Author: Beaver County Radio

Mario Lemieux sells his ownership stake in the Penguins

(Caption and Credit for Photo: Mario Lemieux speaks to the media after the Penguins won the Stanley Cup Final on June 11 , 2017 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. (Chaz Palla | TribLive)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) According to sources, Mario Lemieux and his business partner Ron Burkle sold their minority stake in the Pittsburgh Penguins when the Hoffmann Family of Companies purchased the team from Fenway Sports Group.

This will be the first time that Lemieux will not be part of the Penguins ownership group since he bought the team out of bankruptcy in 1999.

The sixty-year-old Lemieux’s accolades include winning two Stanley Cups with the Penguins as a player (1991,1992) and winning three Stanley Cups as an owner (2009, 2016, 2017).

Marilynn Torcasso (1942-2026)

Marilynn Torcasso, 83, of Industry, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away on August 22nd, 2026, in her sleep.

She was born in Allegheny County on October 5th, 1942, the daughter of the late William H. Hagerty and Lois M. Hagerty Lucas.

She lived in Beaver County and graduating from Beaver Area High School and married her husband, the late Julius Torcasso, on Saturday, June 16th, 1962, sharing over 63 years of marriage.

She is survived by her three sons and daughters-in-law, Jim and Mary Torcasso of Industry, Mike and Amy Torcasso of Raleigh, North Carolina, Bill and Kim Torcasso of Garner, North Carolina, her grandchildren, Matthew and his wife, Rachel Torcasso, Rebekah Torcasso and Noah Torcasso, her great-grandchildren: Daniel, Jacob, Caleb and Joshua Torcasso; as well as her niece and husband, Teresa (Terri) and Robert Burbidge.

Marilynn was an avid reader, who enjoyed creative expression painting. She always had a seat at her table for all who came to her door and her kitchen was the heart of the home. She enjoyed connecting with people across the world through committed pen pal relationships. She loved to meet people and learn their story and cherished her opportunities to do so working at a public drug store in Brighton Township.

In addition to her parents and her husband Julius, Marilynn was preceded in death by her brother Bill Hagerty.

She will be remembered for her loving devotion to her family and remembered with every family recipe prepared for years to come.

There will be a service at Marilynn’s home on Willowbrook Road in Industry for friends and family at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 5th followed by a time of sharing food and stories.

Professional arrangements have been entrusted to Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third St., Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver.

Jury convicts a man of first-degree murder for the 1996 killing of rap icon Tupac Shakur

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Duane Davis stands during a break in closing arguments during his murder trial, related to the 1996 killing of rapper Tupac Shakur, in Clark County District Court at the Regional Justice Center in Las Vegas, Monday, Aug. 31, 2026. (Steve Marcus/Pool Photo via AP)

LAS VEGAS (AP) — A jury found Duane “Keffe D” Davis guilty of orchestrating the 1996 killing of rap icon Tupac Shakur, finally bringing a measure of resolution to a case that had gripped hip-hop fans and lingered in the public imagination for decades.

The 63-year-old Davis was convicted Monday of a single count of murder with a deadly weapon and could be sentenced to life in prison. The jury deliberated for less than three hours after a weekslong trial in Las Vegas.

After the verdict was read, Shakur’s sister, Sekyiwa “Set” Shakur, cried and hugged the prosecutors. Davis’ son covered his face with one hand.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Binu Palal told jurors in closing arguments earlier Monday that Davis acquired a gun and “went hunting” for Shakur and Death Row Records co-founder Marion “Suge” Knight after the men had beaten up Davis’ nephew earlier that night.

“He is responsible of the murder of Tupac Shakur,” Palal said. “Tell him you hear him. Find him guilty.”

Prosecutors said that while his story had changed over the years, Davis repeatedly placed himself inside a white Cadillac from which the shots were fired. And they said that while he did not pull the trigger, evidence showed he’d called for the gunfire as a powerful gang leader the younger men in the car, including his nephew, were going to listen to.

Defense attorney Michael Sanft asked jurors if there was any evidence that Davis had ever called the shots before or after the shooting.

The panel of 16 jurors, four of whom are alternates, heard testimony from 24 prosecution witnesses and three defense witnesses over nine days.

The prosecution said the state would dismiss a gang enhancement charge due to witness logistics. Prosecutors declined to comment following the verdict, and members of Shakur’s family said they were waiting until sentencing, which is scheduled for October.

Aliquippa man charged after two-vehicle crash in Potter Township

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Potter Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Beaver reported yesterday that thirty-three-year-old Gage Hammerle of Aliquippa was charged after a two-vehicle crash occurred in Potter Township on Friday.

Hammerle was driving on I-376 West and entered a construction zone at 4:35 p.m., striking the back of the vehicle driven by forty-five-year-old Seth Watkins of Lisbon, Ohio when Watkins slowed down for traffic moving ahead.

Watkins complained to police about neck pain, but refused medical attention. 

Steelers place safety DeShon Elliott on the injured reserve

(Credit for Photo: Steelers safety DeShon Elliott walks off the field during warmups before the Steelers Bengals game at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025. (Sebastian Foltz/Post-Gazette)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The Pittsburgh Steelers placed safety DeShon Elliott on the injured reserve on Sunday.

Elliott will miss at least the first four games of the 2026-2027 NFL season.

Elliott, who signed a two-year extension in June of 2025 with the Steelers that keeps him under contract through 2027, suffered a significant leg injury in 2025’s Week 8 against the Green Bay Packers and missed the rest of the 2025 NFL season.

Charles Novak (1956-2026)

Charles Novak, 70, of Beaver Falls, passed away peacefully on August 29th, 2026.

He was a beloved husband, father, and friend who left an indelible mark on the lives of those fortunate enough to know him.

He was born in Beaver Falls on April 2nd, 1956, a son of the late Charles Novak, Sr. and Marcelle Clark.

He will be lovingly remembered for his passion for classic muscle cars and, above all, for the compassion and care he showed toward all animals. He had a special place in his heart for his cats and cherished the time he spent with them.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Novak, his daughter, Cassie (Glenn) Dillinger, his granddaughter, Lucy Dillinger, his sister, Rebecca Clements, his brother, John Clark.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two of his sisters, Clara Scranton and Alma Berresford.

Friends will be received on Friday, September 4th from 4-8 p.m. at Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hello Bully, at www.hellobully.org by clicking here.

Monaca woman charged with DUI of alcohol in Beaver County

(File Photo of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Beaver reported yesterday that a fifty-two-year-old woman from Monaca was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol in Beaver County on August 8th.

The woman was driving east on State Route 30 in Hanover Township at 8:18 p.m. and lost control of her vehicle when she tried to negotiate a left-hand curve.

Her vehicle crashed and hit several trees before it stopped.

Police found an open container of alcohol during the investigation and the driver was found to be impaired.

She refused medical treatment but suffered a possible injury even though she was examined by EMS at the scene of the crash.

According to police, the driver was placed under arrest for suspicion of DUI and refused chemical testing. 

Hit-and-run crash occurs in Brighton Township; driver escapes scene

(File Photo of Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Car)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Brighton Township, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Beaver reported yesterday that a single-vehicle hit-and-run crash occurred in Brighton Township on August 19th.

A driver was traveling on I-376 West at 8:25 a.m.

According to police, that driver traveled off of I-376 into the median, crossing over an on-ramp, and then hit a PennDOT light post.

The driver escaped the scene. 

Benjamin Thomas, Jr. (1928-2026)

Benjamin Thomas Jr., 98, of Brighton Township, passed away peacefully at his home on August 27th, 2026.

He was born in Rochester on March 25th, 1928, the son of the late Benjamin Thomas Sr. and Dema (Alberts) Thomas.

Benjamin worked as a Railroad Inspector and proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War, serving in the military police. He belonged to St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Beaver, where he was a faithful member.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Eleanor (Spada) Thomas; and sisters, Connie and Sarah Saibeni.

He is survived by his son, Benjamin (Jennifer) Thomas, his grandchildren, Allison and Shane O’Neill, Amanda and Kevin Kon, and Ashley Fraiser and his great-grandchildren: Leni, Kip, Remi, Jovi, and Cameron.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, September 1st at 11 a.m. at the Beaver Cemetery Chapel in the Mausoleum, located on Buffalo Street, Beaver.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the entire Gateway Hospice team for the compassionate care, comfort, and dignity they provided during his final days. Also, a special thank you to his caretakers, Lindsay Haddox and James and Cathy Barrett.

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

New Galilee man’s dog attacks another dog unprovokingly in New Galilee Borough

(File Photo: Caption for Photo: police car lights at night in city with selective focus and bokeh background blur, Credit for Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images/iStockphoto/z1b)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(New Galilee Borough, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in Beaver reported yesterday that twenty-nine-year-old Jacob Dick of New Galilee was charged after his dog attacked another dog to cause severe injury to the animal in New Galilee Borough on Saturday.

This occurred along Washington Avenue at 7 p.m.

According to police, Dick’s dog ran approximately 55 yards off of its property and unprovokingly attacked the dog of the victim, which caused punctures to the ear of the victim’s dog.

Dick did not firmly secure the dog with a collar or another device and did not keep it confined within his property at the time of the incident.