offices in the organization over the years. She was also a former member of the Monaca No. 4 Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and she previously volunteered at the Beaver Valley Geriatric Center’s Crimson Line Auxiliary. She was also a former member of the Monaca Senior Citizens Center. She was an avid reader and especially enjoyed visiting the Monaca Library. She also liked playing cards and taking walks, pastimes that reflected her appreciation for companionship, conversation, and the world around her.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 8th from 4-8 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where departing prayers will be offered on Wednesday, September 9th at 9:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 10 a.m. at St John the Baptist Catholic Church, 1409 Pennsylvania Avenue, Monaca. Private family interment will take place in Beaver Cemetery.

The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to the nursing staff of AHN Heritage Valley, Beaver’s Tower #3unit and especially the staff of Good Samaritan Hospice for the loving and compassionate care their mother received while under their care.

In lieu of flower, the family has suggested those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Pat’s memory to please consider a dementia or Alzheimer’s related charity.

To leave a online condolence, please visit www.simpsonfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Patricia, please visit the floral store of Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services by clicking here.

Wilber Leroy “Skip” Morgan (1940-2026)

Wilber Leroy “Skip” Morgan, 85, of Darlington, passed away on September 4th, 2026.

He was born in Beaver Falls on September 29th, 1940, the son of the late Marcella Noufer.

In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by a sister, Bobbie Noufer.

He is survived by his children, Lisa Morgan and Scott Morgan, his sisters, Jeannie Giansante and Barbara Noufer, and his nieces and nephews.

Wilber’s early years in Beaver Falls were filled with industrious pursuits, shaping him into a hardworking man who held a lifelong career as a laborer.

He spent 56 years working in the mill.

His work ethic was unparalleled, and he took great pride in his contributions to his community.

In accordance with his wishes, all services were private.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls.

Skip will be remembered for his love of the outdoors and bird watching, his interest in classic cars and car cruises, his green thumb, and his remarkable ability to excel at anything and everything he did.

Former Seneca Valley School District security guard sentenced for assaulting student and sharing photos

(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Butler County, PA) A former guard for a private security company at Seneca Valley School District faced a woman that he assaulted when she was a 16-year-old student and her parents on Thursday when he was sentenced in Butler County Common Pleas Court.

Twenty-eight-year-old Matthew Alan Cowan of Brackenridge was sentenced to serve 24 to 48 months in jail and he was paroled to serve the minimum balance on electronic monitoring followed by 36 months of probation after he pleaded no contest to a felony charge of aggravated indecent assault.

Jackson Township police filed that charge and other charges against Cowan after an assault on a trail behind the school campus in August of 2021.

He pleaded no contest to a felony count of disseminating photos depicting a child sex act filed by Cranberry Township police in a second case.

Police filed 44 felony charges against Cowan for the sharing of nude and sexually explicit photos with a female student who was between 16 and 17 years old.

That student sent him the photos for about eight months before the start of the 2021 school year.

Cowan was sentenced in that case to serve 12 to 60 months in jail and he was paroled to serve the minimum balance on electronic monitoring followed by 36 months of probation.

The sentences in the two cases are concurrent.

Beaver County agency announces it was a victim of a ransomware attack

(File Photo of the Beaver County Courthouse)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) A Beaver County agency recently announced that it was the victim of a ransomware attack on its computer system. 

Administrator Lisa McCoy released a statement on Friday to alert the public that Beaver County Behavioral Health discovered the ransomware on July 8th and that agency has been working with federal law enforcement as well as third-party cybersecurity and data forensics consultants to resolve this situation. 

According to the statement, an investigation has determined that cyber criminals copied data from that agency’s network, which included protected health information.  

The investigation into this incident is ongoing, and Beaver County Behavioral Health will be conducting a thorough review of the data that was impacted to establish what information may have been involved, who could be affected and where those people reside so that it can provide a written notice.

Pennsylvania House convening in Philadelphia this week for the first time in 39 years

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Legislators of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives are sworn-in, Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, at the state Capitol in Harrisburg, Pa. The ceremony marks the convening of the 2023-2024 legislative session of the General Assembly of Pennsylvania. (AP Photo/Matt Smith)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Philadelphia, PA) Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives will convene in Philadelphia for the first time in 39 years this Wednesday, September 9th. 

This is a session that will not take place at the state Capitol in Harrisburg. 

This is happening because lawmakers are planning to honor the anniversaries of the Declaration of Independence and the Pennsylvania Constitution through the resolutions that celebrate the milestones in the city where they were adopted 250 years ago.

Congress Hall in Philadelphia is where the U.S. Congress met for 10 years, from 1790 to 1800.